We talk to Tony Uphoff, president and CEO of Thomas, about manufacturing tech trends, tariffs, the skills gap and what all that means for 2020. The Thomas Index Report for the fourth quarter of 2019 reveals some surprising trends.

Fast, phased-array inspection

We take a look at the Olympus OmniScan X3 phased-array flaw detector with TFM (total focusing method). Quickly perform corrosion mapping and flaw imaging for welds, pipelines, corrosion-resistant alloys, and more. Join us today at 11 a.m. Pacific.

We talk with Robert Fangmeyer, director of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, about the latest developments in the Baldrige Program. Learn about this year's recipients, communities of excellence, redesigning the Baldridge evaluation process, and more.

Story links for Dec. 6, 2019

On this QDL, we look at gut reactions. The advice we have all received (and maybe given) about “just trust your instincts” or “go with your intuition.”  Dr. Gleb Tsipursky tells us why your “gut” may not be the best thing to rely on when making business decisions.

Book: "Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters"

Story links for Nov. 22, 2019

We talk to Nicholas Wyman, CEO and founder of IWSI America, about apprenticeship programs and how they are helping address today's skilled-labor shortages.

Report: It’s Time: Using Modern Apprenticeships to Reskill America. 

Story links for Nov. 15, 2019

What are strategic teams and how do they help your company achieve its strategic goals? Dan Wolf, author of “Strategic Teams and Development: The fieldbook for People Making Strategy Happen,” will tell us what makes a good strategic team.  

Story links for Nov. 8, 2019

Manufacturers' wish list

The PrecisionPath Consortium looks at future metrology needs for today's increasingly complex manufacturing industry.

Based on data analysis and an industry survey, "Technology Roadmap for Large Scale Manufacturing" outlines trends that cut across multiple 3D measurement technology families.

Story links for Oct. 25, 2019

The right way to create custom inspection fixtures

Increased manufacturing complexity has been driving the need for robust, accurate fixtures. We talk to Victor Rinaldi at Phillips Precision about the rise in custom fixturing and why companies are turning to third parties, such as Phillips, to design complex fixturing solutions. What's involved?

Watch previous Tech Corner of Inspection Arsenal modular fixturing system.

Story links for Oct. 18, 2019

How to deal with disruptive employees

The disruptor. The grump. Debbie Downer. Cranky Charlie. Every company has had employees that are hard to deal with. Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist with Grategy tells us how to deal with them.

Download her book "Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Keep Your Top Talent from Becoming Someone Else's"

Story links for Oct. 11, 2019

Join us for a look at Brunson Instrument's amazing 220,000 square feet cave where they design and manufacture their state-of-the-art metrology equipment.