Manufacturers should prepare for Covid-19 to be a constant in business throughout the remainder of 2020. Why? While it appears there will be numerous vaccine candidates reaching later stage clinical trials for Covid-19 in the months to come, it is unlikely they will have a significant effect on the mass population in 2020 based on the statements of numerous medical authorities. Combine this with spiking cases throughout different regions in the country and we get a recipe for a situation where things may get worse before they improve. Manufacturers need to be prepared for this scenario. Many Surplus Record readers are familiar with the general guidelines that the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and others have published around Covid-19. These recommendations include: engaging public officials in lobbying for key legal … [Read more...] about New Technologies and Data are Preparing for Covid-19 as a “Constant” Throughout 2020
Industry News
Contractors Represent Both Opportunity and Potential Risk for Manufacturers
While most people are not familiar with the details of what has been known as the “gig” or freelancer economy, chances are, however that you’re taking advantage of it. For example, if you took an Uber out to dinner last weekend to enjoy that extra glass of wine, then you took advantage of this new, non-employee universe. Uber is not alone in changing how we consume and employ temporary labor (for minutes, hours, days or longer). Like Uber, technology firms such as Wonolo connect pre-qualified and vetted workers (e.g., background check, drug screening) with general labor, warehouse operations, delivery/logistics and other opportunities for “on-demand” work. Why Freelancing is The Next Work Industry Wonolo is one of hundreds of online platforms and apps that serve business-to-business needs for matching work requirements with … [Read more...] about Contractors Represent Both Opportunity and Potential Risk for Manufacturers
3 Economic Expectations May be False: Importance of Seeking Alternative Perspectives
Whether you’re on the left or right, trust in mainstream news has declined precipitously in recent years, not only because of media bias, but also because much of what existing outlets proclaim will happen ends up being at best, misleading, and at worst, completely wrong. In fact, several well-known prognosticators have predicted that the next Presidential election will, in large part, be determined by podcasts and social media due to the dissolution of trust in traditional news sources. However, when it comes to business topics—especially those involving the US economy and manufacturing—information consumers do not have the same alarm bells built in when consuming news. Nor do many seek out (despite the existence of dozens of great sources) expert analysis that offers conflicting opinions on economics. We believe this means that … [Read more...] about 3 Economic Expectations May be False: Importance of Seeking Alternative Perspectives
How To Fix The Manufacturing Talent Gap
At a recent monthly meeting of local executives that we participate in, a recurring theme emerged: a significant loss of talent and skills in manufacturing, challenging to replace with new hires. A primary reason for this talent gap is demographic: the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. Some sources indicate that 10,000 Baby Boomers reach retirement age daily, though not all are leaving the workforce immediately upon eligibility. Pew Research Center reports that by the end of 2021, nearly 50% of adults over 55 had retired. However, among those aged 55-64, less than 20% had chosen retirement. This specific age group is increasingly impacting manufacturers, many of whom are inadequately prepared in knowledge management to transfer these workers' 40+ years of experience to new recruits or systems. Deloitte Consulting and … [Read more...] about How To Fix The Manufacturing Talent Gap
Rethinking Middle Class Manufacturing Income Inequality in North America
A society in which everyone, especially the middle class, has an opportunity to increase their compensation level at an annual pace that outpaces inflation, is a dream for just about everyone, regardless of political beliefs. This of course requires a robust economy and a balance of trade such that a country can both produce and consume. But recently, the chatter of “income inequality” among commentators and the news media has grown to a fever pitch. It is also a constant rallying cry of the Presidential candidate pool. In a recent ABC news article, Larry Mishel, Distinguished Fellow at the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, puts it bluntly: “Working people have taken it on the chin for many decades. They’ve not been able to get the help of government to be on their sides, the employers are suppressing their … [Read more...] about Rethinking Middle Class Manufacturing Income Inequality in North America
