Podcasts about manufacturers

Manufacturers (not just the guys on the shop floor, but the C-suite behind them) are on a race to the finish line when it comes to automation. Most of us by now are pretty familiar with how AI and automation can play a role in manufacturing. But it looks like we're heading to the next stage…In this episode, we hear from Chris Stevens, the SVP & GM of US Automation Business at Siemens Digital Industries. We grab a virtual drink and kick the episode off with an interesting paradox – twenty years ago, the push was to automate humans out of processes. But today, we're figuring out how to bring them back.Chris talks about where we're heading now with AI – from reactive tools to proactive partners with the rise of agentic AI. He talks about how the new and improved era of AI can make adaptive manufacturing a reality – imagine having one line but with multiple configurations.Digital transformation is a big theme in this episode, but it's not just about tools and technology. Chris highlights the role of people in the new age of manufacturing too.In this episode, find out:Chris explains the biggest changes since he's been in the industry and why the focus has moved on from just ‘lean manufacturing'A breakdown of what adaptive manufacturing is and how it ties into automation and AIHow the lines are blurring between IT and manufacturing rolesHow AI could help to bring humans back into the loop – internal and external use casesAgentic AI vs. reactive tools like Copilot and how manufacturers can use AI agents in real examplesThe top lightbulb moments around AI and why data contextualization is how we move one step forward as an industryDifferent ways adaptive production methods are changing manufacturing processesHow adaptive production ties into the trends around reshoringWhy more manufacturers need to use digital twin technologyCurrent digital transformation trends and why it's not just about the technologyEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The contextualization of data is extremely important. That's where the work's got to happen.”“Two decades ago, it was 'how can I take humans out of the loop?' Today it's 'how do I bring humans back in the loop?'”“There's a lot of digital transformation projects that fail, and it has nothing to do with the technology. It has everything to do with usability. Making sure that people like it and then how we implement it.”Links & mentions:Siemens Digital Industries, business platform that helps organizations digitally transform using software and hardware like digital twin technologyMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In July, we discussed our visit to the Hexagon event at Mills CNC, where Hexagon's Nexus platform was shown. The event also alluded to how Pro Plan AI demonstrated 70 to 75% programming productivity improvements. With such impressive statistics and other products on show, we wanted to dig a little deeper into the production intelligence solutions. By Rhys Williams Real-Time Production Intelligence with Datanomics Zoltan Tomoga, Product Manager for Hexagon's Production Software Business Unit, detailed Datanomics' comprehensive approach to production monitoring, emphasising its zero-operator-input design that sets it apart from competing solutions. “Most machine monitoring solutions require the operator to tell the solution why the machine is stuck. The problem is, if you've got a big list of reasons, operators will often select the first one, always a broken tool, as opposed to the coolant or whatever. Whereas Datanomics is completely no operator input.” The system's connectivity architecture enables comprehensive data collection without disrupting workflow. “Each machine has an Ethernet port that will connect to a network, and then you can pull information off of it, as well as push information to it. With our CAM software, we typically push the program through the Ethernet,” Zoltan noted. Datanomics serves three distinct user categories with targeted interfaces designed for specific operational needs. For management, ‘you are mainly interested in OEE. You want to see how much of your shop is utilised.' The primary focus targets shop floor managers who require intelligence: “Every morning at six, we send out the coffee cup report, so when they arrive, the night shift is still there. They can open a report, see what's happened and talk to relevant operators.” The Factory Mate AI enhancement offers instant problem diagnosis capabilities, enabling immediate corrective action. “A shop floor manager just arrived at the factory. There was one machine which didn't perform very well. They hit the factory mate icon, and it will give them the top three downtime events. In this case, we were waiting for an operator. That was the second one as well, and the machine was stuck,” Zoltan demonstrated. For process engineers requiring deeper analysis, Datanomics offers comprehensive historical data capabilities that facilitate continuous improvement initiatives. “In EdgeCAM, if I generate an NC code, I can put what EdgeCAM says is going to be the cycle time. However, if the feed override, or the rapid wasn't set to 100%, it might start to differ. The target for one part was 56 minutes, but we are actually running on 59 minutes recently. However, Datanomics thinks we could run that part in 45 minutes and improve on efficiency,” Zoltan explained, demonstrating how the system identifies specific optimisation opportunities. Tooling insights provide strategic procurement intelligence. “You will see which tool you use the most, and make a decision if you want to adjust speeds and feeds on that tool.” Benchmarking Progress: Quantifying Industry Digital Maturity The benchmarking initiative previously discussed in MTD May Issue with Jason Walker, Hexagon's VP of General Manufacturing, has collected substantial industry data over twelve months, revealing concerning gaps in digital adoption across manufacturing operations. The results confirmed extensive manual processes that create competitive disadvantages. “More than half of manufacturers are still using a manual process, which typically involves whiteboards and Excel spreadsheets and a lot of manual planning,” Walker revealed. Most of the upstream processes for winning work, like quoting and planning, are very much done manually.” Production intelligence gaps create significant profitability challenges for manufacturers who are unable to track actual versus planned performance. “Understanding the utilisation of the machines on the shop floor probably comes all the way back to the quoting process and understanding the profitability of your business, because if you're quoting that a part is going to take two hours to machine, and you have no traceability to see who did that part or whether that batch of 1000 parts did actually take two hours each. Or did they run at two hours and five minutes, which makes a large difference over the batch,” Walker explained. The competitive implications of slow processes are significant for business sustainability. “Ultimately, many of these companies, when they are winning the work, it's because they've under-quoted on a job which further erodes their profitability,” Walker observed. External pressures are accelerating transformation requirements. “Lockheed Martin has a model-based enterprise playbook for suppliers. Lockheed are actively saying to their supply chain, if you aren't going to adopt these new technologies that are going to allow you to manage the digital thread through the digital models that we're going to provide you with, then ultimately, you will be losing out on work in the future,” Walker shared, demonstrating how OEMs are making digital transformation mandatory. Quantifying Digital Transformation Benefits The event demonstrated how digital manufacturing solutions deliver measurable business improvements across multiple operational areas that justify investment through concrete returns. The integration of solutions presented in Part One—Nexus connectivity, Pro Plan AI programming acceleration, and Paperless Parts quoting automation—creates compounded benefits when combined with real-time production intelligence from Datanomics. Pro Plan AI's 70 to 75% reduction in programming time enables manufacturers to complete days of work in mere minutes while capturing institutional knowledge from experienced programmers. This capability, combined with Mills CNC's DNX 2100 launch aimed at reducing setup time, exemplifies an industry-wide shift towards efficiency optimisation. Paperless Parts transforms quote-to-cash cycles from week-long manual processes into 24 to 48 hour automated workflows, enabling customers to secure 25% more business through quicker response times. The platform removes resource constraints by alleviating quoting burdens from owners and managers. Datanomics provides real-time production intelligence without requiring operator input. This enables shop floor managers to identify and resolve issues through immediate problem diagnosis and historical trend analysis. The system's ability to compare target and actual cycle times reveals optimisation opportunities, such as identifying potential efficiency improvements. The benchmarking data reveals that over half of manufacturers still rely on manual processes for critical business functions. Looking Forward: Measuring Manufacturing's Digital Future The convergence of AI-driven programming, automated quoting systems, and real-time production intelligence generates combined benefits that surpass the capabilities of individual solutions. Manufacturers adopting comprehensive digital workflows can realise simultaneous enhancements in quote win rates, programming productivity, and production efficiency while tackling workforce challenges through knowledge capture and skills augmentation. Hexagon's platform approach allows manufacturers to implement digital transformation incrementally, measuring benefits at each stage while working towards comprehensive integration. The partnership with Mills CNC illustrates how technology providers and equipment manufacturers can collaborate to achieve measurable business outcomes that justify digital investment through quantifiable improvements in productivity and profitability. Concrete business metrics will measure success in this digital transformation: quicker quote turnaround, higher win rates, reduced programming time, improved production efficiency, and enhanced workforce productivity. Manufacturers achieving these measurable improvements—through solutions like those demonstrated at the Mills CNC Technology Campus—will define the competitive landscape for the next decade of industrial production. Meanwhile, those failing to adapt risk losing business to more digitally capable competitors as customer requirements continue to evolve towards integrated digita

