Next Generation Manufacturing 2011
National Manufacturing Study Reveals New Trends, Steps for Success
Dakota MEP, along with its trade association, the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, released the results of its 2011 Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) Study, identifying key trends affecting the industry and steps U.S. manufacturers can take now to be successful in the next generation.
The study, conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute finds that this is a critical point in time for U.S. manufacturing, and manufacturers must assess whether they have the workforce, business systems, equipment and strategies in place to successfully compete in the future. While external factors, like the economic downturn present challenges, manufacturers can remain competitive by focusing on six strategies assessed by the NGM study as a blueprint for success.
This Study builds on these six strategies;
- Customer-focused innovation - Develop, make and market new products and services that meet customers' needs at a pace faster than the competition.
- Engaged people/human capital acquisition, development and retention – Secure a competitive performance advantage by having superior systems in place to recruit, hire, develop, and retain talent.
- Superior processes/improvement focus – Record annual productivity and quality gains that exceed the competition through a companywide commitment to continuous improvement.
- Supply-chain management and collaboration –Develop and manage supply chains and partnerships that provide flexibility, response time, and delivery performance that exceeds the competition.
- Sustainability – Design and implement waste and energy-use reductions at a level that provides superior cost performance and recognizable customer value.
- Global Engagement – Secure business advantages by having people, partnerships, adn systems in place capable of engaging global markets and talents better than the competition.