This is an original article from the NIST Manufacturing Innovation Blog.

Industrial control systems (ICS) help manufacturers boost productivity, optimize efficiency and advance production lines. Historically, ICS networks were isolated from the information technology (IT) networks and internet, or “air gapped.” Today, air gapping is no longer an effective security strategy, and for various business reasons, many ICS manufacturing networks are now integrated with IT networks and connected to the internet. This makes ICS more vulnerable to cyber threats such as malware, malicious insider activity and human error.

This article is provided by ITR Economics in partnership with IMEC.

Consumers and businesses alike are expressing increasing concern over the possibility of a recession for the US economy in 2022 or 2023. Analysts have referenced rising interest rates, high inflation, and a brief inversion of a portion of the yield curve, among other datapoints, as evidence that may indicate upcoming contraction. We at ITR Economics are here to cut through the headlines and reassure you that the US economy will grow through at least 2024 – we do not anticipate a recession until 2026. Our forecast for US Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calls for a general slowing growth trend to culminate in relatively flat GDP around early 2023. The pace of growth will then pick up steam into 2024.

The MEP National Network equips U.S. manufacturers with the tools and resources necessary to be competitive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. With MEP Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, U.S. manufacturers have easy access to comprehensive, proven solutions. In fiscal year (FY) 2021, the Network interacted with 34,307 manufacturers.

Below, you will find a summary of the nationwide 2021 impacts. 

To read about IMEC reported metrics for 2021, please click here. 

This article is written by Winsby.

From initial planning to analyzing the results

Marketing seems simple: you’re just spreading the word about your company, right? That doesn’t take much skill, right? Wrong and wrong.

Marketing requires more than just putting together an email or writing an ad. Marketing is a nuanced, multifaceted process that can overwhelm even the most successful business operators.

This article is written by StratMg.

Looking for ways to achieve consistent manufacturing sales growth? This post introduces B2B digital marketing strategies that we’ve seen generate more than $100M+ in sales for our industrial manufacturing partners. This method gets results!

So, if you’re seeking solutions for sustained manufacturing sales growth with less effort and time, read on!

Then, learn even more about putting digital marketing strategies into action in our manufacturing sales growth webinar produced in partnership with IMEC (the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center).

This article is provided by ITR Economics in partnership with IMEC.

This is an original article from NIST Manufacturing Innovation Blog.

Disruptions in the global supply chain have led to a new dynamic for many small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) – the need to be more strategic about “second sourcing” and reshoring. The biggest increase is in what’s referred to as second sourcing, which adds redundancies such as a second source of a supply to minimize risk while increasing options. But supply chain experts also are seeing an interest in relying long term on domestic supply sources. 

This is an original article from the NIST Manufacturing Innovation Blog.

Up and down busy streets nationwide, the same six-word banners stand outside in front of hundreds of businesses. Affixed to poles on front lawns or hanging above entrance doors, these inescapable banners, while the numbers may vary, almost always have the same wording:

This article is written by Webit.

Business leaders invest a lot of time and resources into cybersecurity because they understand that protecting sensitive data is a necessity in the digital age. One business component that often gets overlooked are business printers. They are also vulnerable to cyberattacks, so make sure to follow these tips to ensure your company stays protected.

An original article from the NIST Manufacturing Innovation Blog.

The lean manufacturing movement came out of a desire to reduce waste and inefficiencies and improve productivity in the operation. Many manufacturers have also benefited from the resulting continuous improvement mindset as engaged employees became empowered to change things for the better.