On today's Top News in 10, we cover: A brutal attack on a Charlotte, North Carolina train is met with media silence. Trump warns foreign manufacturers after a major illegal immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia. Senate Majority Leader John Thune prepares to go nuclear over a huge swath of Trump nominees. Keep Up With The Daily Signal Sign up for our email newsletters:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.dailysignal.com/email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     Subscribe to our other shows:  The Tony Kinnett Cast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7AFk8xjiOOBEynVg3JiN6g⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Signal Sitdown: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2026390376⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Problematic Women:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL7765680741⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Victor Davis Hanson: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL9809784327⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow The Daily Signal:  X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=DailySignal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Truth Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really happens to a manufacturer when the motorhome industry slows down? In this episode, Matt sits down with Bailey of Bristol's Simon Howard for a unique and honest discussion about how one of the UK's biggest motorhome and caravan manufacturers handles falling demand, overstocked dealers, and nervous buyers. If you've been wondering why new motorhomes and caravans are being so heavily discounted—or whether prices might fall even further—this is essential listening. Simon also lifts the lid on how Bailey is rethinking how they build, test, and sell their 2026 models to stay ahead in a tougher market. Also this week, Matt and Keith unveil the £5 gadget every diesel motorhome owner should consider. It could save you from a costly misfuelling disaster. And in the Q&A: Can you keep your GPS tracker powered if your van battery is disconnected? Will the UK driving licence laws finally let you drive up to 4,250kg without taking another test? And is it worth heating your motorhome during winter storage? ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED Services, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Matt mhmp.info/approved

Kian Golzari is one of the world's leading experts in sourcing and product manufacturing—developing over 2,500 products and visiting 500+ factories. In this episode, he shares how to go from idea to product without getting burned by bad suppliers or poor-quality manufacturing. Whether you're working with Alibaba or building a custom product from scratch—this is your playbook. What you'll learn: • How to vet suppliers and avoid common sourcing mistakes • His exact 3-step product development system • How to approach factories like a pro (even if it's your first product) • Why negotiation is more about positioning than price • What he's learned from working with the NBA, UN & billion-dollar brands • His best tips for working with Chinese manufacturers in 2025 and beyond If you're creating a physical product or want to improve your margins—this episode will save you time, money, and a ton of headaches. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Omnisend | Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. Connect With Nathan Chan Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Kian Golzari Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube → Click Here Follow Foundr for More Business Growth Strategies YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here

The live CBJ Manufacturing Conference podcast brought together three leaders—Dawn Ealy, Steve Coleman, and Wendy Mihm-Herold—to map out strategies for addressing Iowa's looming workforce crisis. With 240,000 Baby Boomers set to retire by 2030, the conversation underscored the need for employers to proactively leverage automation, retain senior workers through flexible arrangements, and intentionally engage the next generation of Gen Z talent through workplace learning initiatives. This episode made clear that manufacturers cannot afford to choose one approach over another. Automation alone will not close the gap, nor will simply retaining retirees or hiring more Gen Z. Instead, success depends on a comprehensive, three-pronged strategy. The panel's message was unequivocal: all manufacturers must act now to invest in technology, people, and partnerships—or risk being left behind as the talent pipeline shrinks and demand continues to grow. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/CBJ-manufacturing-conference

From time to time, we get our audience to send us their burning question about cars, the industry and ReDriven in general. Do we get backlash from car makers? What cars do we drive? Will EVs put Jim out of work? What have been our favourite videos to film? And so much more.  -- Grab a set of Wipertech wiper blades - https://bit.ly/43ttIBF   See us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@redriven Find all our Cheat Sheets at: https://redriven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redriven_official/ See us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redriven

Learn how manufacturing leaders balance ambitious goals with limited resources without burning out their teams. Discover prioritization strategies and resource management techniques. Transform your top performers into confident, capable supervisors. Master the skills that drive team performance with our Supervision Fundamentals Certification.

