Ensuring the future of manufacturing in the United States has multiple benefits, both for businesses and consumers; it creates well-paying jobs, boosts national security, and encourages development in multiple sectors. For American manufacturing professionals fighting against low-priced competition overseas, innovation is a crucial step in bolstering domestic production. By upgrading current manufacturing operations, American companies can keep pace with competitors without sacrificing quality.
Experimentation is one of the most important factors in creating new innovations. History has shown that when companies experiment with new layouts, machines, and technology, they wind up creating innovative solutions that advance manufacturing to the next level. In a tough economy, many business leaders in the manufacturing industry don't feel they have the freedom to change up their factories; the risk is simply too high. However, because high output and innovation are often linked, American manufacturing professionals must find ways to move forward.
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, new developments in the Obama administration are aimed at promoting advanced manufacturing in the United States. Although many politicians tout manufacturing as a way to create jobs, the opposite is often true. Advances in American manufacturing are certain to lead to fewer low-level jobs; innovation is usually aimed at finding ways to accomplish a task in less time and with fewer people. Even so, manufacturing advances are crucial to keeping up with inexpensive manufacturing options that are available in places like China.
Obama's National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) is just one of the keys in creating innovations in American manufacturing. In order to create cutting-edge developments, American manufacturers must create partnerships with researchers and scientific organizations. The idea that manufacturing is separate from scientific research is outdated. The reality is that scientific developments in materials design, nanotechnology, and other pioneering fields are likely to have a major impact on the next generation of manufacturing. By working closely with scientists, American manufacturers can stay on the leading edge of research and development.
When times are tough, many companies tend to focus on regional manufacturing innovations or ideas that have a narrow focus. According to Forbes magazine, innovation is more likely to happen when research is spread among numerous industries and technologies, so research efforts should focus on widespread development rather than regional needs. In addition, it is important that companies and investors strike a balance between meeting consumer demands and exploring new avenues. As they move toward future developments, American manufacturing firms should learn from the lessons of the past.
No matter what products they make or what industries they target, American manufacturing companies will be pressured to innovate or fail. As the standard business model changes, manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve by watching trends and taking steps to advance their technology and operations.
(Photo courtesy of koko-tewan / freedigitalphotos.net)
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