Technology Advice for Job Shops
When it comes to overseas competition, job shops have some degree of insulation since they tend to deal in highly custom and contract-oriented work, which lends itself to domestic production. However, in today's harsh economic climate, there are further steps small job shops should consider to help protect themselves from the forces of globalization. An article at Software Advice provides a clear recipe for shops looking to drive efficiency and output to proactively defend against these marketplace realities. Other than trained talent, technology, specifically software, is the key ingredient for enacting and maintaining a strong business advantage, and the five technologies outlined in the article aim to create that advantage.
Step one advises job shops to implement product modeling software to streamline the design process. Since job shops deal in custom production, many contracts are for a limited number of made-to-order products. Computer-aided design (CAD) software makes it possible to work out pre-engineering details for a smoother design flow. The precision of an automated design process also limits the need for retooling. While in the past, much of the product design work was the purview of outside firms, now the functions of design, prototyping and production are converging, and the software supports this process. The benefits of CAD software include faster time to market and lower production costs, in addition to the flexibility of custom machine programming.
Laser cutting tools can be used in tandem with CAD software for creating precision parts. Shop software promises enhanced efficiency and a streamlined workflow, and provides production managers with the information they need to make smart business decisions. And tablet computers, including the now iconic iPad, will track, monitor and report production in real time and the ultra-portable devices allow information to be input virtually from any location.
For good measure, the article gives one final non-technical piece of advice that is especially salient for the small job shop looking to increase competition. Outsourced marketing. By offloading certain marketing and sales functions to these service firms, the manufacturing shops can put greater focus on order fulfillment, i.e., making things.
