Articles Tagged with ''supply chain''

Cindy Farrer is the senior services manager of quality and supply chain at the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership. She's an accomplished leader with over 35 years of global experience in manufacturing quality and supply chain management.

Global supply chains are being tested like never before. Shifting trade rules, cost pressures, and regulatory changes now converge with shipping bottlenecks, supply imbalances, and unexpected regional disruptions. 

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing patient safety and tackling labor shortages in medical manufacturing. As quality engineers adapt, the emphasis on quality assurance and specialized inspections intensifies. This editorial explores how AI is transforming processes and building trust in the medical device industry.

In the manufacturing landscape, the disconnect between design, production, and quality is a growing challenge. As OEMs embrace Model Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), suppliers must adapt quickly. Discover how innovative solutions are bridging these gaps, streamlining the journey from 3D design to inspection, and driving a more efficient future in manufacturing.

Political strife, economic instability, and natural disasters challenge the manufacturing sector. This month, explore expert insights on the role of artificial intelligence in quality management and new optical inspection standards.

Explore how manufacturers can drive alignment between their quality goals and those of control system integrators. The ultimate goal is to support compliance, promote operational excellence, and enable long-term success.

Early design optimization is vital in manufacturing to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness. Delaying it until production can drastically increase costs and risks. Digital optimization before production enables cost-efficient design changes, while late-stage modifications can be exponentially more expensive, emphasizing the need for early optimization.

Tariffs can increase the costs of imports, prompting manufacturers to adjust their supply chains. Even small differences can significantly impact a product's performance. Several data-driven methods can help.

Manufacturers face rising costs and supply chain disruptions, increasing the need for efficiency. Recent declines in Texas manufacturing highlight these challenges, but they also present opportunities for improvement. Many are adopting digital solutions to optimize operations and reduce waste.

The U.S. manufacturing supply chain faces challenges, especially for small- to medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in additive manufacturing. To tackle talent shortages, America Makes has partnered with organizations to develop education and workforce initiatives to enhance SMM capabilities and competitiveness.