by Jennifer Hart Yim | Nov 14, 2017 | Blog, Current Events, Manufacturing & Distribution, Strategy, Supply Chain
No doubt 3D technology has transformed the world of business. There are numerous inspiring ways by which 3D technology has to reshape the future.
This post comes to us from Adam Robinson of Cerasis, a top freight logistics company and truckload freight broker.
If you are also instructed to learn about the impact of this revolutionary technology then you are at the right spot. Here are seven ways in which this new 3D trend will shape the future of manufacturing sector:
1. Boost Local Production
According to a recent survey based report it is come to know that 3D technology will allow the manufacturer to double the mass production level. It will enable the producers to reach their targets without increasing each unit production cost.
It will also reduce the shipment costs as a local manufacturer will no need to bring material from other countries. Instead, they could easily install 3D manufacturing plant in their own factory to cut the extra cost.
This way local business will easily boost their production process as well as reduce the cost of manufacturing.
2. More Customized Products
When you will engage 3D technology in the manufacturing process, you will get a chance to produce customized goods. It means that you could build everything from clothes to cars in a unique way.
According to a report, it is revealed that in coming years mobile users will get the opportunity to use 3D printing app.
In additional professional designers with also use 3D printing techniques to enter into the new age of industrial design. So, if you want to develop customized products to drive more revenue then you should use 3D printing method.
3. Best For Creativity
It is true to say that 3D technology is the best tool for creative lovers. This is because it enables manufacturer to open up new possibilities to grab the attention of more customers,
Many experts have predicted that the introduction of 3D technology will enable the creativity lovers to fulfill their every desire in an innovative manner.
Whether you want to design a phone or furniture mode, 3D technology will soon make it possible for you to accomplish your goals perfectly.
4. Avoid Copyright Issues
We all know the importance of copyrights to safeguard ones intellectual property. This is why businessmen hire lawyers to overcome a number of legal disputes that are rising due to copyright.
It is anticipated that 3D printing will secure the creativity of artists as everyone will hold ownership of their 3D design.
In case, you are also concerned because of the copyright issue then this technology will help you to overcome legal issues quickly.
5. A New Tool For Large-Scale Producers
Suffice to say that 3D technology is best tool for countries which are totally dependent on manufacturing industry. For instance, as China heavily depends on the manufacturing industry, 3D printing will enable China to target a huge domestic market.
In addition, it will also assist countries that are rapidly moving toward manufacturing sector. It gives them the great benefit to switch their operations to mass-manufacturing level all over the world. This strategy will benefit every growing economy to step in the next level in the coming future.
6. Build New Horizons For Every Industry
The 3D technology will revolutionize production process of every industry including the healthcare sector, education sector as well as food industry. The reason behind this is that scientists are working on 3D models that will facilitate every industry so that more people will take benefit from it.
From research, it is come to know that a popular hospital has printed a jawbone by 3D printer. If you also engage in health sectors then you will also find yourself building human body parts in a 3D manner. Many experts have also researched that 3D tools will also help to assemble chemical compounds and printing drugs.
7. Reduce Crime
It is predicted that new 3D technology will reduce the crime level. This is because people can keep guns that are made on 3D printers to secure themselves from criminals.
In addition, people can create CCTV camera and other 3D technology to catch the criminal in an easy manner. Moreover, it will also help in the production process of military equipment and chemical weapons.
Wrap-Up…
Therefore, it could be said now that 3D printing will offer uncountable benefits to small scales as well as the large-scale manufacturing industry to drive more revenue. If you also belong to the manufacturing industry then you should also tap into the potential of this superb technology.
Related posts:
by Elizabeth Hines | Nov 13, 2017 | Blog, Consumer Electronics, Current Events, Manufacturing & Distribution, Strategy, Supply Chain
As sales and consumer desire continue to increase for drones and home assistants, the second-life market has a huge opportunity for growth.
Consumers are becoming ever-more enamored with their gadgets and toys. Drones and home assistants are becoming more ubiquitous in our homes (and flying around our skies). However, when these machines run their course — either because they break, or a newer model comes out — is there still use for them?
The market for gadgets
The marketplace for drones is an ever-growing one. Last year drone sales increased by an astounding 60%, and revenue grew to $4.5 billion. The drone market can be segmented into two categories — personal and commercial. Personal drones, which many consumers use for photography, is predicted to grow 40% this year, while commercial drones, which can be used for survey maps and delivery services, are expected to grow 60%.
