Dealing With Disruption: Supply Chain Risk Management As the highest volume import country in the world, saying that the United States relies on global supply chains is an understatement. With this level of reliance comes risk, and lots of it. Manufacturing supply chains are arguably more volatile than ever today, exposed to potential disruptions around every corner. It’s no wonder that manufacturers, suppliers and buyers are concerned about supply chain risk management. So how should they manage today’s supply chain disruptions? Let’s answer that question first by identifying the most common ..read more

Not that long ago, industrial manufacturing was seen strictly as a function of small geographical regions and their nearby resources, like a river to power a mill, a clay deposit for pottery and enough people living nearby to make the goods. Today, businesses can reach around the world to have products manufactured.  It’s a benefit, but also a challenge: With a world full of possibilities, how do you choose a global industrial supplier?  Before we offer some advice, let’s look back at the handful of major worldwide economic disruptions we’ve faced in recent years. Given the realities ..read more

Companies launching new products that have never used overseas manufacturing might wonder how to find a manufacturer in China. Manufacturing in China offers many benefits, such as lower costs, access to a variety of manufacturing disciplines, and a massive capacity to scale.  However, manufacturing in China also requires careful planning, research, and management to overcome the challenges and risks involved, such as cultural differences, quality issues, intellectual property protection, and trade barriers.  Manufacturing in China is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a strategic d ..read more

Global manufacturing partnerships are becoming increasingly popular and beneficial for businesses looking to produce their products overseas. However, choosing between a factory sourcing company and dealing directly with a factory can be a daunting and complex decision. This blog explains the role and advantages of a global manufacturing partner, such as ITI Manufacturing, and the challenges and considerations of working directly with a factory. We will also show you how a global supply chain partner can make overseas manufacturing easier and improve your processes. The Role of a Manufacturin ..read more

Rhino Tubular Handling System Don’ts When it comes to this pipe storage solution, here are the things to avoid. Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance Avoid neglecting regular maintenance tasks for the Rhino Tubular Handling System. Skipping or delaying maintenance can lead to increased wear and tear, decreased performance, and potential equipment failure. Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule and promptly address any identified issues. Don’t Overlook Safety Procedures Pay attention to safety procedures when performing maintenance or inspections on the Rhino Tubular Handling System. Ensure ..read more

Meeting your margins often requires sourcing at least some of your components and products globally, but doing so can be time-consuming, even for those familiar with the challenges of importing. An experienced global manufacturing services company can be an excellent partner for companies that want to capture more value with their existing suppliers, are looking for new manufacturing partners outside of their current sources, or don’t have the time or resources to devote to managing an effective global supply chain from sourcing to quality control to importing and manufacturing logistics. Sp ..read more

Challenging supply chains and workforces have disrupted the global manufacturing and industrial landscape. We are entering an era of unprecedented economic uncertainty, and it’s natural to wonder what lies ahead. Will growth stall and profits decline?  Amidst the trials encountered by manufacturers at present lies an abundance of potential rewards for those who are willing and equipped to evolve. The rapid evolution taking place within the industry accentuates the importance of keeping up with trends and swiftly adapting when changes happen. Being slow on trend uptake or failing to keep p ..read more

Demand for plastic products continues to grow year-over-year. In fact, the total worldwide production of plastics in 2021 amounted to some 391 million metric tons.  Here are five of the most common types of plastic products imported into the United States. 1. Computer Components Plastic is a versatile and durable material used in various computer components, including cases, keyboards, and mice. Overseas plastic manufacturers manage a large percentage of the plastic from which computers are made. For instance, Lenovo, a multinational computer hardware manufacturing company, is based in Ch ..read more

Communication is often overlooked when sourcing manufactured products and solutions, yet it’s consistently considered one of the most important value-drivers when it comes to evaluating the overall OEM-Supplier relationship. Working in a global manufacturing setting makes effective communication difficult. Here are some communication challenges companies face when working with a global supply chain. Language Barriers & Misunderstandings Your supply chain will likely pass through three or four parts of the world when you account for raw materials acquisition, manufacturing, transporta ..read more

While global manufacturing has its benefits, there are distinct challenges that every company must overcome first in order to take advantage of them. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the ways that ITI Manufacturing helps companies overcome the challenges in global supply chain management. Managing Communication with Global Manufacturers When you consider a global supply chain, one of the first problems you might think of is avoiding communication issues. When partnering with manufacturers and logistics  companies from different parts of the world, you’ll likely run into communicati ..read more