Design for Manufacturing Case Study: Hydraulic Lift
October 19, 2021 | By: Hans Dittmar
DfM: A Simple Solution. This particular product is extremely complex assembly work with cable routing and panel termination that takes place close to the cabinet bottom. This part of the assembly process alone takes multiple days of work which...
Chip Shortages Add To Supply Chain Beating
March 26, 2021 | By: Hans Dittmar
Everyone knew - early on - that as the economy rose, demand for durable goods and capital equipment would get back on track. The post-pandemic supply chain, however, keeps taking punches from a variety of unusual sources, including stuck ships...
Value Engineering of Mature Products is Really a Thing
February 26, 2021 | By: Hans Dittmar
While there is a lot of discussion revolving around the differences between DfM, DfA and Value Engineering, they share many traits. Value Engineering is a process — originally developed and named by GE — that is considered by many to be applicable...
Supply Chain Outlook: Turbulence For 2021
January 26, 2021 | By: Hans Dittmar
Good news, bad news: faster-than-expected increases in demand causing supply chain issues.
Shipping Rates Increasing for 2021
January 6, 2021 | By: Hans Dittmar
Shipping costs have increased significantly and are predicted to rise further in 2021 & beyond. Trans-Pacific shipping rates just popped to new all-time high. The entire domestic shipping and logistics industry is strained.
DfM, DfA & DfMA: 3 Processes Every OEM Needs to Know
August 13, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
In today’s competitive landscape, contract manufacturers (CMs) need to do more than just fill orders that meet product specs. Top-tier CMs work with their OEM partners to ensure that everyone is on the same page
Covid-19 Doesn't Stop Critical Work at GMI
July 31, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
Things continue to be tricky. Wisconsin now has a face mask mandate, but GMI was prepared and has already put preventative measures in place to keep our team - and product supply - safe.
Culture Really Matters - Here's an Example.
July 16, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
Here at GMI, we have always been proud of our culture. We know a positive culture leads to a healthier environment, longer tenures and more satisfied customers. It's good to see evidence of it, especially when it's unsolicited.
Talk of Reshoring to USA Experiencing a Resurgence
June 18, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
Reshoring – the act of moving manufacturing back to its point of consumption – is seeing a real uptick in recent months. There are many factors for why this is happening, but more U.S.-based companies than ever before are considering transitioning...
3 Factors Shaping the Medical Industry (and Why They Matter to OEMs)
April 29, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
The modern medical industry is largely technology-driven, making its evolution necessary and rapid. But technology isn’t the sole reason. Tougher regulations, aging populations, and advancements in research/solutions impact many decisions.
6 Factors That Separate Contract Manufacturing Partners from Vendors
April 1, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
Supply chains can be tricky for OEMs to navigate. Supplier selection must be intentional, and largely focused on how the relationship benefits the OEM in the short- and long-term. Often, contract manufacturers are hired after they demonstrate they...
Are You Leveraging Your Contract Manufacturer’s DfM Capabilities?
March 24, 2020 | By: Hans Dittmar
Outsourcing manufacturing is routine for OEMs across many industries. Contract manufacturers are brought in to solve any number of challenges, including these top 5 cited by major supply chain executives1: