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Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

Manufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business! MakingChips was launched in 2014 to equip and inspire the metalworking nation. Hundreds of episodes and a million downloads later, it’s an industry-leading source of information, inspiration, and entertainment for manufacturing leaders of all types. It’s hosted by Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner, two multi-generational manufacturing leaders, and they’re joined by a rotating panel of expert guests – including Titan Gilroy (TITANS of CNC), John Saunders (NYC CNC), Mark TerryBerry (Haas Automation), and many more. Join us as we tackle the topics that keep you up at night - leadership, operations, technology, growth, workforce development and culture.
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Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
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Now displaying: August, 2018
Aug 24, 2018

On this episode of MakingChips, Jim interviews his son Ryan Carr, Operations Manager at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. along with Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP, about the risk and reward of implementing a new ERP system. During the interview, Ryan shares about the decision-making process and how they have been applying the new, full-spectrum ERP called ProShop. Listen as Ryan and Paul explain why an ERP is so important and how you can start the process of implementing one in your business.

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Taking the Plunge Into a New ERP System

Prior to purchasing the new ERP system, Ryan explains that there were inefficiencies and redundancies at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. Data entry required multiple steps with numerous papers being unnecessarily shuffled around the office. Knowing that something had to be done to move the company forward, Jim and Ryan called in Paul Van Metre to explain how ProShop could help them. Hear how implementing the new ERP system is significantly minimizing redundancy and increasing efficiency.

Becoming the Metal-Working Nation’s Premier ERP System

Paul Van Metre was an experienced manufacturer prior to developing ProShop. He ran his own machine shop and experienced great success. His business grew to the point that they needed a better way to manage the company's data. After searching and trying other ERPs, Paul and his team decided to build their own program. ProShop was originally intended only for internal use, but after a customer asked to purchase their proprietary software, Paul knew they had a product that the metal-working nation needed. Listen to the story of how ProShop became the premier ERP system in the manufacturing market during this episode of MakingChips.

The Benefits of an ERP System in Your Company

Paul Van Metre says, “The economy drives off of taking raw materials and turning them into high-precision, value-added products. You can’t run an economy just making lattes and selling insurance.” Manufacturing is important, but it’s also challenging. An ERP creates a centralized place where all files are stored and easily accessed. Implementing an ERP can help streamline your processes, keep you organized and efficient, and better position you for success in your market.

Assessing the Risk and Reward for Your Company

Running your own manufacturing business can be difficult. Companies need as many tools as possible to help them be successful. Big, expensive decisions aren’t easy, but if you don’t change today, you’re competition will. You have to be willing to adapt and try new things to stay relevant in the market. Jim and Jason encourage you to analyze your company to see where you can reduce redundancies and inefficiencies. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how an ERP system can benefit your company.

Here’s The Good Stuff!

  • Manufacturing News: The $717 Billion Dollar National Defense Authorization Act and how it impacts manufacturing
  • How Zenger’s is working to increase efficiency and throughput utilizing a new ERP system
  • Jim introduces his son Ryan Carr, Operations Manager at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc.
  • Ryan shares how he approached the idea of changing ERP system after using the previous one for 20 years.
  • Introduction of Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP
  • Paul Van Metre shares how he launched ProShop through an organic process
  • Ways the ProShop is helping CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. become more efficient
  • How ProShop integrates ISO and AS9100 to organize procedures, certifications and quality systems
  • Ryan shares his personal and company goals for utilizing ProShop

Tools & Takeaways

This Week’s Superstar Guest

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Aug 11, 2018

This week on MakingChips, guest Michelle Edmonson, Senior Director of Exhibitions Operations and Marketing at AMT, explains the value of IMTS for job shops. Job shops are typically smaller manufacturing companies that often handle custom orders for small or medium-sized companies. This year, IMTS will be focusing on job shops by offering opportunities tailored specifically to these companies. Listen to this episode to hear all about how job shop owners and manufacturers can reap the benefit of attending IMTS 2018.

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Why focus on job shops?

Michelle Edmonson explains that in years past IMTS hasn’t had a particular focus. However, job shops as a community make up over 25% of the spend in the manufacturing world. Realizing the important role that these manufacturers play, IMTS leaders decided to survey local job shop owners to discover their needs. The results led IMTS 2018 to focus on job shops, offering specialized opportunities for smaller manufacturers to learn and grow throughout the week.

The 3-step program for job shops at IMTS 2018

If you’ve been to IMTS before, then you know that there will be a lot of exhibits. In fact, there are over 2400 exhibitors, displaying the finest in manufacturing innovation and technology. These exhibits are also step one in a three-step program for addressing the unique challenges that job shop and precision machine companies face. Michelle Edmonson explains how many of the exhibits focus on the best business practices of top job shops from around the country and how attendees can see and learn from these manufacturers.

There is so much you can learn at IMTS

Beyond just the exhibits, IMTS is offering special learning opportunities for job shop owners as well. There are three specific sessions that attendees should consider, starting on Wednesday morning. These courses are the second step in the three-step program focusing on job shops. During the episode, Michelle Edmonson details the schedule and cost for attending the conference sessions. She also highlights the topics of discussion and the value they will bring to job shop manufacturers.

A huge prize giveaway at IMTS for job shops

The final step in the IMTS 2018 job shop focus is a chance to win a great prize from one of the event’s sponsors. ESAB is offering a welding and cutting garage shop package tailored specifically for precision machine companies. Michelle gives the details of this fantastic package and explains how you can be entered in the giveaway. Only attendees of one of the special conferences offered at IMTS will be eligible. Listen to the interview to hear more details about that and much more.

Here’s The Good Stuff!

  • The case for why small, precision machining companies should go to IMTS
  • Manufacturing News: Asbestos is now being allowed back into manufacturing
  • Jim and Jason address the concern about crime in Chicago for IMTS attendees
  • Introduction of Michelle Edmonson, Senior Director of Exhibitions Operations and Marketing at AMT
  • The focus of IMTS 2018 is on job shops
  • The three step program that IMTS is offering job shop owners and manufacturers
  • Michelle Edmonson explains the opportunities offered through learning sessions
  • In order to be a top shop, you have to focus on culture
  • IMTS is a great way to learn how to run your manufacturing business better

Tools & Takeaways

This Week’s Superstar Guest

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Aug 3, 2018

On this episode of MakingChips, Jim talks with Jason Lesniewicz, Director of Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago, about the best way to experience Chicago. Jason leads Choose Chicago’s cultural tourism strategy positioning as a global, cultural destination to increase visitation and achieve the annual goal of 55 million visitors as set forth by mayor Rahm Emanuel, which they achieved in 2017. Listen to this conversation for ideas and tips on how to enjoy Chicago when you come to IMTS in September.

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The Chicago neighborhoods that set it apart

Chicagoans love their city. Jason Lesniewicz grew up in Chicago and has lived there his entire life. He shares the best way to experience Chicago by describing the unique neighborhoods that set the city apart. From McCormick Place convention center you can either walk or take a short taxi or Uber ride to get to several of these neighborhoods. From Wrigleyville to the West Loop to the Gold Coast, each one provides great dining, entertainment, and cultural opportunities.

3 restaurants you should try in Chicago

Chicago is known for its fantastic food. No matter what you’re craving, you can find it somewhere in Chicago. Jason Lesniewicz shares his top three favorite restaurants. He says the West Loop is the best neighborhood for the Chicago dining scene. He suggests Randolph and Fulton Streets as a great place to start. The area was part of the old warehouse district that has seen a fantastic renovation with great restaurants. The best part about grabbing a bite to eat in the West Loop is that it is only about a mile away from McCormick Place.

The best way to experience the cultural opportunities Chicago offers

IMTS will be in Chicago in mid-September, which is a beautiful time of year. The humidity begins to drop and the average temperature is in the mid-70s. It will be a great time to experience Chicago and the different cultural opportunities the city has to offer. Chicago is known for its signature layout around the river as well as for its incredible architecture. There are many theaters that often feature off-broadway and pre-broadway shows. During September, there are three sports teams that will be in season, including the Cubs, White Sox, and Bears. During your stay in Chicago, you will want to be sure to explore the many cultural opportunities. Listen as Jason and Jim share more about the city you don’t want to miss during this episode.

3 experiences you can’t miss during your visit to Chicago for IMTS

With all that Chicago has to offer on top of the vast IMTS exhibit space, it might be difficult to decide what experiences you’re going to take in while in Chicago. Just as you should with IMTS, planning ahead is key for making the most of your time experiencing Chicago. Jason and Jim narrow down their top 3 favorite experiences. From sightseeing tours, river cruises and a ride on the Centennial Ferris Wheel, to catching a game at historic Wrigley Field, hear their 3 recommended experiences and make your plans accordingly.

Here’s The Good Stuff!

  • Manufacturing News: National Association for Manufacturers chief Jay Timmons is touring America to hear from the manufacturing nation around the country
  • What can you expect when you come to Chicago
  • Introduction of Jason Lesniewicz, director of Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago
  • The diversity and cultural richness of Chicago’s neighborhoods set it apart as a tourist destination
  • Jason gives advice for the best neighborhoods to seek out when you come to Chicago for IMTS
  • Three best restaurants you should check out in the west loop Chicago
  • River North is the old manufacturing neighborhood that has a lot of entertainment
  • Highlights of Chicago for the first time visitor
  • Jason recommends sightseeing options to get the best views of Chicago
  • Three things not to miss in your visit to Chicago for IMTS

Tools & Takeaways

This Week’s Superstar Guest

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