NWIRC

Now that holidays are over, students are settling back into classes- whether in-person or remote learning. Here's a reminder for teachers or parents of students in 6th-12th grades about a career exploration for manufacturing. With a quick activity, students have a chance to win Amazon and Apple gift card prizes. https://www.nwirc.org/exploring-the-marvels-of-manufacturi/ West Central Job Partnership... Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Northwest Bank Neff Group Distributors, Inc. ABB Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5 Riverview Intermediate Unit #6 Career Street NWPA Job Connect Steel Valley Authority See more

Our Robotics & Automation monthly series continues on Jan 19 - featuring Vectis Automation. See more details and register for a quick 30 minute look at this welding solution... https://www.nwirc.org//robotic-welding-solutions-from-box/ Neff Group Distributors, Inc.... Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA See more

Our virtual ISO 9001 Internal Auditor training starts on Monday, and there is just a little more time to get registered. This is a convenient way for companies to get their required ISO training... it's live online instruction for 2-hours over the course of 12 sessions. https://www.nwirc.org//iso-90012015-internal-auditor-trai/ #ImproveWithNWIRC

Energizing your team and keeping them moving forward can sometimes be a challenge. It's a New Year, and this employee development series starting next week will offer new tools and resources for your team to start using right way. https://www.nwirc.org//employee-development-webinar-serie/ #EmpowerWithNWIRC

In lean expert, Craig Corsi's newsletter article this month, he focuses on the Paul Akers' approach to lean, which is to keep it simple and fun- and to fix "what bugs you". https://www.nwirc.org/what-bugs-you-focus-on-a-2-second-fi/ #ImproveWithNWIRC

In this month's column by NWIRC's Robert Zaruta, he writes about a new B2B website to connect regional manufacturers and showcase the capabilities of companies in the region... https://www.nwirc.org/unveiling-a-new-regional-b2b-tool/

The Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Centers (IRCs) recently released their 2020 annual report video, which outlines the strides our state's manufacturing industry made last year with the number of established manufacturing companies, job creation, dollars of goods produced and the number of exported goods - all despite the pandemic. With the support of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, our clients, and our outstanding team members.... NWIRC has played a key role in moving our regional manufacturers forward. Please take three minutes to learn more about the size, strength and resiliency of our manufacturing base here in PA! https://youtu.be/MJ5UVa6ZgCs

Enjoy NWIRC's January 2021 Newsletter. Be safe as we glide into the New Year! https://www.nwirc.org/news/nwirc-newsletters/

With a predicted welding labor shortage of 400,000 workers by 2024, join Vectis Automation to see how robot solutions can address your skilled needs. https://www.nwirc.org//robotic-welding-solutions-from-box/

This 2-part webinar (Jan 21/Feb4) will explore the reasons for ERP software’s inability to meet expectations and offer some programmatic solutions to gain control and improve the use of, results from, and satisfaction with manufacturing and distribution ERP software. https://www.nwirc.org//tips-and-tools-for-maximizing-the-/

ISO Internal Auditor training starts on Jan 11! https://www.nwirc.org//iso-90012015-internal-auditor-trai/

Think differently, better understand how to find the root cause of a problem and create long-term sustainable solutions...employee development for your team in the New Year. https://www.nwirc.org//employee-development-webinar-serie/ #EmpowerWithNWIRC

Considering automation or robotic solutions in 2021? The next session in our webinar series features robotic welding solutions.... https://www.nwirc.org//robotic-welding-solutions-from-box/ Neff Group Distributors, Inc. Vectis Automation

NWIRC Employee Development Specialist, Lisa Pustelak, will facilitate a webinar series focused on critical thinking starting in January. The three virtual sessions are designed to help participants progress through thinking differently, understanding the root cause of a problem, and creating long-term sustainable solutions. Read more... https://www.nwirc.org//employee-development-webinar-serie/ #EmpowerWithNWIRC

An ERP system is one of the largest expenditures in IT assets that a company makes, yet many have struggled to fully and successfully implement features in their ERP software. A webinar next month, featuring Scott Holter of Meaden & Moore, will share some tips for improving use, results, and satisfaction from your system. https://www.nwirc.org//tips-and-tools-for-maximizing-the-/ #InnovateWithNWIRC

October was national Manufacturing Month, but NWIRC and sponsors are keeping the Marvels of Manufacturing at the forefront with a sequel. If you have children in grades 6th thru 12th, or teach those grades, this is a great activity for remote learning and helps fulfill education requirements for career exploration. If nothing else, kids have an opportunity to win Amazon gift cards and also learn about companies in their own backyard. Numerous students across the region were p...rize winners in the last round. Submissions for the sequel are due by Jan 31, 2021! Please share.... https://www.nwirc.org/exploring-the-marvels-of-manufacturi/ Sponsors include: Northwest Bank Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA Neff Group Distributors, Inc. ABB

View our training catalog if you're making plans for employee development in the new year... https://www.nwirc.org/training-and-events/

"While we all know our employees are the ‘roots’ of our company, we typically focus on other parts of the business versus ensuring these roots are strong and able to endure the storms that will come along. One way to strengthen the roots of your team is to create Individual Development Plans." NWIRC's Lisa Pustelak shares a few steps to get started. #empowerwithnwirc #employeedevelopment

The internal audit is an important tool for your ISO 9001 quality management system. Is it time to train additional employees or schedule a refresher for yourself? This virtual training course is a convenient and cost effective way for our regional manufacturers to kick-off the new year! https://www.nwirc.org/.../iso-90012015-internal-auditor.../ #ImproveWithNWIRC

Elk County Powdered Metal (ECPM) in Ridgway, PA is participating in the COVID-19 Recovery Program (CRP) and recently shared thoughts on the process. #RecoverWithNWIRC

"Small to mid-sized manufacturing companies often don’t focus on sales enablement strategies because they don’t know what it is, think it’s costly, or don’t have the resources to implement. Sales enablement is the organizational support required to move sales forward." Read more...

A recent article by continuous improvement expert, Craig Corsi...... "As lean practitioner for nearly 23 years, I was taught the practices, techniques, and methodologies of lean manufacturing through a large OEM. Even beyond my professional experience at GE, I was continuously exposed to only one approach. An approach that, today, I consider to be ‘traditional’ lean. A few years ago, I began facilitating the NWIRC’s new Lean Together program. It was my first glimpse into the book, 2 Second Lean, by author and manufacturer, Paul Akers. His book was the most refreshing and entertaining approach to lean I had ever read." Read more... https://www.nwirc.org/traditional-lean-vs-2-second-lean/

With the spike in COVID-19 cases a major concern as we near the end of the year, it may be a good time to take a deeper look within your manufacturing business. Consider scheduling a COVID-19 Recovery Program no-cost assessment. NWIRC's Susan Hileman or Tom Weible can share additional information or find more details here... https://www.nwirc.org/covid-19-recovery-program/ #RecoverWithNWIRC

GD&T is a popular training for manufacturers. This class is scheduled for next week, should you need to train more employees or need a refresher. https://www.nwirc.org//geometric-dimensioning-tolerancing/

If you missed the Robotics & Automation webinar held early this week, you can catch it here. Learn from ABB about using collaborative robots with employees. https://youtu.be/HgKQIUVJsdQ The next session in this series is scheduled for January 19... the topic, Robotic Welding Solutions, from Box to Bead in 24 Hours https://www.nwirc.org//robotic-welding-solutions-from-box/ ... Neff Group Distributors, Inc. Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA

In this month’s column, NWIRC's Robert Zaruta shares information about the recent US Senate Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Manufacturing hearing, ‘Examining the American Manufacturing Industry’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic’. He says, Listening to this Subcommittee hearing, and reflecting on the challenges we’ve heard from companies participating in the COVID-19 Recovery Program, reinforced for me the importance of an available resource. It’s the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)'s Supplier Scouting program. Read more https://www.nwirc.org/growing-with-supplier-scouting/