While personal-use drones dominate unit sales, commercial-drone sales — which make up only about 6% of the market — are projected to represent 60% of the market’s revenue. This is due to the high cost of commercial drones, some with costs that exceed $100,000.
Home assistants are another intriguing category on the rise. These products are intended to control various devices in your home, such as thermostats, lighting, and security. These products also allow an individual to shop online using voice commands.
The frontrunner for this market has been Amazon’s Echo devices. As the primary nature of Amazon’s business is e-retail, the Echo device plays perfectly into this. By making it simple and easy to make Amazon purchases through voice command, these devices have great potential to bolster Amazon’s bottom line.
While this market is still in its early stages, Gartner Research expects tremendous growth, projecting $2.1 billion in consumer spending on personal home assistants by the year 2020.
The second-life market
So what becomes of these products as we replace them with newer models? Smart phones offer a sensible comparison when looking at the second-life market for these products. In 2016, consumers sold or traded in used cell phone devices for an average of $140 per device, generating a total of $17 billion worldwide. This selling and trading doesn’t just end after one transaction. It is predicted that at least 10% of premium ($500 and up) smartphones will have at least three users before they are retired.
We can draw a parallel about second-life potential between drones/home assistants and cell phones. Advances in technology render previous models obsolete or, at best, out of date. Consumers who can afford them will gravitate toward newer products. As with cell phones, they will generally look to recoup some of the cost for the newer product by selling or trading in the old one. These can then be sold to consumers looking for less expensive, older models. Even in the case of drones that crash, parts can be salvaged and sold to individuals that are looking to build their own drones.
The markets for these products are all still in early stages, so second-life markets are still in growth stages as well. As sales and consumer desire continue to increase for drones and home assistants, their life cycle will go on long after the first owners have moved on to newer models.
This post originally appeared on EBN Online.
Related posts:
by Fronetics | Nov 2, 2017 | Blog, Data/Analytics, Logistics, Strategy, Supply Chain
In a recent study, MIT found that companies that focus on 5 key initiatives to improve their supply chain analytics can have a big impact on their bottom line.
Some supply chain companies are leaning on the power of analytics to help streamline their processes and get ahead of their competitors. But many companies have struggled to embrace the relationship between using analytics and implementing changes that can improve business performance.
The study, published by the MIT Sloan Management Review, asked 353 participants to discuss their understanding of their companies’ analytics systems. The results showed that though most companies have an analytics system in place, very few are using the results to implement necessary changes.
Obstacles to fully utilizing analytics included inaccurate data, cost, and lack of timely data. But the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Hanesbrand Inc., for example, used predictive analytics to make changes in their inventory processes and have since seen an increase in their production and purchase orders.
So how can your company start to incorporate supply chain analytics into your company culture?
Here are 5 tips to help kick-start your analytics implementation:
1. Supply chain analytics initiatives need a top-down mandate
In order to achieve analytical success that has an influence over organizational process, it’s imperative that upper-level management use the analytical systems. Executives need to promote and utilize the systems. Buy-in from managers and team members will be seamless when it’s coming from the top. David Dittmann, director of business intelligence and analytics services at Procter & Gamble Co., stresses that “it is impossible to win over thousands of people one small analytics victory at a time. Analytics must be a top-down mandate to succeed from an organizational perspective.”
2. The simpler the model, the more likely the use
If you want your company to embrace an analytics system, it’s important that the model is simple and easy to grasp. If employees don’t understand how to use the analytics or apply the results, they won’t take the time to implement the system. The more complex a system is, the greater the potential for team members to dismiss it. The Cleo Integration Suite (CIS), for example, promotes itself as an easy-to-use platform that can integrate seamlessly into your pre-existing software. CIS understands that supply chain companies need systems that are elementary to incorporate to achieve results.
3. Business knowledge is essential
Executives in the survey noted that an in-depth understanding of business processes and their effect on the bottom line is critical to supply chain analytics success. To develop the most effective model, companies need to have insight into all of the processes that make their company successful and be able to incorporate the results into these processes. Without this foundational information, the analytics are just “fun facts.”
4. Trust in the numbers
Time is a key factor in successful analytics implementation. In order to achieve timely results, organizations have to trust in the numbers the analytics provides them. “Trust can be built through a closed-loop change management effort that is centered on performance metrics that accurately reflect the current state of the supply chain system.” writes Melissa R. Bowers, Adam G. Petrie, and Mary C. Holcomb. Once these metrics are in place, it is easy to gauge the results against past processes.
