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FTC Proposes Banning Noncompete Clauses. What Does It Mean for Manufacturers?

A former antitrust prosecutor and manufacturing consultant weigh in on the proposed rule. In the early 2000s, courts ruled that at least two franchise sandwich shops—Subway and Jimmy John’s—used non-compete clauses in employment contracts to prevent former employees from working... Continue Reading

Is Manufacturing Unionization on the Upswing?

Record public support for unions and new priorities of the NLRB have swung the regulatory pendulum towards employee rights. “We’re just getting started.” That was the full text of a recent statement from the UAW’s newly elected President, Shawn Fain, announcing (via the... Continue Reading

Eye Tracking Technology Could Improve Safety For Oil and Gas Industry

Eye-tracking technology has advanced to where it can provide useful insights into human eye scanning behavior. Eye tracking technology is an effective analysis tool and has the potential to be of value in other human performance areas that affect wells operations, and enable future safety... Continue Reading

Businesses Benefit from AI-Infused Industry 4.0 Practices

It's daunting for a business to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies at scale. However, given the added value of automation and process optimization, the benefits can outweigh risks. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is becoming reality. Organizations are envisioning what they can do with AI, IoT,... Continue Reading

Mobile Robots at Work

Adopting smart robots in the workplace will require a re-evaluation of work processes and a new strategy for humans and machines to work together. Robots delivering room service in hotels, carrying lab samples down hospital hallways or scanning inventory on retail shelves aren't common sights... Continue Reading

Software to Manage Specifications and Certifications

In the March 2023 Heat Treat Live discussion, MTI shared the importance of managing specifications for management and audit preparation. Let’s dive further into the importance of automating this system with a software designed specifically for the heat treat process. Managing accreditations... Continue Reading

Finish Line: Studying Good Bosses

We've all had (or have!) crappy bosses — the arrogant, self-obsessed, know-it-all frauds who soil our work lives. That's why the good ones are worth studying and treasuring. Why it matters: Hunt for an unusual combination of smarts, emotional intelligence, toughness, and humility. Then you... Continue Reading

What the Modern Manufacturing Digital Tech Stack Looks Like

Digital tech stack refers to the tech modern businesses use to unlock 360-degree transformation. The manufacturing industry is continuously evolving to adapt to new technological advancements and changes in global markets. Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), marks this... Continue Reading

A Crisis of Talent or Leadership?

What employers need to understand about trust in today’s changing workforce landscape. In recent years, this idea of a so-called talent crisis—driven largely by the notions of the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting—has forced companies to take a hard look at how they manage... Continue Reading

4 Vital Steps Manufacturers Should Follow to Achieve Workplace Safety

As a manufacturer, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of your employees. You should prioritize workplace safety to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses among employees. A safe workplace increases employee morale and engagement, leading to improved job satisfaction... Continue Reading

Top 5 Robot Trends 2023

Artificial Intelligence helps logistics providers and retailers deal with frequently changing products, orders and stock. The stock of operational robots globally hit 3.5 million units, which is a new record. The value of these installations is around $15.7 billion, according to the ... Continue Reading

Job Openings in Manufacturing Remain Elevated

Separations are slowing, but the number of job openings is still higher than the number of people looking for work. While job openings in the overall economy are falling, unfilled positions in manufacturing remain roughly stable. The latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover report from the... Continue Reading