New data released by Statistics Canada has shown that Ontario’s economy is strengthening, particularly in relation to employment. Although some metrics may fluctuate from month to month, contrasts to the same period last year (or even the last 10+ years) show some emerging trends all businesses should be aware of. In April 2017, Ontario’s unemployment…
After a long week, my spouse and I enjoy getting out for some fun on the weekend. We’ll often head to local restaurants to relax and catch up; last week, we went out for dinner. Generally, there are no issues with the service we receive, but this time was a much different outing. Upon sitting…
Canadian manufacturers have reached a critical point where continuous improvements aren’t just an asset; they’re necessary for survival. Failure to improve a business’ value-adding processes will almost always result in competitiveness issues; however, many organizations don’t have a system to measure and improve value-added processes. Without these activities, it’s impossible to understand where value is…
Toronto-based businesses have a phenomenal opportunity when it comes to exporting products internationally. There are government funding programs and other resources available to companies of all sizes and industries; the key is knowing how to access them. Many of the hurdles businesses must face to export their products globally can be minimized through the development…
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…
Canada’s advanced technology sector is facing a shortage of technical talent and immediate action is needed to reduce this labour gap. With so much growth in emerging industries, including software engineering and web development, companies need qualified personnel who can develop and use these technologies in innovative ways. If this shortage in technical skills talent…
Converting innovative technologies into a commercial product can be a challenge for even the most disruptive tech developers. This obstacle is something many Canadian small and mid-sized businesses experience; those with the ability to conduct R&D activities but lack an extensive buyer network. Luckily, the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) provides the ability to…
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….
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…