Coca-Cola Global implemented a check-and-balances system to cultivate trust in their analytics. Anytime an employee chose to override the analytics system, it gave them feedback to see if their manual adjustments resulted in an improvement or a setback, creating trust in the employees and their dependence on the data.
5. Implement mechanisms to help develop analytics professionals gain business knowledge
Many supply chain companies are hiring analytics professionals to help implement these systems into their organizations. Though experts in their field, it’s important for these trained analytics professionals to learn about all aspects of your business. This business knowledge creates an open relationship between the business and the analytics, creating more opportunities for the numbers to aid in the processes.
Out are the days of order tracking and point of sales data, and in are the days of big data and analytics. Supply chain companies are quickly realizing the need to understand and implement these analytics systems into their day-to-day processes. Creating efficiency and savings using these systems is easier than you think.
Related posts:
by Fronetics | Nov 1, 2017 | Blog, Manufacturing & Distribution, Strategy, Supply Chain
Manufacturing companies are hoping to continue their revenue growth in 2018 by focusing on 3 key areas.
KLR has released the results of its annual manufacturing industry outlook report, and the optimism following last year’s elections will continue straight through 2017.
With promises of tax reform, decreased federal regulations and looser trade agreements, manufacturers have slowly seen revenue growth throughout the U.S. markets. That growth is projected to continue into 2018.
56% of respondents expect business will continue to increase throughout the year.
And though manufacturing companies are striving to control their costs and cut back on unnecessary expenses, many companies reported increasing their marketing budgets, including technology, to invest in the future of their revenue growth.
So where is the additional money going? Manufacturing companies are investing their profits back into new products, expanding markets and breaking into new territories.
Here are the top 3 priorities for manufacturing companies in 2018.
1. Increasing share in existing markets
Over the next 12 to 18 months, 64% of the manufacturers surveyed expect their growth to come mainly from increased market share and organic growth in existing domestic markets. Manufacturing companies are looking to increase their market share through innovation, strengthening customer relationships, reliable hiring practices, and staying ahead of their competitors.
2. Seeking new markets for products and services
Manufacturing companies are trying to think outside of the box when it comes to expanding their markets. Avon got its big break when it took the now-dated approach of selling products door to door. By trying a different avenue, it was able to increase revenue without fighting for retail space with other corporate giants. Like Avon, companies are working hard to come up with innovative ways to break into untapped markets.
3. Developing new products and services in response to changing consumption patterns
Using social media platforms and other marketing tools, it’s easy for manufacturing companies to stay in touch with their customers. This engagement provides the best insight into the types of products, features and solutions your customers are looking for. Based on this crowdsourcing, or social listening, companies are able to develop products that they know will resonate with consumers and their changing needs. Though product development can be expensive and risky, incorporating customers into the conversation helps manufacturing companies minimize risk.
Despite growth throughout 2017, there are still challenges that manufacturing companies face. How are manufacturers coping with these challenges? They are adjusting their priorities and focusing on these three areas to continue growing their business and, ultimately, their sales.
Related posts:
by Fronetics | Oct 31, 2017 | Blog, Strategy, Talent
“I hate my job!” and “I don’t have any questions,” top our list of things you definitely shouldn’t say in a job interview.
Today’s supply chain and logistics professionals have all kinds of varied and exciting career opportunities. And increasingly, job hopping is becoming the norm: a 2016 study by LinkedIn found that “over the last 20 years, the number of companies people worked for in the five years after they graduated has nearly doubled.”
All these opportunities mean it’s probably time for you to brush up your interview skills. There’s an art to giving a good job interview. Making a meaningful connection with the person behind the desk, and confidently communicating your unique skill set is not as easy as it looks.
Check out these 4 things you should never say in a job interview — and what to say instead:
4 things not to say in a job interview
1) “I’m nervous.”
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many interviewees are too candid about their butterflies. You don’t want your potential employer to question your ability to act with confidence and decisiveness, no matter what pressures you’re under.
Instead, say: “I’m excited to be here!” Nerves and excitement are two sides of the same coin, and you’ll do yourself a favor by steering into the more positive emotional state.
2) Any lie
We’ve all heard it: “Everybody stretches the truth in a job interview.” Well, as tempting as it is to inflate your abilities or experiences, lying in an interview can come back to bite you in big ways.