In this episode, I'm joined by Drew Allen, President & CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace is a family business built on innovation in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, and Drew has carried that forward—shaping the company into a leader in industrial technology and workplace safety.We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Drew shares the story of Grace's evolution from a single-product company to a broad portfolio serving the world's most advanced manufacturers. We dig into his approach to innovation, leadership, and attracting top talent. And we explore the balance between listening to customers and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.Drew also shares candid lessons from leading a family business, building high-performance teams, and staying deeply involved as a CEO while empowering his people to deliver.This one blends product, culture, and leadership in a way that I think will resonate with anyone building and leading in manufacturing.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Grace Technologies grew from a single product to five complementary product linesWhy customer-driven innovation and quick iteration often beat “pure R&D”The importance of purpose, selection bias, and A-players in building a great cultureDrew's philosophy on leadership—balancing involvement with empowermentHow to attract and retain top talent by being specific about what makes your company uniqueThe role of energy infrastructure in U.S. competitiveness and industrial growthAbout Drew AllenDrew Allen is President & CEO of Grace Technologies Inc., a pioneer in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, consistently ranked as one of Iowa's Top Workplaces. He also founded Maple Studios, the first venture studio in eastern Iowa, and serves on advisory boards for Atom Power, Proxxi, and YPO Iowa. Drew led the acquisition of Civionics Inc. (now Percēv) and received the National Association of Manufacturers' Next-Generation Leadership Award in 2020.Connect with DrewLinkedIn: Drew AllenGrace Technologies: graceport.comEmail: drewa@gracetechnologies.com

On this week's show we look at an article from What Hi-Fi titled “I just tested one of 2025's best small OLEDs – and it proves most companies are focusing on the wrong thing”. And that thing is brightness. We look at what would make a perfect TV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Major TV streaming service abruptly hikes prices 33% Everything you need to know about new ESPN streamer You Don't Actually Own That Movie You Just “Bought.” Brightness Isn't Everything We saw an article over at What Hi-Fi titled “I just tested one of 2025's best small OLEDs – and it proves most companies are focusing on the wrong thing” and thought there is a lot of truth to what the author is saying. So today will expand on this article with the HT Guys take.  The author argues that TV manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Sony focus too much on making OLED TVs brighter to compete with Mini LED sets. After testing 2025's top small OLED TVs, he believes brightness isn't the key to a great viewing experience. Instead, authenticity, color accuracy, and balanced performance are more important for delivering a cinematic experience true to the director's vision. Here are six takeaways from the article: The Brightness Obsession: A Misguided Priority? The What Hi-Fi? article criticizes the TV industry's focus on maximizing brightness, which can harm picture quality. In tests comparing 48-inch OLEDs (LG C5, Samsung S90F, Panasonic Z90B), brighter screens often lost subtle details and immersion. For instance, in Dune: Part Two's desert scene, an overly bright TV turned nuanced red and orange dune shades into stark white, flattening the image. OLED TVs were historically dimmer than LED TVs, but new tech like Micro Lens Array and QD-OLED has boosted their brightness to 2000-3000 nits, closing the gap. However, the focus on brightness often overshadows OLED's strengths—precise light control, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The What Hi-Fi? review notes that manufacturers prioritize specs over overall picture quality, while the Panasonic Z90B shows a better balance. The Panasonic Z90B: A Lesson in Balance The 48-inch Panasonic Z90B excels in cinematic authenticity, prioritizing accurate colors and contrast over exaggerated brightness. In Civil War, it delivers precise highlights in dark scenes, and in Oppenheimer, it maintains natural skin tones and subtle details in low light, outperforming competitors that lose color depth. Panasonic's approach aligns with what serious movie fans crave: a picture that immerses you in the story, not one that distracts with exaggerated brightness. The Z90B's ability to retain detail in both bright and dark scenes, like the sparkling desert dunes or the intricate chandelier in a White House scene, shows that controlled brightness—used only where needed—creates a more three-dimensional, authentic image. This echoes sentiments from TechRadar, which praises Panasonic's focus on “filmmaker-approved” accuracy over flashy specs, a philosophy rooted in the brand's collaboration with Hollywood colorists to tune its TVs for true-to-life visuals. The Small OLED Advantage: Why Size Matters Small OLEDs, like the 48-inch models tested, are often overlooked in a market obsessed with supersized screens. Yet, as What Hi-Fi? notes, these TVs are “severely underrated” for their versatility. They're ideal for space-constrained homes, secondary rooms like bedrooms, or even as high-end gaming monitors thanks to their dense pixel structure, which delivers sharper images. The LG C5, for instance, boasts four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz gaming, making it a powerhouse for both movies and interactive entertainment. However, small OLEDs face unique challenges. Their denser pixel layouts generate more heat, which can limit brightness and risk burn-in if not managed properly. What Hi-Fi? suggests that adding heatsinks, as seen in some larger models, could unlock more brightness headroom for 42- and 48-inch sets without sacrificing quality. This could make small OLEDs even more competitive, offering flagship-level performance in compact packages. The Audio Achilles' Heel One glaring flaw across all tested OLEDs—LG C5, Samsung S90F, and even the Z90B—is their underwhelming built-in audio. The LG C5's 2.2-channel 40W speakers sounded flat and centralized, while the Samsung S90F's 2.1.2 60W system lacked power, allowing testers to hold conversations at max volume. What Hi-Fi? is blunt: for a true home cinema experience, a separate soundsystem is non-negotiable. We have been saying this for a number of years now, TVs, especially smaller ones, prioritize aesthetics over speaker space. What Manufacturers Should Learn The author tested 2025 OLED TVs and found that brightness isn't everything. LG and Samsung make great TVs like the C5 and S90F, but Panasonic's Z90B stands out by using brightness carefully to improve contrast and depth. Panasonic's Z95B flagship prioritizes performance over a super-slim design, a choice the author supports.  Afterall, a three-inch-thick TV is still about 90% thinner than our first rear projection HDTVs of the same screen size. What Hi-Fi? emphasizes that 48-inch models like the Z90B and C5 are “Goldilocks” options—cinematic yet practical for most homes. Manufacturers should invest in optimizing these sizes, incorporating technologies like heatsinks to boost performance and addressing audio shortcomings with better built-in solutions or seamless soundbar integration. The Future of OLED: A Balanced Approach Looking ahead, the TV landscape is evolving. Emerging technologies like PHOLED and “true” QLED promise even brighter, more vibrant displays without the burn-in risks of traditional OLEDs. But brightness alone won't win over cinephiles. The future of TVs lies in balancing these advancements with authenticity, ensuring that MicroLED or next-gen OLED panels prioritize cinematic immersion over raw specs. For now, the Panasonic Z90B sets a high bar. Its “as the director intended” philosophy proves that a TV doesn't need to be the brightest to be the best. If manufacturers shift their focus to color accuracy, controlled contrast, and practical features like better audio and small-screen optimization, they'll deliver what viewers truly want: a window into the filmmaker's vision, not a spotlight that blinds it.

