The Thomas Blog

Can Disruptive Technologies Lead To Disruption For Your Business?

As new technologies emerge, new possibilities for disruption do as well. Smartphones and apps enabled Uber and Lyft to disrupt the staid taxi business, while the widespread availability of high-speed Internet allowed Netflix to bury Blockbuster and, ultimately, become one of the most profitable companies in the world. Even brick-and-mortar industries, like hotels and hospitality, aren’t immune to disruption, as evidenced the growing popularity of Airbnb.

Is Your Intellectual Property At Risk?

Industry 4.0 has revolutionized the manufacturing and industrial space by introducing new technologies, making it possible to enhance productivity, visibility, connectivity, and profitability like never before.

However, along with the technology, Industry 4.0 has also introduced plenty of new risks as well. Chief among these growing threats is the potential theft of your intellectual property (IP).

How To Adopt Industry 4.0 In Your Shop

Fueled by new technology like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Big Data, Industry 4.0 offers tremendous potential for improving operational efficiency and spurring growth. However, many manufacturers perceive Industry 4.0 adoption as more of an obligation than an opportunity, something to be relegated to an IT department rather than presented as a strategic, company-wide initiative.

A Summer Road Trip Through Manufacturing History

It’s finally summer, and that means warm weather, long weekends, and lazy, sun-soaked vacations. Some factories and shops even partially or fully shut down during the summer months, giving workers more time to spend with their loved ones.

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.

10 Awesome Mobile Apps For Industrial Marketers

By now, most industrial and manufacturing companies understand the importance of optimizing their digital marketing campaigns for all types of mobile devices. Your buyers access information anytime, anywhere, so all of your content must be able to be easily accessed, viewed, and navigated across a variety of devices. But are you yourself optimized for mobile? Does your team have the resources to get work done while on the go?

Will New Tariffs Impact The Supply Chain? They Already Are.

By now, you’ve probably heard the news that the Trump administration is expected to enact a formal order imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. While details of the tariffs are still emerging, the supply chain is already feeling their effects.

This Is Where Your Buyers Are Struggling — And Where You Can Help

No matter how much you love what you do, there are going to be individual aspects of your job that prove frustrating. Maybe it's because they take a lot of time to complete, or come with a lot of pressure, or perhaps there aren't clear best practices for accomplishing the task.

No matter the reason, it can make your job — and your life —a lot more frustrating.

The Logistics Of The Pyeongchang Olympics

Every two years, the Olympics bring together some of the best athletes in the world. But in between the games, supply chain professionals, logistics experts, and manufacturers work to bring the event itself together.

This year’s games in Pyeongchang represented one of the most challenging logistical hurdles of any Olympics. Here’s what went into making the games a reality.