Instead, tell the truth! It may not be as impressive, but it will save you from potential embarrassment and a severely damaged reputation.
3) “I hate my job!”
Nobody wants to hire a disgruntled worker. It should be obvious that anyone interviewing for a new job is ready for something different from their current role, so there’s no need to emphasize it.
Instead say, “I’ve enjoyed my work, but I’m looking to take on some new challenges.” Your interviewer is likely to be evaluating your emotional intelligence and maturity — explaining why you’re seeking a new position emphasizes just those traits.
4) “I don’t have any questions.”
Again, it may seem obvious, but not having prepared intelligent questions about the role or company you’re interviewing for is a clear red flag to any interviewer.
Instead, go the extra mile! Put in the time and intellectual curiosity to come up with at least two intelligent questions. It’s not just about impressing the person behind the desk. You’re informing yourself and gaining insight into whether this is the right position for you.
Related posts:
by Fronetics | Oct 30, 2017 | Blog, Content Marketing, Marketing, Strategy
Relationships take time and trust to fully develop, and lead nurturing is no different.
Before I got married in 2009, I spent most of my twenties in the dating pool. I would meet someone. We would exchange phone numbers. And through a series of texts and calls, we would eventually meet for dinner. One dinner would lead to another and possibly another.
Lead nurturing isn’t all that different. When you first meet your lead, chances are they won’t be ready to purchase right away. In fact, 63% of consumers requesting info on your company today will not purchase for at least 3 months. But if you spend time establishing a relationship and building trust, the moment your lead is ready to purchase, you’ll be miles ahead of your competition.
As more and more buyers are engaging with brands before they are ready to purchase, an essential function of any marketing department is lead nurturing. That is, moving leads through the sales funnel by leveraging what you know about their needs and online behavior. Marketing software company Marketo describes lead nurturing as being “personalized, adaptive, and able to listen and react to buyer behavior in real time.”
Lead nurturing, like dating, takes time to establish a relationship and move toward the ultimate goal of converting from lead to customer. Here are five tips to help nurture these relationships.
5 lead nurturing tips
1. Make a good first impression
You would never go on a date without looking and feeling your best. The same should be true for your website, your company’s online home. As part of your preparation for a lead nurturing campaign, review your website and make any necessary modifications so that it presents the best digital representation of your business. Beyond increasing conversions, having an attractive, modern website that’s free of broken links and out-of-date contact information establishes your company as a trusted resource for information.
2. Make a plan ahead of time
Where are you going to dinner? Are you making a reservation? What are you doing after dinner? Preparing for a date requires some thought and planning, especially when considering your date’s preferences. Content selection requires the same forethought. The decision about what content you’ll offer your leads will be guided by the preferences and needs of your prospects. Create content that is relevant to your leads, and make sure to identify appropriate channels of distribution in order to extract maximum value from your content.
3. It takes time
Dating tends to happen in stages that occur over weeks and months. Similarly, the lead nurturing process is intended to push content to leads in a linear fashion, with the ultimate goal being that they’ll emerge as customers. Once you’ve moved past the first date, so to speak, you’ll want to decide how to continue romancing your leads. To do that, align content with where your leads happen to be in the buyer’s journey. Leads will enter and exit your lead nurturing campaign at different points, and that’s okay. Just be certain that your content is relevant to leads in their specific stage. Regardless, each nurturing touch should be focused and specific and include a call-to-action to promote advancement in the buyer’s journey.
4. Communication is key
As with any relationship, the foundation of lead nurturing is communication. Being able to hold meaningful conversations builds a genuine interest and helps improve any relationship. In other words, don’t view the lead nurturing process as a way to blast your prospects with promotional information or marketing materials; treat it as a dialogue. The best lead nurturing campaigns are designed to help you learn as much about your leads as you would have them learn about your company.
5. Show your interest and appreciation
We all want to feel appreciated, and the same is true for your customers and leads. Whether it’s by showing gratitude to current customers for their continued support or showing appreciation to leads for their download, saying thank you goes a long way in building connections and professional relationships.
In our personal and professional lives, we want relationships built on trust over time. A successful lead nurturing campaign is constructed on these same principals. When you plan ahead, don’t rush the process and create opportunities for meaningful communication, the possibilities are endless.
Want to learn more about lead nurturing? Check out these 30 tricks and tips that will change the way you nurture leads.
Related posts:
