Opinion

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders

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  • Plastic resin pellets.
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    aydinmutlu via Getty Images
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    Op-ed: Limiting plastic production leads us backwards

    The Biden administration should roll back its support of a reduction in global plastics production, writes Plastics Industry Association CEO Matt Seaholm.

    Matt Seaholm • Oct. 21, 2024
  • The Intel logo is displayed outside of the Intel headquarters on April 26, 2018 in Santa Clara, California.
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    Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
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    Navigating the semiconductor surge in a complex landscape: op-ed

    Now is the time for the U.S. to build and stress-test semiconductor supply chains as the country grows its chip industry, writes Tim Robertson, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Americas.

    Tim Robertson • Sept. 30, 2024
  • Green technology engineers building solar panels at a manufacturing plant.
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    Andres R via Getty Images
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    Taking a strategic approach to filling the labor gap in light manufacturing

    Companies can address acute worker shortage by focusing on workforce development, training, STEM and diversifying recruitment approaches. 

    John E. Dorer • Sept. 3, 2024
  • A closeup picture of a circuit board.
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    Annabelle Chih via Getty Images
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    Opinion: Electronics supply chain crucial for national security

    The U.S. should better prioritize domestic production of the greater microelectronics industry, writes AdvancedPCB CEO Peter Austin. 

    Peter Austin • Aug. 22, 2024
  • A worker performs maintenance on a machine in a factory.
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    Drazen_ via Getty Images
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    Understanding the impact of maintenance and reliability on ROI

    Manufacturers should use data and clear KPI metrics to help maintain optimal overall equipment effectiveness, writes ABS Consulting’s Tim Gilmer. 

    Tim Gilmer • July 2, 2024
  • Computer engineer working in factory with laptop computer
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    Thinkhubstudio via Getty Images
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    The importance of a healthy data diet for AI performance

    Companies need a recipe of clean data and management practices led by a head chef with a clear strategy to succeed in the AI age, writes EY’s Brian Legan. 

    Brian M. Legan • April 29, 2024
  • A close up view of a computer's inner workings
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    Manassanant Pamai via Getty Images
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    Bridging the talent gap in the semiconductor industry

    Engaging with the broader community and offering flexible work environments could recruit more workers, writes KPMG’s Lincoln Clark. 

    Lincoln Clark • April 2, 2024
  • Chemical worker or technologist in yellow protection suit and gas mask making sulfuric acid for industry.
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    Smederevac via Getty Images
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    How specialized apparel can enhance factory safety

    As more companies bolster their operating procedures, specialized safety clothing is one option for better protecting workers from onsite hazards. 

    Nick Warrick • March 22, 2024
  • Under the lid of the HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series Printer.
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    Permission granted by HP
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    3D printing a more sustainable and resilient business

    Additive manufacturing can help companies create lighter products that require less manpower and resources, says HP’s Dave Prezzano. 

    Dave Prezzano • Feb. 16, 2024
  • Modern automobile production line
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    Traimak_Ivan via Getty Images
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    It’s time to prioritize technical cleanliness

    Automakers and suppliers need to integrate the manufacturing approach if they want to keep customers happy in an increasingly competitive market, writes Altair SVP Sarmad Khemmoro. 

    Sarmad Khemmoro • Dec. 21, 2023
  • 3D printing of concrete
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    FredFroese via Getty Images
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    How additive manufacturing can improve your supply chain’s resilience

    Boeing VP Melissa Orme on what manufacturers should consider before adopting 3D printing in their operations, and how to leverage the technology to improve efficiency. 

    Melissa Orme • Dec. 18, 2023
  • An environment engineer's blue gloved hand collects wastewater samples from industrial canals in a test tube in the morning with trees in the background blurred.
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    onuma Inthapong via Getty Images
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    How manufacturers need to adapt to changing PFAS regulations

    Enhesa’s Kamelija Milosev on why companies need to take notice of new regulations against forever chemicals, and how they can prepare to limit the substances in processes. 

    Kamelija Milosev • Dec. 7, 2023
  • Dark gray graphite mineral sample under light microscopy.
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    jxfzsy/iStock via Getty Images
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    Why Inflation Reduction Act subsidies should differentiate between critical mineral mining and process

    While the U.S. is limited in its domestic mining abilities for critical minerals like lithium and graphite, it has the potential for increased processing capacity.

    John DeMaio • Nov. 7, 2023
  • Financial investment volatility, up and down arrows profit graph due to Coronavirus crisis, businessman trying to balance like a tightrope walker so that volatility does not gobble up his investments
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    Rudzhan Nagiev
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    Contribution margin: Why profit planning matters for manufacturers

    Companies need to better understand the true cost of their operations and how to maximize for profit, says CFO Consulting Partners’ Jeffrey Appleman. 

    Jeffrey Appleman • Oct. 9, 2023
  • A die is removed from a semiconductor during manufacturing.
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    SweetBunFactory/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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    A path to more sustainable chip manufacturing

    Establishing benchmark metrics and onshoring production are key ways companies can reduce their carbon footprint.

    Art Figueroa • Sept. 18, 2023
  • An engineer checks and controls welding robotics automatic arms machine in intelligent factory automotive industrial with monitoring system software.
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    ipopba via Getty Images
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    5 ways manufacturers can execute on innovation

    At a time of immense change in the industry, companies should take manageable steps to experiment with new ideas and implement operational changes. 

    Jerry Gootee • Sept. 11, 2023
  • A green semiconductor with paths created that allow it to be used in technology.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    How chipmakers can manage future growth

    Managing headcount costs and leveraging federal funds are key ways companies can mitigate damage during an economic downturn.

    Irene Signorino • Sept. 6, 2023
  • Computer engineer working in factory with laptop computer
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    Thinkhubstudio via Getty Images
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    Key KPIs every manufacturer should leverage

    Metrics that measure a business’ sales pipelines, margins, working capital and utilization rate can help companies not only survive today but thrive in the future.

    Chris Delaney • Aug. 22, 2023