Manufacturing TipsProduction planning How to Calculate Capacity Utilization: A Manufacturer’s Guide Measuring how much of your production capability you’re using is critical. Use too little, and you’re wasting resources. Push too close to the limit, and you risk failure and loss. Tracking capacity utilization helps you discover the sweet spot in your operation. By Steve Maurer, IME 19 min read
Manufacturing Tips Top 10 Manufacturing KPIs in 2026 The goal of every manufacturing business is to be as efficient as possible. But without being able to accurately gauge your efficiency, it is hard to know where you stand and what goals to set. Here is where manufacturing KPIs come into play. By Madis Kuuse 13 min read
Manufacturing Tips Root Cause Analysis in Manufacturing: What is RCA and How to Do it? It’s great when production runs smoothly. However, when problems arise, SMEs must delve deeper than surface symptoms and conduct a root cause analysis. Without identifying the underlying causes of failure, you’re trapped endlessly in putting out fires, wasting time and money on temporary fixes. By Steve Maurer, IME 21 min read
Manufacturing TipsProduction planning Manufacturing Workforce Management Guide for Small Businesses The manufacturing sector is in a constant staffing crisis. Efficient manufacturing workforce management, however, can help mitigate problems arising from worker shortages. By Madis Kuuse 7 min read
AccountingManufacturing Tips Production Costs: Definitions, Formulas, and How to Control Them Small businesses need to know exactly what each specific product costs to make. Not just the factory floor expenses. Everything. Production costs and manufacturing costs aren’t the same thing, even though people mix them up constantly. Get this wrong, and your pricing suffers, along with cost control. Your financial statements won’t tell you what’s really […] By Steve Maurer, IME 12 min read
Choosing a SoftwareManufacturing Tips Top 15 Lean Manufacturing Tools in 2026 Lean manufacturing tools help you organize workspaces and fix problems before they can slow you down. With these tools in place, you’ll be able to lower costs, boost quality control, and give your customers exactly what they want. By Siim Kanne 13 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain Decoupling Inventory: Protecting Orders With Strategic Supplies Every manufacturer knows how quickly things can go sideways. A delayed shipment here, equipment trouble there, and suddenly your whole operation falls behind. Decoupling inventory takes a different approach. By placing buffer stock at key production points, manufacturers can absorb these shocks without losing their delivery commitments to meet demand. By Steve Maurer, IME 15 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Lead Time in Manufacturing: A Complete Guide to Types, Strategies, and Optimization Some manufacturers hit every delivery date. Others constantly scramble with delays. What’s the difference? It might just be how you estimate and manage lead times. By Steve Maurer, IME 15 min read
Manufacturing Tips The Ultimate Introduction to Manufacturing (2026) Manufacturing is the process of transforming raw materials into finished products through various physical, chemical, or mechanical means. Here is all you need to know as a newcomer to the industry. By Madis Kuuse 21 min read