Manufacturers in the automotive industry...... this IATF Internal Auditor course starting on Dec 7 (virtually) will cover requirements of both the ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 standards, including the IATF requirements for Internal Auditors regarding Core Tools and Customer-Specific Requirements. There is still a couple days to register... https://www.nwirc.org//iatf-169492016-internal-auditor-tr/

NWIRC recently published a catalog with continuous improvement and quality-related training sessions to educate and engage employees for your company’s journey in operational excellence. This information can help as you develop training plans for the first half of 2021. https://www.nwirc.org/help-with-training-plans/ #LearnWithNWIRC

NWIRC's December newsletter is available to view and download.... https://www.nwirc.org/news/nwirc-newsletters/

Our IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditor Training is scheduled to begin on December 7th - but it is moving from in-person to virtual. So if you need this training but weren't able to travel to St Marys - take another look! This may be more convenient and accommodate your schedule! https://www.nwirc.org//iatf-169492016-internal-auditor-tr/ #ImproveWithNWIRC

https://www.nwirc.org//using-high-payload-long-reach-indu/

Once you settle in after the long holiday weekend, consider joining us for the next Robotics & Automation webinar on Tuesday (Dec 1)... https://www.nwirc.org//using-high-payload-long-reach-indu/ Brought to you by Neff Group Distributors, Inc., Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA, and NWIRC

Food manufacturers, take note of these upcoming webinars... https://www.nwirc.org/training-and-events/schedule/

#RecoverWithNWIRC

This class includes a basic review of a blueprint reading, including print navigation and detail on the five tolerance formats. Attendees will participate in hands-on exercises and real-world class applications with actual blueprints and mock ups. A good opportunity if you or your employees need additional skills for interpreting and measuring geometric tolerances, and selecting and applying the proper geometric controls to satisfy design requirements.... https://www.nwirc.or...g//geometric-dimensioning-tolerancing/ #ImproveWithNWIRC

When talking about robots in manufacturing, collaboration means different things to different people. During this webinar on Dec 1, learn more from Gregory Allen at ABB, including more about SafeMove. Neff Group Distributors, Inc. Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA... https://www.nwirc.org//using-high-payload-long-reach-indu/

For manufacturing companies in northwestern PA doing business with the automotive industry, there's an IATF 16949 Internal Auditor training in St Marys in early December.... https://www.nwirc.org//iatf-169492016-internal-auditor-tr/ #ImproveWithNWIRC

In early December, #mepnationalnetwork will host 2 webinars focused on #foodandbeveragemanufacturing. They are "Improving Food and Beverage Inspection with Machine Vision" and "Implementing a Food Safety Culture Aligned with Operational Excellence. Find all the details on our webiste: https://www.nwirc.org/training-and-events/schedule/

To achieve success, a lean organization must develop an effective and efficient management accounting function that complements its financial accounting system to provide a knowledge base for effectively making decisions about the future (this is critical because the focus of financial accounting is on past activity). Lean accounting makes relevant information available to decision makers on a timely basis. Join us for this upcoming webinar.... https://www.nwirc.org//introduction-to-lean-management-ac/

We've had recent requests for GD&T training, so it's on the schedule for December. Emphasis will be on interpreting and measuring geometric tolerances, and selecting and applying the proper geometric controls to satisfy design requirements. See more info on this class scheduled for Dec 9th.... https://www.nwirc.org//geometric-dimensioning-tolerancing/

A special shout out today to Mr. James Evers, Director at the Warren County Career Center - Warren, PA. And, to Machine Technology instructor Colton Black and his students! They finished the medals that are being awarded to the winning teams of the What's So Cool About Manufacturing- Forest & Oil Region student video contest during the 2019/2020 school year. As we all know, there have been many challenges this year, but they were able to finish them up and they look terrific. Can't thank everyone enough for your hard work on these. I'm sure the student recipients of the medals will be thrilled!

