| Protecting Against Digital Disruption |
| The advent of cloud-based ERP, digital transformation and Industry 4.0 solutions has revolutionized manufacturing. However, increased digitization amplifies the risk to manufacturers’ data and operations. A survey of more than 200 manufacturers conducted by Wipfli reveals that nearly half of the respondents experienced three or more network breaches in the past year alone. And, the scope of cyber risk extends beyond data to physical assets. Manufacturers can fortify their operations by developing and implementing resilience strategies against cyberattacks. |
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| Increase Automation on Your Shop Floor |
| Struggling
to meet delivery dates? Constantly reengineering on the shop floor?
We've got you covered. Tailored for the needs of discrete manufacturers,
Aptean's suite of software solutions provides unparalleled production
scheduling efficiency and profit visibility. By integrating real-time
insights with strategic planning tools, our platform maximizes
visibility, automation and long-term growth. |
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| Corner Office to Corner Cafe—Josh Hopp |
| MetalForming
senior editor Kate Bachman visits with Josh Hopp, president of metal
forming company HK Metalcraft, for his views on a number of topics
including design for manufacturability, positioning his company to
compete globally and the value of belonging to the Precision
Metalforming Association (PMA). |
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| Manufacturing Benchmarking: North American Companies Face Challenges |
| On average, respondents to a manufacturing benchmarking study from Harbour IQ, powered by Wipfli Manufacturing, expect revenue to decrease 3.4% from 2023 to 2024, with 86% expecting profits to decline or be flat during that same period. Capacity utilization remains low (55%) for production operations and for tooling suppliers (71%). Despite marketplace instability, study participants forecast capital-expenditure spend to remain strong, particularly for automation—dedicated cells, robots, cobots and automated material handling. |
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| AI for Metal Formers: Crowd Sourcing and More |
Read on for answers to these and other questions:
- Why should metal formers care about the artificial-intelligence (AI) boom?
- Are there established markets utilizing AI that metal formers can use as benchmarks?
- How can the use of AI impact the performance of metal-fabricating equipment such as laser cutting machines and press brakes?
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| Does Multitasking Equal Multifailing? |
| MetalForming senior editor Lou Kren writes: “When humans try to tackle multiple tasks near simultaneously—referred to as task switching—productivity and performance suffer … it’s almost always more efficient to monotask: Focus on one thing and move on when you’re done, so you don’t pay unnecessary switching taxes.” |
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| Put Your Company at a Competitive Advantage |
| Position your company as an industry leader when you utilize PMA resources—ITR Econ Trends reports, trade publications, One Voice and FABTECH trade shows. A PMA membership will provide your company and all of its employees with a range of valuable industry resources that are designed to help you become more connected, more informed, more efficient, more competitive and ultimately more profitable. |
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| PMA Report: Metal Formers’ Outlook Cautious |
| The
outlook among metal forming manufacturers is cautious heading into the
final quarter of 2024, while shipping levels rose moderately, according
to the September 2024 PMA Business Conditions Report. |
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| Scholarships Available to Individuals Seeking Industry Careers |
| The
PMA Educational Foundation and 15 local PMA districts are offering
scholarships of $1000 or more to individuals pursuing careers in the
metal forming industry, and $500 to apprentices for tools and supplies.
Deadline to apply: November 3, 2024. |
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| The Final Countdown to the 2024 Election |
| Former President Trump has unified Republicans and the Harris-Walz campaign has reinvigorated Democrats. For policies impacting manufacturers, both political parties have embraced tariffs as a key component of international trade policy. Another topic both candidates agreeing on: opposing Nippon Steel’s planned purchase of U.S. Steel. Just as the election outcome will drive the agenda in 2025, the results could determine whether Congress acts on pending legislation during the lame-duck period, including tax legislation. |
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| Resources to Help Manufacturers Participate in the Upcoming Elections |
| As
election day quickly approaches. PMA, through its One Voice advocacy
partnership with the National Tooling and Machining Association, has
assembled resources to help manufacturers participate in the 2024
elections. Resources include a get-out-the-vote poster that can be
downloaded for your plant and office, and information on voter
registration, early voting and absentee voting. |
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Video
Management
Stamping Presses