Small American Manufacturers Are Leveraging Technology for a Smarter Second Wind Post-COVID

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s there were significant declines in U.S. manufacturing jobs.  Some figures indicate a nearly 30% reduction in the first decade of the new millennia.

Now manufacturing has been hit hard again, like so many other businesses, by COVID-19.  However, for manufacturers there may be a silver lining to this pandemic, if we decide to choose it.

Make American Manufacturing Great

Let’s jump straight to the opportunity at hand.  We have the cause and the means to make “Made in America” the next wave of economic development and to reclaim our independence in the world.

American manufacturers have proven that we have the capability to make every essential product and provide every essential service, so that we will never again run out of PPE, or respirators, or anything else we need.

Let’s get back to being America – the builders, the makers, the most creative and productive economic force on earth.  But let’s be smart about it; using technology wisely to help keep us competitive.

Entrepreneurs are people who have a vision, but they need a team of talented and dedicated people to help make that dream a reality.  They also need technology.  And we are swimming in technology from new materials, to 3D printers for prototyping, to intelligent machines that produce products faster and better than ever before.

Technology Helps the Supply Chain

And, software for planning and managing manufacturing operations enables efficiencies to keep the supply chain flowing smoothly.  The right manufacturing ERP system can help streamline and increase throughput in smaller operations that are manually tracking or using outdated systems.

Everyone wants to make more money, so we have to be super-productive and produce lots of high quality, affordable products.  It just won’t work any other way on this global stage.  Continuous improvement is required, not optional.  Every one of us must be aware of how productive we are individually and as a team. And keep getting better.

Now may be the time to invest in technology for your operation to prepare for a forthcoming economic recovery.  For smaller manufacturers using spreadsheets or outdated systems, making the leap to automation can help you gain control of your shop floor, ramp up production, and increase productivity.

When vetting a new system, make sure your software supports your unique processes while helping you reduce product lead times, maintain leaner inventory, and automate shop floor control to plan for growth.

Efficient Systems Help Increase Employment

An effective manufacturing system will help you streamline operations and gain visibility to see what is going on in your plant; what jobs will need what materials and when they will be needed; where the constraints will be and how to plan to speed the flow through your plant to your customers.

The faster the better; and that starts with estimating a new opportunity quickly and efficiently delivering a quote that you are confident about, properly costed and with proper margins.  And, the right system allows you more throughput with fewer employees, reduces errors, and eliminates redundant entry – freeing up your staff to accomplish other critical operational tasks.

Passport Software wants to help.  PBS™ Manufacturing Software is being provided at no cost for a year for manufacturers producing items that help fight or prevent COVID-19.  We want to help these critical operations work smarter and more productively.

Any entrepreneur with a vision for a better product or production method has an opportunity to bring back jobs and joy to people who live to produce great products and like doing it.  American businesses are ready to “Buy American” from a trusted partner who will be there when needed.

It is time for a smarter second wind to kick in and propel American manufacturing back to the forefront.