The next webinar in this Robotics & Automation series focuses on reaching the perfect balance of safety and productivity with industrial robots without compromising speed, payload or employee safety. Presenter will be Gregory Allen of ABB. Hosted by Neff Group Distributors, Inc., Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA, and NWIRC. https://www.nwirc.org//using-high-payload-long-reach-indu/

Here's a look at last week's Robotics and Automation 35 minute webinar featuring Neff Group Distributors, Inc. on the '16 Automation Technologies to Improve Your Bottom Line'. https://youtu.be/LBxUBnl81n0 The next webinar in the series is scheduled for December 1st. See the topic and register here: https://www.nwirc.org//using-high-payload-long-reach-indu/

Here's the latest issue of Back to Business, a special edition newsletter for providing pandemic recovery information and resources to manufacturers in northwestern PA. Brought to you by the COVID-19 Recovery Program (CRP).... https://www.nwirc.org/covid-19-rec/back-to-business-issues/ #RecoverWithNWIRC

Our next in-person ISO 9001 internal auditor training is scheduled for Dec 15-17 in Erie. Based on following safety protocols, space will be limited. https://www.nwirc.org//iso-90012015-internal-audit-traini/ #improvewithnwirc

Our latest continuous improvement/quality catalog will help you plan training for the new year. https://www.nwirc.org/continuous-improvement-quality-catal/ #employeedevelopment #ImproveWithNWIRC #LearnWithNWIRC

The last of the 8 wastes in manufacturing (DOWNTIME) is Excess Processing. This is doing more work than needed or creating a higher quality product than required by the customer. This waste can sometimes be difficult to identify and is often caused by unclear standards or specifications. Read more... https://www.nwirc.org/honing-in-on-8-wastes-part-4/ #ImproveWithNWIRC #LeanTogether

Here's a excerpt of last week's #GrowWithNWIRC webinar series on 'sales process development'. Take a peek, and consider joining us on Nov 19th for the next session on Remote Selling. https://www.nwirc.org/events/grow-with-nwirc-webinar-series/

Here's another excerpt from an #ExploringTheMarvelsOfManufacturing student essay. Caitlyn, a 10th grade student from Sharpsville Area High School in Mercer County, writes: Without manufacturing, my life would be drastically different. One of the main causes of this would be my father’s career. He works at a manufacturing company and provides for our family with his income. She also noted that her life would be flipped upside down without manufactured technology products like computers and smart phones, especially now to help connect everyone staying safe from COVID-19. The random prize drawing from all the Marvels entries is complete and the winners are listed at: https://www.nwirc.org/exploring-the-marvels-of-manufacturi/ Stay tuned for a Marvels 'Sequel'!

The Western PA Chapter of Women in Manufacturing has a fun holiday virtual gathering planned for Dec 3. https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org//wim-western-pennsylv

The topic for tomorrow's webinar is "16 New Automation Technologies to Improve Your Bottom Line". https://www.nwirc.org//16-new-automation-technologies-to-/ Neff Group Distributors, Inc.... Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA See more

In-person APQP training is underway in St Marys (with protocols of course). The next in-person training scheduled in St Marys is IATF Internal Auditor on Dec 7-9. Check out all of the quality trainings (both in-person and virtual) at https://www.nwirc.org/training-and-events/schedule/

For manufacturers looking to address challenges and have success with priorities in 2021, creating a culture of continuous improvement where everyone is working together, moving in the same direction, and making small improvements everyday is at the foundation. The new cohort for Lean Together 1.0 (a working group for operational excellence) will start on February 11. https://www.nwirc.org/services/lean-together/ #improvewithnwirc #LeanTogether

For manufacturers doing business in the automotive industry, take note of this upcoming training.... https://www.nwirc.org//iatf-169492016-internal-auditor-tr/

