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Does your manufacturing company do more than just make things? Historically, manufacturers have adopted a product-centric business model. Today, just making a good product isn’t good enough. That’s the word from Cisco, a leading manufacturer of networking equipment. According to the Silicon Valley giant, the service that happens after a sale is also important – and often represents a lost revenue opportunity.

New York State companies that export what they make do more than increase total sales. They diversify their customer base for more balanced growth. As members of the global economy, these companies also tend to become more innovative and flexible. Often, NYS exporters become the employers of choice in their geographic areas. That’s especially good news for manufacturers, who sometimes struggle to find and attract talent.

Just-in-time inventory (JIT) helps manufacturers to curb waste and control costs. By receiving goods as they’re needed during production, JIT reduces inventory overhead. There’s a catch, however. Manufacturers must forecast demand with accuracy. Suppliers must deliver on potentially tight timetables. Amazon Prime Air promises deliveries in 30 minutes or less, but will this service meet the needs of manufacturers?

What will the factories of the future look like? Energy-efficient buildings and advanced production technologies are part of the plan, but what about product design and development? For technology futurist Jordan Brandt, four manufacturing trends will change how designers do their jobs. Is your company ready for meta materials, more powerful platforms, greater personalization, and hyperconnectivity?

Each year, thousands of manufacturers participate in Manufacturing Day. MFG DAY, as this international event is also known, is when companies like yours open their doors to students and educators. The results of this year’s October 2 MFG Day are now available, and you might be surprised by what the survey says.