The Thomas Blog

Building An Industry 4.0 Workforce

With the introduction of new technologies, Industry 4.0 has changed how manufacturing works. As a result, it’s also changed who is needed to work within the industry. While traditional skills like machining and tooling are tremendously valuable, manufacturers now require employees with proficiency in fields like augmented reality, big data, and robotics, to get the most out of all the new technology.

How To Utilize Business Mapping To Boost Industrial Sales

For three weeks in early spring, the Portland, Maine area was on edge. Fifteen armed robberies had been committed beginning on March 20, and the well-covered and cautious perpetrator had evaded security cameras — and law enforcement.

Tariff Talks Take Another Turn

On Thursday, May 31, the Trump administration announced that it will begin imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico, Canada, and countries within the European Union.

5 Quick Tips For Improving Quality Control On Your Shop Floor

Even if you think your operation couldn't get better, there's always room for improvement. Thanks to rapidly developing technology, you have new options to implement quality control on your shop floor. With a few tweaks to your process, you can see distinct improvements in quality while maintaining a lean manufacturing process.

5 Risks Of Exporting Manufactured Goods — And How To Avoid Them

With tariffs and trade taking center stage in recent months, a lot of the discussion has focused on the importing of goods and services. However, it has also sparked a renewed interest — and intensity — in exporting.

3 Financial Pitfalls Every Manufacturer Should Avoid

The manufacturing industry is largely comprised of small businesses. In fact, according to the latest information from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 98 percent of manufacturing companies in the U.S. are considered to be small (with fewer than 500 employees). Further still, nearly 75 percent of manufacturing companies actually have fewer than 20 employees. 

Within these smaller organizations, financial decisions always loom incredibly large. Every dollar counts, and one misstep can have disastrous consequences. That's why it's important to steer clear of these common pitfalls. 

The Keys To Connecting With Big Buyers

Landing a contract with a big buyer can have an equally big impact on your business. However, large buying organizations tend to do things a bit differently than the clients you’re likely used to serving.

Green Manufacturing: The Business Benefits Of Sustainability

A few years ago, terms like “going green” and “eco-friendly” were all the rage for businesses. And while those words aren’t quite as buzzworthy today, they are still worth quite a lot to the people that really matter to manufacturers — B2B buyers.

How Augmented Reality Will Disrupt The Manufacturing Industry

Virtual reality and augmented reality are in the same vein when it comes to modern technology. They both deal with digital content relayed through an immersive environment or experience. The difference, however, is how encompassing that experience truly is.