Good in-person class scheduled for this Tuesday (Nov 10) in St Marys for APQP/PAPP. If your manufacturing company needs training on this quality tool, register soon. https://www.nwirc.org//advanced-product-quality-planning-/

Another of the 8 Wastes in Manufacturing is Motion. This is the unnecessary movement of people, information or equipment. Motion waste is often due to workspace layout, disorganization, misplace items, non-standardized work instructions, shared tools and machines, or unclear process flow. Excessive motion of people can potentially put workers’ safety at risk and cause significant reduction in employees’ productivity. Read more... https://www.nwirc.org/honing-in-on-8-wastes-part-4/ #improvewithnwirc #LeanTogether

"Growing your manufacturing business profitably with a declining pool of skilled employees is an increasing challenge that businesses in northwestern Pennsylvania are facing. As an example, executives at two area companies recently noted that they have openings in production, each needing over 40 employees, and have limited employee applications. Automation technology has advanced making it more accessible to implement successfully, even for resource-strapped organizations." Read more in this article by John Bridgen of Neff Group Distributors, Inc.. https://www.nwirc.org/addressing-the-skilled-labor-shortage/

Check out this great opportunity that Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is hosting with other PTACs in the tri-state. The Tri-State PTAC Mega-Matchmaker is an opportunity for small businesses to meet with federal, state and local government buyers. For the first time, PTACs from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio have joined together to provide the opportunity for government buyers and sellers to meet in one of the largest online procurement events in this tri-state region. https://www.tri-state-ptac-mega-matchmaker.com/

For all these priorities, it comes down to doing more with less, and doing it better! Maximizing the productivity of your team may be more challenging today than ever before. https://www.nwirc.org/services/lean-together/ #ImproveWithNWIRC

D & E Machining, Ltd has been successful at cultivating and strengthening its partner-relationship with existing customers, but they wanted to improve activities and processes for acquiring new business opportunities to build and diversify its current customer base. Read about their 'sales process mapping for growth' with NWIRC. #GrowWithNWIRC

NWIRC's Robotics & Automation monthly webinar series starts next week with "16 NEW AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE". Schedule time to explore various #advancedmanufacturing technologies with us over the next many months! https://www.nwirc.org//16-new-automation-technologies-to-/ #InnovateWithNWIRC... Neff Group Distributors, Inc. Northwestern PA Chapter NTMA

"Through our direct and deep interactions with manufacturing companies over the past several months, we have found a range of activity due to the pandemic. At one end of the spectrum, 18% of them are in a survival stage struggling but keeping their lights on and at the other end, 22% are in a thrive stage experiencing impressive sales growth. In between are the 60% in a recovery stage at varying levels with more than half of these companies experiencing substantial or noticeable decreases in sales revenues. Regardless of where your company might be across the spectrum, congratulations! You and your dedicated employees are weathering the storm." Read more of Bob Zaruta's monthly column.... https://www.nwirc.org/roots-of-resiliency/

Many companies are taking another look at their sales processes due to pandemic impacts on trade shows and face-to-face meetings - but are you evaluating the buyers journey and how the behaviors of decision makers have changed? The 2nd session of this series on Nov 5th will focus on new preferences of buyers and how to develop your sales process to become a trusted advisor. https://www.nwirc.org/events/grow-with-nwirc-webinar-series/... #growwithnwirc

Our new Continuous Improvement & Quality Training Catalog is hot-off-the press and will be in mailboxes soon. You can check it out here and provide your contact info to be sure you receive a copy of your own. https://www.nwirc.org/continuous-improvement-quality-catal/ #ImprovewithNWIRC

The next session for the #GrowWithNWIRC Webinar Series is Nov 5, but here's a snippet of the last session on Strategic Planning. Next week's topic will focus on developing a sales process. You can still participate in these virtual sessions: https://www.nwirc.org/events/grow-with-nwirc-webinar-series/