Iowa Business Report Thursday EditionAug. 28, 2025     Erin Streeter of the National Association of Manufacturers on the provisions of the reconciliation law which will have a positive impact on business. 

Dale Jordan from BDO USA discusses the tax implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill with JP Hampstead, including bonus depreciation, R&D expensing, and other provisions designed to stimulate manufacturing investment and reindustrialization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox welcomes Todd Shores, Virtual CFO with Creative Planning, to discuss how manufacturers can respond to the financial turbulence caused by expanded tariffs. Shores underscores the importance of transparency—encouraging leaders to openly communicate financial challenges with employees, building trust while aligning teams behind critical decisions. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for adaptation, from targeting new markets to sourcing outside of high-tariff regions. Shores stresses the urgency of reviewing financial data in real time and making swift adjustments. His message is clear: companies that stay agile, honest, and proactive in their financial leadership are the ones best positioned to weather uncertainty and capture growth in this shifting economic landscape. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/tariffs

EV growth is moving, but is it moving quickly enough? Wood Mackenzie research projects battery electric vehicles to account for 58% of light vehicle sales globally by 2050. It won't be until 2045 that EVs surpass ICE vehicles on the roads globally. So how can consumers be incentivized to get an EV? Manufacturers are addressing concerns around range anxiety and price, so what else is there to tempt buyers? Perhaps shifting the conversation from EVs as just low-carbon emitting cars to seeing them as energy assets might do the trick. Could vehicles reliably charge your house? Or even stabilize the grid during peak demand? To find out, host Sylvia Leyva Martinez speaks with GM Energy's Aseem Kapur about their two-way charging EV project. They explore the potential of vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid systems, the lessons from early pilots, the importance of interoperability standards, and how incentives and customer trust will drive EV adoption – something that needs to accelerate if we're to stay on track for climate goals. The key questions to answer on the viability of using EVs as DERs: Why should EV owners risk their battery health and daily mobility needs to support the grid?With thousands of utilities across the US, can one interoperable system realistically work at scale?Will incentives be strong enough to convince consumers and utilities that EVs are more than just cars?Sylvia gets the answers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"The real challenge that many manufacturers have dealt with for a long time and will keep facing is the shift from mass manufacturing to mass customisation," stated Daniel Joseph Barry, VP of Product Marketing at Configit. In a world that has moved from mass manufacturing to mass customisation, makers of complex products like cars and medical devices face a hidden problem. For more than a century, since the time of Henry Ford, manufacturers have worked in a separate, mass-production mindset. This method in the recent industrial scenario has caused a lot of friction and frustration.In this episode of the Tech Transformed podcast, Christina Stathopoulos, Dare To Data Founder, talks with Daniel Joseph Barry, VP of Product Marketing at Configit. They talk about Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) and its importance in tackling the challenges that manufacturers of complex products face recurrently.The speakers discuss the move from mass manufacturing to mass customisation, the various choices available to consumers, and the need to connect sales and engineering teams. Barry emphasises the value of working together to tackle these challenges. He points out that using CLM can make processes easier and enhance customer experiences (CX).What is Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM)According to Barry, Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) is an approach that involves managing product configurations throughout their lifecycle. He describes it as an extension of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) that focuses specifically on configurations. In today's highly bespoke world, customers are buying configurations of products instead of just the products themselves. The answer isn't to work harder within existing teams but to adopt a new, collaborative approach. This is where Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) comes in. CLM creates a single, shared source of truth for all product configuration information. It combines data from engineering, sales, and manufacturing. Configit's patented Virtual Tabulation® (VT™) technology pre-computes all the different options, so there's no longer a need for slow, real-time calculations. Barry says, "It's just a lookup, so it's lightning fast.” This represents a prominent shift that removes the delays and dead ends, frustrating customers and sales staff. Such a centralised system makes sure that every department uses the same, verified information, stopping errors from happening later on. One such company, and Configit's customer, Vestas, a wind power company, automated its configuration process for complex wind turbines that have 160,000 options. By adopting a CLM approach, they cut the time to configure a solution from 60 minutes to just five.Tune into the podcast for more information on the transformational impact of Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM). TakeawaysManufacturers are transitioning from mass manufacturing to mass customisation.Customisation leads to complexity and challenges in manufacturing.Siloed systems create inefficiencies and reliance on experienced employees.Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) can automate and streamline processes.Aligning sales and...

Preview: PRC Guangdong Province. Colleague Gordon Chang comments on the relentless decline of the low-end manufacturers in Guangdong. More later. 1890 SHANGHAI

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA will no longer fund taxpayer dollars for solar panels on productive farmland, and the 2022 Census of Agriculture Typology Report shows that family farms make up 95% of all U.S. farms.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA will no longer fund taxpayer dollars for solar panels on productive farmland, and the 2022 Census of Agriculture Typology Report shows that family farms make up 95% of all U.S. farms.

