Manufacturing minute: 4 must-read articles on smart maintenance strategies, remote training solutions, and more
Every minute counts in manufacturing—especially when you're chasing uptime, efficiency, and performance. That’s why we created Manufacturing Minute, a curated snapshot of articles worth your time. From real-world reliability wins to smart maintenance practices, we’ve got you covered. Here's what’s trending across the industry this week.
We can reshore American manufacturing
Author: Matthew A. Chang
Source: Fast Company
60-second snapshot: Matthew A. Chang argues that reshoring U.S. manufacturing is not only feasible but increasingly urgent due to tariffs and global shipping instability. He outlines a strategic roadmap for companies, emphasizing prioritization of critical materials, leveraging government-backed capital, and investing in domestic energy and labor. Chang also advocates for policy reforms to support reshoring, including tax incentives, energy rebates, and expanded trade with nearby nations. Ultimately, he calls for a national effort to scale niche manufacturing, ease land access, and invest in education and self-reliance to make “Made in America” a sustainable reality.
Learn more
Why reviving U.S. tech manufacturing is harder than you think
Author: Nicholas Gordon
Source: Fortune
60-second snapshot: The Trump administration’s tariffs aimed at bringing tech manufacturing back to the U.S. face major challenges due to deeply integrated global supply chains, especially centered in Asia. China dominates manufacturing with a vast skilled workforce and extensive supplier networks, making reshoring costly and complex. While some assembly has shifted to countries like India and Vietnam, critical components still largely come from China, maintaining its central role. Experts argue that a successful revival of U.S. manufacturing requires a stable, multifaceted industrial policy focused on automation and ecosystem development rather than abrupt trade measures.
Learn more
How To Scale Virtual Training Across Manufacturing Operations
Author: Oleg Fonarov
Source: Forbes
60-second snapshot: Scaling virtual training across multiple manufacturing sites is far more challenging than running a successful pilot, due to issues like inconsistent infrastructure, lack of support, and poor integration into daily workflows. The key to sustainable training at scale lies in platform thinking—creating a centralized yet flexible system for content delivery, updates, and tracking. Embedding training into the flow of work through microlearning and just-in-time access enhances adoption and performance on the floor. Finally, acting on standardized training data enables better decisions and continuous improvement across all facilities.
Learn more
Leveling Up Condition-Based Maintenance With AI, Machine Learning
Author: Scott Campbell
Source: IndustryWeek
60-second snapshot: Condition-based maintenance (CBM) helps manufacturers monitor equipment in real time to avoid breakdowns, but managing the vast amounts of sensor data is a growing challenge. By integrating machine learning, manufacturers can detect subtle anomalies and prevent failures earlier than traditional CBM methods allow. Generative AI further streamlines the maintenance process by automating diagnostics, work order management, and even failure mode analysis. Emerging agentic AI takes this a step further by proactively managing workflows and offering actionable recommendations with minimal human intervention.
Learn more
How Mastery of Digital Transformation Creates New Revenue Streams
Author: Anthony Offredi
Source: Smart Industry
60-second snapshot: Digital transformation in manufacturing extends beyond productivity—it’s crucial for safety and compliance, especially in high-risk environments like nuclear sites. NDC Certification Bureau Ltd. tackled “gray work” caused by data silos by centralizing customer information through a digital work management platform. This shift allowed them to streamline compliance processes, reduce audit times by 60%, and develop an app-based asset tracking solution that helped major client Balfour Beatty cut costly downtime. By commercializing their expertise into scalable tools, NDC not only enhanced operational efficiency but also unlocked new, repeatable revenue streams.
Learn more