Leading Edge Is An
Exclusive Thought Leadership Programthat brings executives from companies of all sizes together with leading business luminaries to focus on emerging business issues and trends critical in today’s manufacturing landscape. Hear from notable industry leaders and subject matter experts as they deliver the latest perspectives on mission-critical topics impacting manufacturing operations and business.
Be part of a discussion that could deliver transformational insights and solutions for your business and stay on the leading edge of manufacturing.
Topics
Resources
HBR Article: A Manager's Guide to Augmented Reality
Aug 7, 2018How IIoT changes the idea of ownership
May 22, 2017PTC: PPT of How Smart, Connected Products are Transforming Competition and Companies
Aug 15, 2018Connected Service Equipment Knowledge as Competitive Power
Mar 19, 2017Leading by Example: Technology Companies Help Save Scarce Water Resources
Jul 5, 2017Why Manufacturers Need to Rethink How They Value Water
Mar 28, 2017Benefits of Creating a Corporate Water Strategy – and Tips for Ensuring Success
Mar 18, 20175 Ideas for Improving Energy Use
Aug 16, 2018Powering Innovation in Manufacturing
I have had a significant loss of clout. I will have to make up for it with hard work and with extra effort.
John Dingell, longest-serving congressperson in American history
Students make merchandise for sled dog race
Students who operate a manufacturing business at a Wisconsin high school are creating medals, mugs, keychains and other items for an annual sled dog race. Students designed the items, and some were manufactured on campus. Superior Telegram (Wis.) (2/15)
Social networks can help manufacturers discover talent
Manufacturers wanting to hire through social media should hire great communicators to manage those channels, be clear about any hiring legalities involved and use a range of platforms to find new hires, Joy Duce of Sikich writes. "Manufacturers who are new to social media will want to start with a very targeted social media strategy, involving only one or two channels," Duce writes. IndustryWeek (2/14)
Smart technology helps manufacturers become more sustainable
Smart manufacturing technology can help companies become more environmentally and economically sustainable while showing that they are socially responsible as well. Productivity can be improved and costs can be reduced through the implementation of analytical technology, and teams can be empowered to make sustainability dreams into realities, John Clemons writes. Forbes (2/13)
Study: Corporate sustainability practices are converging
From 2012 to 2017, sustainability practices in companies within most industries in MSCI's environmental, social and governance ratings "have converged over time," Harvard researchers found. This implies that corporate sustainability is seen more as a strategic necessity than a differentiator that provides a competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (2/11)
Vehicle quality is key to fewer recalls, less costly warranties
A high level of quality is the key to reducing automotive recalls, according to this McKinsey & Co. analysis. The authors discuss the main types of recalls and four steps manufacturers and suppliers can take to improve quality, while reducing costs related to warranties. McKinsey (2/2019)
Cybersecurity pros self-medicate to cope with stress
The new report "Life Inside the Perimeter: Understanding the Modern CISO" states that approximately 17% of cybersecurity workers are using drugs or alcohol to help cope with on-the-job stress, including the growing need for more cyberexperts. Ninety-one percent of those surveyed said stress was moderate or high, and more than half said there was little separation between their work and home lives. Forbes (2/15)
The right private equity investors can help metal fabricators improve
Private equity investors can be a positive addition to metal fabricating companies if they contribute the right resources and energy, according to Hi-Grade Welding & Manufacturing President and CEO William Downey. Such investors can help organizations think about their financial operations in a new way while helping to identify opportunities for improvement in deliveries, quality and other areas. The Fabricator online (2/13)
Q&A: Data informs everything for Jack Daniel's maker
Liquor maker Brown-Forman overhauled its digital and data strategy during the past few years and now can use data analytics to monitor everything from pricing to batch production, says Chief Information Officer Tim Nall. "We've really shown how having this information available in real time on any advice gives us a competitive advantage when we're engaging with our customers," he says. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (2/14)