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we present a profound exploration of contemporary developments within the realm of supply chain management, with a particular emphasis on the resurgence of reshoring initiatives. Welcome to The Buzz!Host Scott Luton and special guest host Christine Barnhart, aka The Supply Chain Whisperer, discuss the top news in global supply chain including: The significant investment by GE Appliances to transition production facilities from overseas back to the United StatesThe implications of artificial intelligence in enhancing operational efficiencies, as exemplified by Toro's innovative applications to predict consumer behavior and streamline inventory managementThe significant role of sustainability in modern supply chains, underscoring how companies are increasingly investing in environmentally friendly practices to meet consumer demandsThe transformative impact that artificial intelligence is having on supply chain management, particularly in predicting consumer behavior and optimizing inventory levels amidst fluctuating market conditionsThe importance of effective change management, advocating for transparency and collaboration amongst stakeholders to facilitate smoother transitions during periods of organizational changeJoin us as we dissect these pivotal topics and provide actionable insights for supply chain leaders navigating this dynamic landscape.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: hhttps://bit.ly/4mDUf8M GE Appliances shifts more production to US as part of a $3 billion investment: https://bit.ly/3JiKEGlJust in time? Manufacturers turn to AI to weather tariff storm: https://bit.ly/4lBeHq2Why Some Companies Are Doubling Down on Climate Action: https://bit.ly/3JkelGWSupply Chain Leadership in the Never Normal: A Power Panel of Women Rewriting the Rules: https://streamyard.com/watch/34KHAvi3NjK8Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmbarnhart/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age - Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation: https://bit.ly/4ogPN1kWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR: Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.:

In today's episode, Zöe is joined by WIRED's Louise Matsakis to run through five of the best stories we published this week — from OpenAI's being poised to become the highest valued startup in history, to how government staffing cuts have fueled an ant smuggling boom. Then, Zöe and Louise discuss the controversial deals that the Trump administration appears to be striking with chip manufacturers. Join us LIVE in San Francisco on September 9th Get your tickets HERE Articles mentioned in this episode:  How DOGE Set Up a Shadow X Account for a Government Agency | WIRED OpenAI Is Poised to Become the Most Valuable Startup Ever. Should It Be? | WIRED Silicon Valley Is Panicking About Zohran Mamdani. NYC's Tech Scene Is Not | WIRED Government Staffing Cuts Have Fueled an Ant-Smuggling Boom | WIRED Why Trump Flip-Flopped on Nvidia Selling H20 Chips to China | WIRED      Join WIRED's best and brightest as they provide an insider analysis of the overlap between tech and politics, from the influence of Silicon Valley on the Trump administration to how inaccurate information from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots fanned the fire on social protests. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On this episode of Compliance Unfiltered, The CU guys delve into the critical role of cybersecurity and compliance in the manufacturing sector. As technology advances, the industry faces increasing threats and regulatory challenges. Join us as we explore how manufacturers can safeguard their operations, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with ever-evolving standards. Discover expert insights and practical strategies to fortify your manufacturing processes against cyber threats. Learn why cybersecurity is not just an IT issue but a vital component of modern manufacturing success, on this week's Compliance Unfiltered.

Discover how manufacturers are solving the lean training gap for Spanish-speaking teams. Learn why authentic, practitioner-led courses outperform scripted content in developing real problem solvers. Turn your best problem solvers into confident improvement leaders. Learn more about our Lean Practitioner Certification.  

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Mark Elfenbein, the CRO of Infinite, discusses the transformative impact of AI and CGI on visual merchandising in the retail sector. He explains how these technologies enhance customer experience, reduce costs, and improve scalability for retailers. Mark shares insights on the importance of immersive visuals, the role of 3D and AR in e-commerce, and the future of video content in retail marketing. He emphasizes the benefits for both retailers and manufacturers in adapting to these advancements.TakeawaysVisual merchandising enhances buyer and seller experiences.AI and CGI can significantly reduce costs in product photography.Retailers can create immersive product experiences at scale.3D models and AR improve customer confidence in purchases.A minimum of 10 visuals per product maximizes customer information.Video content is becoming essential for product marketing.Speed to market is crucial for retailers in fast-paced environments.Manufacturers need quality visuals to compete in marketplaces.AI allows for rapid content creation from limited images.Infinite provides a scalable solution for visual merchandising.Chapters00:00Introduction to Infinite and Mark's Background03:17The Evolution of Visual Merchandising07:37The Impact of AI on Retail Visuals11:073D Models and Augmented Reality in Retail15:09The Role of Video in Modern Merchandising18:15Conclusion and Future of Visual Merchandising

In this episode of the Real Estate Pro Show, host Erika interviews Steven DeMayo, a construction expert and founder of Dynasty Construction Imports. Steven shares his journey from starting in construction at a young age to establishing his own company during the upheaval caused by COVID-19. The conversation delves into the importance of building relationships with manufacturers, common misconceptions investors have about construction, current trends in materials, challenges faced in projects, and advice for networking in the industry. Steven also discusses the future plans for his company and the unique approach he takes in the construction field.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Jeff Borello is the Co-Owner and CEO of Andromeda Technology Solutions, a company that helps manufacturers use IT to improve productivity and efficiency.    Along the way we discuss – BHAG/Metronomics (10:20), Ransomware (13:00), Competitive Advantage (18:40), Move to the Cloud (20:30), Strategic IT Planning (23:00), No Side Hustle (27:50), Business Partnerships / Co-Owners (31:00), and Core Values (35:00). This podcast is teamed with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Help us reach our 300-scholarship goal for 2026. Send a donation, large or small, through our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com, PayPal, or Venmo @LukeLeaders1248. Or – if you have a used vehicle you want to donate to LukeLeaders1248 access this hyperlink – CARS donation to LL1248.  Manager Memo seeks sponsors for the pod. If you have a product or service to promote, please email @ ov1dlen@gmail.com or www.lukeleaders1248.com Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Republicans on the Indianapolis City-County Council have chosen new leadership. A new partnership between Eli Lilly, the Indiana Fever and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis aims to get more girls into basketball. Indiana Democrats say pressure from the Trump administration to redraw districts is “congressional shoplifting.” A recent Senate report raises concerns about growing relationships between telehealth companies and drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Pfizer. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Drew Daudelin, Zach Bundy and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Inventory control, inventory optimization, inventory management – are they all just other words for stock replenishment? In a way, yes, but also, not at all! Let's find out the difference. You can learn more in this episode or read about it on our blog For more information about MRPeasy software, visit our website: mrpeasy.com

Tim Gaus from Deloitte Consulting joins us again — this time to discuss how automation technologies, particularly those aided by AI are helping manufacturers address the industrial workforce shortage that could lead to nearly 2 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030, while production and operations management roles are currently going unfilled at nearly 50%.

Manufacturers today who want to decrease their carbon footprint and build sustainable products face dual challenges. Not only do they need to revamp their factories and set up a sustainable supply chain, but they need to keep costs low to sell on price as well as on values. It's margin before mission if you want to really win in the competitive marketplace. So says Plantd co-founder and host of the SuperCool podcast Josh Dorfman, who is the guest on this episode of Manufacturing Insights.

Gonzalo E. Mon As we noted earlier this month, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson designated July as ​“Made in USA” Month. Because Hallmark still hasn't printed greeting cards to commemorate the month, the FTC celebrated by sending warning letters, instead.

Episode Links:Register for the Private Podcast: Toxins, Truth & Taking ControlGet on the Toxin Free in 3 Waiting ListShop Blissoma Photonic Facial SunscreenEpisode Description:If you've ever tried switching to mineral sunscreen only to hate the white cast, thick texture, or breakouts it caused, this conversation with Julie Longyear is going to change everything for you.In today's episode, I'm talking with the founder of Blissoma, a skincare brand that has a cult-like following among people with the most sensitive, reactive skin. What makes Julie so special is that she actually formulated her own sunscreen in-house. This is something most clean skincare companies won't even attempt because of the FDA approvals, drug facts panels, and complexity involved.We dive deep into why she spent evenings and weekends for months perfecting her sunscreen formula, how she fought back against manufacturers who tried to sneak in butyl octyl salicylate (a chemical UV filter disguised as an inactive ingredient), and why she believes our skin hasn't changed much since we were cave people, it's just the products we're using that are causing problems.This conversation gets real about the manufacturing industry, why brands get pressured to compromise their formulations, and how Julie created a zinc oxide sunscreen that doesn't leave you looking like a ghost or feeling like you have cement on your face.In this episode, we're chatting about:• The sunscreen formulation journey• Regenerative vs. organic sourcing • Manufacturing industry truths• Sensitive skin solutions Mentioned in this episode:Wyld Notes Get 10% off Wyld Notes Botanical Perfume: https://wyldnotes.com/discount/WENDY10?ref=KathrynOstapukRegister for The Private PodcastThe 4 Part Series: Toxins, Truth & Taking Control with take you from confused to confident. Register Private Podcast

Learn the 8-step roadmap that helped cut costs in half and achieve operational excellence. Discover how to create purpose-driven teams, implement tier meetings, and engage frontline problem solvers. Do you have team members ready to lead improvement projects with data-driven precision? Click here to learn more about our Six Sigma Green Belt

Join Mike & Dave as they discuss a question they often receive - why should I outsource accounting? If you are a shop owner - you MUST listen to this episode!The guys also remind you of our Double Your Value event coming up in November - register today and walk away with your 2026 business plan -Don't wait - we will fill up. https://lnkd.in/g_kWuu8H

The Today in Manufacturing Podcast is brought to you by the editors of Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).This week's episode is brought to you by Redzone. Watching employees walk away after spending the resources to train them is incredibly frustrating. Watch the webinar, "How Coil Specialist Tackled Employee Reliability by 'Leading Well'," right now.Every week, we cover the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week:- Anglers Debut Desktop Injection Molding Machine After Mangled Microwave Mess- 370-Million Mile Hail Mary Saves Camera Aboard NASA's Jupiter Orbiter- Green Steel Startup Says it Can Undercut China- It Ain't No Lie, Toymakers Are Saying Bye, Bye, Bye to Batteries- More Manufacturing Professionals Say Tariffs Will Hurt IndustryIn Case You Missed It- Union Pacific, Norfolk Seek 1st Transcontinental Railroad Through $85B Merger- Texas A&M to Study Agrihood Living- Critical Nuclear Power Component Maker Adds Jobs, Manufacturing in TennesseePlease make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review. Finally, to email the podcast, you can reach any of us at David, Jeff or Anna [at] ien.com, with “Email the Podcast” in the subject line.

The fashion industry is a complex ecosystem encompassing everything from design and manufacturing to marketing and retail, with a current estimated global value of $35.2 trillion. We explore the structure, evolution, and key players that transform clothing into a worldwide cultural and economic force. Encyclopedia Link: LINKGabrielle's Social Media Link: LINKSupport the show

This week's show is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News

Our guest on this week's episode is Lisa Anderson, founder and president of LMA Consulting Group. The One Big Beautiful Bill is now the law of the land. Among the provisions in this expansive legislation are incentives to encourage business investment. But, how will the bill affect our supply chains and will it provide support to grow domestic manufacturing? Our guest offers some insights.Two of the nation's major railroads are attempting to create the country's first coast-to-coast freight railway. On Tuesday, Union Pacific said it had made an offer to acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion cash and stock deal. The acquisition would connect more than 50,000 route miles across 43 states, linking about 100 ports and reaching nearly every corner of North America. Will such a deal be approved, as many industry groups are speaking out against the proposed merger. Chief procurement officers have a lot to worry about these days with all of the trade turmoil around the world, but now add another worry to their plates - the risk of extreme weather events. There have always been hurricanes and typhoons, but in recent years the severity of some of those events has gotten worse, with examples in the US of violent floods and fast spreading wildfires. The consulting firm Proxima has issued a report that identifies the five nations that are most vulnerable to extreme weather and climate sourcing risks. We share the list. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:LMA Consulting GroupUnion Pacific makes bid for Norfolk SouthernA report lists five nations most vulnerable to climate sourcing risksVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

