Productivity

As manufacturers continually look for ways to improve products and solve design challenges, they're looking more to Mother Nature as a source of inspiration.

The mass commercialization of self-driving cars and virtual offices may still seem like futuristic concepts to many business leaders. But automation technology is advancing fast, offering CEOs across various industries scope to enjoy sizable near-term boosts in productivity, according to a new survey.

In the highly politicized environment leading up to the 2016 presidential election, there are varying and drastically differing viewpoints about the state of manufacturing in the United States. Some argue that American manufacturing is doomed, while others say it's rapidly growing and entering a new era of productivity.

For many companies, cost-cutting efforts quickly translate into a competitive “race to the bottom” in which retailers, manufacturers and consumers alike all lose out on greater growth and access to exciting innovations. It’s a dangerous cycle, but it doesn’t have to happen.

Recent findings by university researchers may reveal a more efficient way to manufacture glass. This could be a significant discovery for an energy-intensive industry where heating constitutes a large portion of production costs.

As American productivity has reached a plateau, mid-market companies may have a unique opportunity to use their medium size and innovative cultures to lead the way in productivity gains.

America’s manufacturing sector will likely require an estimated 3.4 million workers over the next decade with over 2 million of these jobs expected to remain unfilled due to a shortage of people with the skills necessary to operate in a 21st-century manufacturing environment.

Running a company requires focus, but CEOs are constantly interrupted. Maximizing one’s productivity is essential for CEOs if they are to live up to the leadership challenge. Here are 6 productivity-boosting ideas specifically for CEOs.

Factory equipment is becoming increasingly Internet-enabled (part of the much referenced “Internet of Things” or “IoT”), and digital technology is helping engineers improve turnaround and uptime, while giving companies more tools to improve delivery time forecasting and saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in production waste, loss productivity and energy.

A recent McKinsey study identifies technology innovations in supply chain integration as the ideal path to productivity gains necessary for increased competitiveness. Procurement is an easy way to start.