The Canadian Federal Budget 2017 was released last week to much interest from business and industry analysts. There was significant speculation surrounding the budget to see what direction Prime Minister Trudeau will be taking. Shortly after Minister Bill Morneau presented the budget to the House, it became clear that the Liberal government will continue investing…
With a record number of vehicles expected to be sourced in 2017, the North American automotive industry is poised for a growth period in 2017 and 2018. As a major part of the North American automotive supply chain, Canadian manufacturers should look at incoming demand and identify ways to capitalize on the booming industry. The…
The Canadian manufacturing industry is entering a technological revolution where significant challenges and opportunities will need to be addressed. This period will benefit some while displacing the need for others. As a result, manufacturers will need to be agile and make investments so that they can leverage strategic growth opportunities as they arise. PLANT Magazine’s…
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation can be a complex and costly project for manufacturers. Deployment of these data communications systems will, in almost all cases, require several employees to receive 1-on-1 training from qualified third-party specialists. Fortunately, a significant portion of training costs can be offset with Canadian government grants. Canadian mall and medium-sized…
In 2015, Ontario’s meat product manufacturing sector provided nearly $2.2 billion in GDP, or 6% of the province’s agri-food industry revenue. But despite this contribution, there is still potential to improve profitability and drive greater value. Ontario meat processors have growth opportunities available, the key is knowing where to look. The Ontario Independent Meat Processors…
Generational gaps can create challenges for businesses, forcing businesses to adapt to the expectations imposed by younger generations. Currently, millennials make up 24% of the global population and are actively changing the ways in which businesses must operate. Like the generations before them, millennials have established their own work ethics and preferred methods of communication….
During the 2016 Tech Leadership Conference, world-renowned thought leaders indicated that advanced technologies will transform Canada’s manufacturing landscape by 2020. It is anticipated that advanced technology discoveries will have a revolutionary impact on specific industries, including healthcare and biotechnologies. However, if manufacturers are reluctant to adopt these technologies, it will become more difficult to stay…
Government regulations are often imposed to protect Canadian businesses and make sure that companies operate in an ethical way. However, regulations can potentially create barriers for businesses, requiring them to reimagine related business practices in order to stay competitive. These policies, often known as red tape, are pieces of legislation that are well-intentioned but can…
Lean and Six Sigma initiatives are popular amongst medium and large manufacturing firms. These data-driven approaches to managing quality, waste, and continuous improvement are ideal for complex manufacturing environments where a large volume of data can be collected and analyzed, however businesses of all sizes and sectors can use the strategies to improve their operational…
Imagine any type of negotiation unfolding in front of you. What comes to mind? Most people think of a car sale, negotiating a contract at work, negotiating salary or compensation with an employer, or something simple. However, the reality of the situation is that most people negotiate every day on multiple occasions, but most of…