Next Generation Manufacturing

Manufacturing Growth in 2011 and Beyond:  Creating Sustainability Profits in an Uncertain Global Economy:  PowerPoint Presentation by MPI Group on the Next Generation Manufacturing Strategies

 

The Ultimate Goal:  Profitable Manufacturing Growth

 

Working with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), and MPI, the IRCs identified six core Next Generation Manufacturing Strategies considered essential to future success in the global economy:

 

About the Next Generation Manufacturing Strategies:

Continuous Improvement – Performance Improvement as a Foundation: 

A culture of continuous improvement is necessary to enhance productivity and free up the capacity that will provide manufacturers a stable foundation to pursue innovation and growth. IRCs have a strong record and solid reputation for providing superior lean and quality services as well as other programs that target plant efficiencies.  IRCs will continue to provide a unique approach to implementing the concepts of lean manufacturing across all aspects of the enterprise, scaled for smaller companies to readily adopt, and serving as a starting point to leverage the operational improvements into company-transforming strategies.

 

Technology Acceleration – Leveraging Technology to Stimulate Business Growth: 

Accelerating opportunities to leverage and adopt technology is the key to long-term business growth and productivity. IRCs will serve as the connection between manufacturers and the technology opportunities and solutions they require to grow and compete in the global marketplace. IRCs, in partnership with other organizations, will develop the tools and services to bring innovative and affordable new product and process improvement opportunities adapted to the needs of manufacturers. Additionally, IRCs will make available a range of product development and commercialization assistance services to help manufacturers rapidly move new product opportunities into production and out into the market.

 

Supplier Development – Responding to Evolving Supply Chains: 

In the expanding global marketplace, the interdependence of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their supply chains will continue to evolve. As the OEMs focus on improving their competitive position through the development of an efficient supply base and the identification of innovative processes and products, it is increasingly important for the suppliers to understand industry needs, market drivers, as well as focus on adopting productivity improvements to remain competitive.  Through work with both OEMs and suppliers, IRCs understand industry needs across all levels of the supply chain in terms of market space, integration requirements and best practices. IRCs, with expanded resources and partnerships, will systematically develop and deliver the national capacity, tools, and services needed to put suppliers in the best position to thrive in existing and future global supply chains.

 

Sustainability – Embracing the Green Economy

Sustainability has become a key driver of economic growth as global demands for diminishing resources increase, renewable and alternative energy technology needs expand, and environmental concerns heighten.  Whether it is simply a response to rising energy and resource costs or as a corporate growth strategy, sustainability seeks to balance economic, environmental, and societal challenges and opportunities.  IRCs will help companies gain a competitive edge by reducing environmental costs and impact by developing new environmentally focused materials, products and processes to gain entry into new markets.  Sustainable practices also increase manufacturing’s contribution to the economy by helping companies embrace environmental goals profitably. IRCs will develop and expand strong and effective partnerships with government and industry to ensure sustainability is embraced at all levels of the economy – from the largest employers to the smallest suppliers to the workforce itself.

 

Sustainability:  Connecting the dots - The business case for manufacturers

E3:  Economy - Energy - Environment:  Supporting Manufacturing Leadership Through Sustainability

Wal-mart Sustainability Website - 15 Questions for Suppliers

 

Workforce – Establishing and Enabling a Strong Workforce: 

A strong, engaged, and skilled workforce spanning all levels of the organization is a key element necessary for manufacturer’s growth.  Together, with partners at the federal, state, and local levels, MEP has developed and delivered training and workforce assistance tailored to the unique needs of the smaller manufacturer.  Recognizing that an efficient and effective manufacturing workforce of the future begins with a shift in corporate culture, MEP will expand partnerships and collaborations to develop and deliver the tools and services needed to foster the development of progressive managers and entrepreneurial CEOs, and continue to provide training and educational opportunities for the entire manufacturing operation.

 

Global Engagement: 

Secure business advantages by having people, partnerships, and systems in place capable of engaging global markets and talents better than the competition. 

 

Next Generation Manufacturing Research and Reports:

 

Nearly 400 Pennsylvania manufacturers responded to our ground-breaking survey to assess the global competitiveness of Pennsylvania manufacturers.  The survey results provide a valuable perspective for Pennsylvania manufacturers, the IRCs, economic development organizations, and state leaders who invest public resources to grow the Commonwealth. 

 

The survey addressed four core questions:

  1. How do Pennsylvania manufacturers rate the importance of each strategy to their future success?

  2. How do Pennsylvania manufacturers assess their progress on each strategy to world-class performance?

  3. Through what practices do Pennsylvania manufacturers measure their progress on each strategy?

  4. To what extent do Pennsylvania manufacturers find regional resources available to support their progress on each of the six manufacturing strategies?

Pennsylvania Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) 1 Page Summary

 

Pennsylvania Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) 10 Page Summary

 

Pennsylvania Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) Full 102 Page Report

 

National Next Generation Manufacturing Study Overview and Findings »

 

June 2009 Survey Findings - Press Release