291:  In today's Bite of Knowledge, I'm sharing about meat glue - what it is, why companies are adding it to their products, and what to look for on a label. This is a MUST listen! As always, if you have any questions for the show please email us at digestthispod@gmail.com. And if you like this show, please share it, rate it, review it and subscribe to it on your favorite podcast app.  Sponsored By: LINKS CHECKED  → LMNT | Get your FREE sample pack with any LMNT purchase at drinklmnt.com/DIGEST → Seed | Go to seed.com/digest and use code 25digest for 25% off Check Out Bethany: → Bethany's Instagram: @lilsipper → YouTube → Bethany's Website → Discounts & My Favorite Products → My Digestive Support Protein Powder → Gut Reset Book  → Get my Newsletters (Friday Finds)

We did something a little different this week a crossover with Erin and Lori from BROADcast for Manufacturers. We tackled how fear based leadership and economic uncertainty are gutting decision-making, hiring, and trust across the shop floor.We dug into why leaders freezing up or worse, constantly changing course is killing morale and productivity. A recent Russell Reynolds report gave us a solid starting point, but the real value came from real experience: what happens when leaders react instead of lead.We also discussed how different generations respond under pressure, why some Gen Z workers are stepping up faster than expected, and what shifting promotion trends mean for the future of your workforce.Highlights:The one-two punch of analysis paralysis and zigzag leadership.How fear-based decisions erode trust and slow teams down.What Gen Z expects from leadership—and how they're rising.The missed cost of inaction in uncertain times.Why clarity beats control every time.How are you leading through uncertainty? Send us a message or connect on LinkedIn we want to hear what's working and what's not. Connect with the Broads:Connect with Lori:LinkedInWebsiteConnect with Kris:LinkedIn WebsiteConnect with Erin:LinkedInGet in touch with us:Check out the Blue Collar BS website.Steve Doyle:WebsiteLinkedInEmailBrad Herda:WebsiteLinkedInEmailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrpOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we discuss how the National Defense Authorization Act could impact the right to repair movement. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman checks in with New Holland and Oxbo on what precision technology products are gaining the most traction with customers. Also in this episode, retired dealer-principal Lee Rogness shares what sort of impact shortlines had on his dealership's business and we take a look at how the shortlines owned by Linamar fared in this year's NAEDA Deal-Manufacturer Relations survey.

Puerto Rico is a smart source for recruiting manufacturing talent, and our guest on the podcast, Clay Martin, founder of Isla Talent, a staffing and recruiting agency specializing in this area, has been successfully matching companies with qualified Puerto Rican workers for over two decades. Find out the benefits and what's involved in the process of recruiting from this overlooked territory.Sponsored By:

Everything You Need to Know About EU Regulation 2025/1234 and the Future of eIFU for Medical Devices On July 16, 2025, a pivotal regulatory update—EU 2025/1234—comes into effect, expanding the use of electronic Instructions for Use (eIFU) to a much broader range of medical devices and accessories. Unlike previous regulations that limited eIFU to implantables or certain fixed devices, this amendment now authorizes the use of eIFU for all professional-use medical devices, including those covered by transitional provisions and even non-medical products listed under Annex XVI. This shift marks a turning point in the digitization of compliance documentation in the medical device industry. In this video, we walk you through the full impact of the new regulation, as well as the operational benefits and responsibilities that come with adopting eIFU.

Apparel Success Mastermind: https://www.skool.com/apparel-success-mastermind Design.com (design tool with discount): https://www.design.com/apparelsuccessHow To Find Quality Apparel Manufacturers & Suppliers In 2025 (Step By Step)If you're trying to find a reliable manufacturer for your clothing brand (or ANY product) without spending weeks doing research or hiring an agent, this video is going to blow your mind. In just 10 minutes, I used ChatGPT to locate the perfect overseas manufacturer for my brand TherapyWear — a patented heated hoodie for neck, back, and shoulder pain relief. No sourcing agent, no Google rabbit holes, no YouTube deep-dives. In this video, I walk you through the exact prompts and steps I used to get real manufacturer leads tailored to my specific product needs.

Learn the essential quality tools every manufacturer needs, including control charts, Pareto analysis, and root cause methods. Discover how to distinguish between normal and special cause variation.

This week's guest is Justin Goethe. Ron and Justin discussed why people struggle to get on board with lean, the role traditional consulting can play, why "A Plan for Every Part" is important, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  The quote Justin likes (2:57) Why we're hesitant to take action (4:02) Justin's background (5:16) Who Justin would train first (12:13) Getting the finance community on board (14:10) Why people struggle with lean (17:03) The role a consultant can play (18:11) Justin's advice for where to start (23:42) Why "A Plan for Every Part" is important (25:38) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Justin on LinkedIn Allied Logistics Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? How do you get people on board with lean?

