Opinion

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders


If you are interested in having your voice heard on Manufacturing Dive's Opinion page, please read our editorial guidelines and fill out the submission form here.

  • A worker performs maintenance on a machine in a factory.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drazen_ via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Understanding the impact of maintenance and reliability on ROI

    Manufacturers should use data and clear KPI metrics to help maintain optimal overall equipment effectiveness, writes ABS Consulting’s Tim Gilmer. 

    Tim Gilmer • July 2, 2024
  • Computer engineer working in factory with laptop computer
    Image attribution tooltip
    Thinkhubstudio via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    The importance of a healthy data diet for AI performance

    Companies need a recipe of clean data and management practices led by a head chef with a clear strategy to succeed in the AI age, writes EY’s Brian Legan. 

    Brian M. Legan • April 29, 2024
  • A close up view of a computer's inner workings
    Image attribution tooltip
    Manassanant Pamai via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Bridging the talent gap in the semiconductor industry

    Engaging with the broader community and offering flexible work environments could recruit more workers, writes KPMG’s Lincoln Clark. 

    Lincoln Clark • April 2, 2024
  • Chemical worker or technologist in yellow protection suit and gas mask making sulfuric acid for industry.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Smederevac via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How specialized apparel can enhance factory safety

    As more companies bolster their operating procedures, specialized safety clothing is one option for better protecting workers from onsite hazards. 

    Nick Warrick • March 22, 2024
  • Under the lid of the HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series Printer.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by HP
    Image attribution tooltip

    3D printing a more sustainable and resilient business

    Additive manufacturing can help companies create lighter products that require less manpower and resources, says HP’s Dave Prezzano. 

    Dave Prezzano • Feb. 16, 2024
  • Modern automobile production line
    Image attribution tooltip
    Traimak_Ivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    It’s time to prioritize technical cleanliness

    Automakers and suppliers need to integrate the manufacturing approach if they want to keep customers happy in an increasingly competitive market, writes Altair SVP Sarmad Khemmoro. 

    Sarmad Khemmoro • Dec. 21, 2023
  • 3D printing of concrete
    Image attribution tooltip
    FredFroese via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How additive manufacturing can improve your supply chain’s resilience

    Boeing VP Melissa Orme on what manufacturers should consider before adopting 3D printing in their operations, and how to leverage the technology to improve efficiency. 

    Melissa Orme • Dec. 18, 2023
  • An environment engineer's blue gloved hand collects wastewater samples from industrial canals in a test tube in the morning with trees in the background blurred.
    Image attribution tooltip
    onuma Inthapong via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How manufacturers need to adapt to changing PFAS regulations

    Enhesa’s Kamelija Milosev on why companies need to take notice of new regulations against forever chemicals, and how they can prepare to limit the substances in processes. 

    Kamelija Milosev • Dec. 7, 2023
  • Dark gray graphite mineral sample under light microscopy.
    Image attribution tooltip
    jxfzsy/iStock via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why Inflation Reduction Act subsidies should differentiate between critical mineral mining and process

    While the U.S. is limited in its domestic mining abilities for critical minerals like lithium and graphite, it has the potential for increased processing capacity.

    John DeMaio • Nov. 7, 2023
  • Financial investment volatility, up and down arrows profit graph due to Coronavirus crisis, businessman trying to balance like a tightrope walker so that volatility does not gobble up his investments
    Image attribution tooltip
    Rudzhan Nagiev
    Image attribution tooltip

    Contribution margin: Why profit planning matters for manufacturers

    Companies need to better understand the true cost of their operations and how to maximize for profit, says CFO Consulting Partners’ Jeffrey Appleman. 

    Jeffrey Appleman • Oct. 9, 2023
  • A die is removed from a semiconductor during manufacturing.
    Image attribution tooltip
    SweetBunFactory/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    A path to more sustainable chip manufacturing

    Establishing benchmark metrics and onshoring production are key ways companies can reduce their carbon footprint.

    Art Figueroa • Sept. 18, 2023
  • An engineer checks and controls welding robotics automatic arms machine in intelligent factory automotive industrial with monitoring system software.
    Image attribution tooltip
    ipopba via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 ways manufacturers can execute on innovation

    At a time of immense change in the industry, companies should take manageable steps to experiment with new ideas and implement operational changes. 

    Jerry Gootee • Sept. 11, 2023
  • A green semiconductor with paths created that allow it to be used in technology.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How chipmakers can manage future growth

    Managing headcount costs and leveraging federal funds are key ways companies can mitigate damage during an economic downturn.

    Irene Signorino • Sept. 6, 2023
  • Computer engineer working in factory with laptop computer
    Image attribution tooltip
    Thinkhubstudio via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Key KPIs every manufacturer should leverage

    Metrics that measure a business’ sales pipelines, margins, working capital and utilization rate can help companies not only survive today but thrive in the future.

    Chris Delaney • Aug. 22, 2023