Manufacturing Tips: Boosting Efficiency and Productivity

Inventory Costs – Types, Examples, and Tips to Manage Them

Inventory costs make up a substantial part of any manufacturing or distribution company’s total expenses. But the purchase price is just the beginning—storage, handling, and opportunity costs add up fast. Getting a handle on these expenses directly impacts your bottom line, profit margins, and competitive position.

By Steve Maurer, IME 18 min read

Manufacturing TipsProduction planning

What Is BOM Version Control?

BOM version control is the process of managing and tracking changes made to a bill of materials. It is essential for ensuring smooth operations in environments where the BOM is continuously updated.

By Madis Kuuse 7 min read

Manufacturing TipsProduction planning

The Small CPG Brand’s Guide to Co-Manufacturing and Co-Packing

For many growing CPG brands, outsourcing is the key to scaling up without investing in massive facilities or specialized equipment. While co-manufacturers and co-packers facilitate growth, they also introduce new challenges.

By Madis Kuuse 6 min read

InventoryManufacturing Tips

Warehouse Organization – 10 Best Practices for Small Businesses

There are many moving parts to running a profitable business. One critical but often overlooked component is an efficient warehouse operation. Here’s why it’s important, along with 10 warehouse organization tips to optimize and keep it running smoothly.

By Steve Maurer, IME 13 min read

InventoryManufacturing Tips

What Is Dead Stock and How to Avoid It?

Dead stock, also called dead inventory, happens when materials, components, or products lose their purpose. Understanding the causes of dead stock helps you prevent costly tie-ups of cash and space. Dead stock management starts with recognizing the warning signs.

By Steve Maurer, IME 12 min read

Manufacturing Tips

Flow Production – A Quick Guide for SMEs

Flow production means your manufacturing line rarely, if ever, stops. Materials enter at one end and finished products come out the other in a continuous stream. This continuous production method keeps operations moving fast while cutting waste and maintaining quality.

By Steve Maurer, IME 12 min read

Manufacturing Tips

Maintenance Management Guide for Manufacturing SMEs

Fix it before it breaks. That simple idea sets the basis for maintenance management and makes the difference between a manufacturing facility that’s constantly putting out fires and one that runs like clockwork. Preventive maintenance isn’t rocket science, but it does require changing how we think about equipment care and maintenance activities.

By Steve Maurer, IME 10 min read

Manufacturing Tips

What Is Closed-Loop Manufacturing?

While other shops are still paying to haul away perfectly good material, smart manufacturers are cutting costs by reusing what they already have in their manufacturing processes. Let’s dig into what makes closed-loop manufacturing work and why more shops are making the switch.

By Steve Maurer, IME 10 min read

Choosing a SoftwareManufacturing Tips

Traceability in Manufacturing – A Comprehensive Guide for SMEs

Manufacturing traceability isn’t just a fancy catchword. It’s the mark of quality, compliance, and competitiveness for shops of all sizes. Find out what traceability really means for smaller manufacturers, learn how it protects your production process, and discover practical ways to implement it without blowing your budget.

By Steve Maurer, IME 20 min read