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn't just another tax update—it's a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling your business down the road, the OBBB touches nearly every part of the decision-making process. That's why I called up my friends at CLA—Susan Roberts and Steve Combs—two tax pros who spend every day helping manufacturers figure out what's changing, what's staying the same, and what you need to do now. In this episode, we sort through what's “informational” and what's “actionable”—so you can stop guessing and start planning. We talk about everything from the return of 100% bonus depreciation, to how you can now expense R&D costs again (finally), to smart moves around entity selection and estate planning. There's even a little salt cap drama in there. If you want to get ahead before year-end—or avoid getting caught off guard—this episode's for you. Let's get into it and talk about how this “big, beautiful” bill can work for you… not against you. Segments (0:18) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (1:33) Learn more about Susan Roberts and Steve Combs (4:05) What's “informational” vs. “actionable” in the bill (7:42) Bonus depreciation is back—100% write-offs retroactive to Jan 19, 2025 (10:01) How cost segregation studies unlock more depreciation for recent building purchases (12:20) Why you shouldn't buy machines just for the deduction (13:45) QBI deduction (20%) made permanent (and what that means) (17:48) Entity selection: Is it time to consider a C Corp? (19:30) R&D can now be fully expensed—unlocking credits, cash flow, and retroactive deductions for everyday shop work (27:37) Why you should listen to Buy the Numbers (30:17) Interest expense deductions get easier for manufacturers in 2025 (32:00) Limitations on capitalizing interest into inventory coming in 2026 (33:21) Individual tax deductions: SALT cap increased from $10K to $40K (with phaseout) (38:02) Why PTET (pass-through entity tax) strategies still matter (40:39) Advanced manufacturing credit for semiconductors increased from 20% to 35% (42:09) Clarifying that buying tax credits is still an option for large C Corps (46:55) Estate exemption increased to $15M and indexed for inflation (48:02) Opportunity Zone deferral extended—now with rolling 10-year plan (50:10) Low-hanging fruit for 2025: R&D recapture, bonus depreciation, cost seg studies (53:40) The risk of unintended consequences without a tax advisor (55:01) Final verdict: Is the One Big Beautiful Bill actually beautiful for manufacturing? (1:01:16) Don't get burned by recruiters who don't understand manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode CLA's Website Susan Roberts - Susan.Roberts@CLAConnect.com Steve Combs - Steve.Combs@CLAConnect.com Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Manufacturing Grants Made Simple Hire MFG Leaders Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, also known as the Big Beautiful Bill, significant changes are coming to both solar panel and electric vehicle tax credits.  I break down what these changes mean, how they can affect your savings, and what steps you might want to take before these credits disappear. From figuring out if solar panels make sense for your home to understanding how electric vehicle credits work (and when they're expiring), this episode is packed with actionable insights and tips, especially for those planning for retirement or looking to cut down on monthly expenses. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [01:31] Residential solar panels are popular for reducing electric bills, offering significant savings, especially for retirees. [05:23] Solar tax credits are expiring soon. [09:07] Solar investments offset electric costs and protect against future rate hikes, beneficial long term. [11:28] Costs and break-even of electric cars. [13:08] Act now if you want to take advantage of solar tax credits. The Solar Panel Tax Credit is a Fading Opportunity One of the biggest draws for homeowners considering solar panels has been the significant federal tax credit, currently set at 30% of the total installation cost. This credit has made solar an appealing investment for many, offering a direct dollar-for-dollar reduction in the taxes owed. In high-cost electricity states like Connecticut, this can mean hundreds of dollars in monthly savings on your utility bill. However, the Big Beautiful Bill brings an unfortunate change: the solar tax credit is set to disappear at the end of this year. That means if you've been thinking about going solar, now is the time to act. If you don't install solar panels before the deadline could add years to your payback period, undermining the investment's attractiveness and putting it out of reach for many. Energy Savings of Battery Storage and EVs While solar panels are great for energy savings, adding a battery storage system further enhances their benefits. A battery can store excess solar power for use during peak times or outages, which is particularly helpful for retirees planning to stay in their homes for decades and looking to insulate themselves from rising electricity rates. Electric vehicles (EVs) also offer savings for households with high transportation costs. The federal EV tax credit, worth up to $7,500 on new cars and up to $4,000 for used EVs, has also been a strong motivator for those considering a switch from gas-powered vehicles. The Big Beautiful Bill also changes the EV tax credit, which will disappear even sooner than the solar incentive. Although there are several important limitations: only vehicles assembled in North America qualify, and there's a cap on purchase price ($55,000 for sedans, $80,000 for SUVs). Income limitations apply as well; single filers must earn less than $150,000 ($300,000 for married couples) to claim the new vehicle credit. The used EV credit comes with lower income caps ($75,000 for singles, $150,000 for couples) and is worth up to $4,000.  Should You Act Now?  Before making any big investment, think about the following: Timing: Both solar and EV credits will soon vanish. If you want the tax break, don't wait. Financial Health: The best return comes from paying cash, not financing or tapping retirement accounts. Long-term Plans: Solar and EV investments make the most sense if you plan to stay in your home and keep your vehicle for years to come. Manufacturers may eventually lower prices as credits disappear, but there are no guarantees. With energy incentives set to change dramatically, the window to maximize savings is closing fast. For homeowners and future retirees, the time to act is now, whether that means installing solar, purchasing an EV, or both. Consult with a financial advisor to consider how these decisions fit into your overall retirement and financial readiness strategy. The Treasury Department's official list of eligible vehicles shows that the cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs listed below qualify for a full $7,500 tax credit if placed in service between January 1 and September 30 of 2025.   In some cases, only certain trim levels or model years qualify. More vehicles may be added to or removed from this list as manufacturers continue to submit information on whether their vehicles are eligible. Acura ZDX EV (2024-2025 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Cadillac Lyriq (2024-2025 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Cadillac Optiq (2025 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Cadillac Vistiq (2026 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Chevrolet Blazer EV (2024-2026 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Chevrolet Equinox EV (2024-2026 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Chevrolet Silverado EV (2025-2026 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid PHEV (2024-2025 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Ford F-150 Lightning (2024-2025 model years for Flash trim, 2023-2025 model years for Lariat and XLT trims; MSRP $80,000 or below) Genesis Electrified GV70 (2026 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Honda Prologue (2024-2025 model years; MSRP $80,000 or below) Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2025 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Hyundai Ioniq 9 (2026 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Jeep Wagoneer S (2025 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Kia EV6 (2026 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Kia EV9 (2026 model year; MSRP $80,000 or below) Tesla Cybertruck (2025 model year for Dual Motor, Long Range, and Single Motor trims; MSRP $80,000 or below) Tesla Model 3 (2025 model year for Long Range AWD, Long Range RWD, and Performance trims; MSRP $55,000 or below) Tesla Model X (2025 model year for AWD trim; MSRP $80,000 or below) Tesla Model Y (2025-2026 model years for Long Range AWD and Long Range RWD trims; 2025 model year for Performance trims; MSRP $80,000 or below) Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Send us a textWebinar: What Every Engineer  Should Know About Contract ManufacturersRegister here: https://www.thewave.engineer/store/product/31-what-every-engineer-should-know-about-working-with-a-contract-manufacturer/About Being An Engineer The Being An Engineer podcast is a repository for industry knowledge and a tool through which engineers learn about and connect with relevant companies, technologies, people resources, and opportunities. We feature successful mechanical engineers and interview engineers who are passionate about their work and who made a great impact on the engineering community. The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us

Among the big winners with President Trump's bill are corporations and small businesses. The bill would make permanent the tax breaks from his first term, expand provisions on expenses and itemizations and allow companies to deduct the cost of new manufacturing plants. For a business perspective, William Brangham spoke with Jay Timmons of the National Association of Manufacturers. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders