SmarterChains / Smart Manufacturing Leaders
Tariff Turbulence: Hunting Down Invisible Inefficiencies to Protect Margins
In a flashback to 2018, the U.S. manufacturing sector is once again bracing for impact. Trump 2.0 is reintroducing sweeping tariffs—this time proposing a hike on imports from key trading partners, including China and Europe1. From automotive components to food ingredients, the proposed tariffs could affect more than $1 trillion in annual trade volume2....
SmarterChains / Smart Manufacturing Leaders
Take OpEx to the Next Level: How SmarterChains’ Platform Bridges Process Improvement with Tangible ROI
Manufacturers worldwide rely on Operational Excellence (OpEx) frameworks like Integrated Work Systems (IWS), Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM to eliminate inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement. These methodologies have transformed production systems by enabling process standardization, empowering employees, and ensuring incremental improvements over time....
SmarterChains / Information Technology
Operational Excellence First: The Hidden Prerequisite for Scalable Digital Transformation
Digital transformation has become a rallying cry in manufacturing boardrooms across the world. From predictive maintenance to AI-powered quality control, the promises of Industry 4.0 are both exciting and — at times — overwhelming. Vendors flood the market with smart tools, and leadership teams feel increasing pressure to modernize their operations....
SmarterChains / Smart Manufacturing Leaders
From Chaos to Clarity: How Value Intelligence Unifies Manufacturing Improvement Programs
Across the manufacturing world, improvement is everywhere — but alignment is rare. Step inside any global manufacturing enterprise, and you’ll encounter an array of well-intentioned initiatives underway. A Lean team is focused on reducing waste and improving cycle times. A digital innovation team is testing AI-powered quality tools. ESG leaders are tracking emissions and launching energy-efficiency projects. Meanwhile, the finance function is pushing for tighter cost control and faster ROI....
Robotic Grippers: 5 Top Technologies
5 innovative technologies for Robotic Handling via Grippers by companies like Zimmer, Robot System Products, IPR (Intelligente Peripherien für Roboter), Empire Robotics and Schmalz....
5 Innovative Edge Computing Solutions
5 top Fog and Edge Computing solutions: ClearBlade’s IoT Edge Platform, Xaptum’s Edge Network Fabric, OSIsoft ‘s PI System,Nebbiolo’s Fog Computing Platform, and FogHorn’s Lightning....
6 top solutions for Semi Automatic Case Erecting and Sealing Systems
Review of 6 companies innovating in the Case Erecting and Sealing sector....
Robotic Goods to Person: Top 7 Companies right now in Warehouse Automation
A list of companies innovating Warehouse Automation with Robotic Goods to Person. It includes solutions by Viastore Systems, Invata, Dematic, OPEX Corporation, TGW, UNEX and Eiratech....
Manufacturing's Next Step: From CoE To Ecosystem of Excellence
A CoE is a business investment: A team that develops and shares best practices and orchestrates end-to-end transformation. In SmarterChains’ experience, however, it is only a stepping stone....
Industrial Handheld Devices: Top 8 Solutions
A list of 8 companies that build Handheld Devices for Industrial use: Zebra, abas ERP, Alien Technology, Omron Microscan, Casio Computers, Sonim, Tasklet Factory and Ubimax....
Automated Load Carriers: 6 Companies that carve the way for the Industry 4.0 Plant
Top solutions for Driverless and Automated Guided Vehicles in the factory....
End-of-line Palletizing: 5 Solutions for the Factory of the Future
A list of the 5 most reliable solutions in End-of-Line Palletizing by CSI Portal, Dematic, Alvey Group, Brenton Engineering and End of Line Packaging Solutions....
Collaborative Robotics and IIOT
Collaborative robotics, or cobotics, is the leading buzzword for anyone relying heavily on the Industrial Internet of Things....
Industry 4.0 Complexity and Uncertainty – Why Some Manufacturers Thrive
Why do some manufacturing companies gain more value from Industry 4.0 than others? Because they regard the adoption of Industry 4.0 as an overall strategic business objective....
Factory Culture of the Future: A sensible guide to Adhocracy
Imagine a synergistic organization, where silos are broken by common customer-centric objectives and a transparent flow of information....
Embracing the possibilities of Industry 4.0 in the COVID-19 era
Clearly, the time to move, to get ahead of the curve, is now by preparing and defining your future capabilities for what is next and beyond. At SmarterChains, our three-stage approach – Prepare, Define, Execute – helps manufacturers embrace the possibilities of Industry 4.0....
Ten Factory of the Future Dimensions – Your way to Industry 4.0 transformation
At SmarterChains we call these areas the 10 Factory of the Future dimensions....
