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Impact Dakota Blog is a blog dedicated to supporting North Dakota’s manufacturing community improve People, Purpose, Processes and Performance. Entries provide information on opportunities, new ideas, quick tips, celebrations of success, and well, frankly, anything to help you become a better manufacturer.

September 30, 2021

The One Recruitment Video Every Manufacturer NeedsThis blog is the seventh in a monthly series brought to you by the America Works initiative. As a part of the MEP National Network’s goal of supporting the growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, this series focuses on innovative approaches and uncovering the latest trends in manufacturing workforce development.

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September 28, 2021

Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2021 — Three Ways to Create a Great Hybrid EventWhile Fridays have always been a reason to celebrate, the first Friday of October is one that is near and dear to the MEP National Network, as this year, Friday, October 1, is Manufacturing Day (MFG Day)! Organizing your MFG Day events may have changed quite a bit in the last 18 months. Why hold a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual aspects? By combining both in-person and virtual experiences into a hybrid event, you pave the way for increased participation and greater regional and national attendance. Here are three ways to create a great hybrid event.

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September 24, 2021

Why Small Manufacturers Should Consider a Manufacturing Execution SystemSmall and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) are often resource- and talent-challenged. But these conditions also are what should make the advancement of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) so attractive to SMMs. Using an MES helps focus on defining, measuring, analyzing and controlling what is actually driving the business. It will deliver a more holistic and detailed report of how production impacts finances.

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September 8, 2021

How to Scout for Your Next Business Growth OpportunityBusiness growth in manufacturing traditionally has come along two lines: market penetration, growing with the same product; and market diversification, bringing the same product to new markets or new products to the same market. Manufacturers looking to grow their business should not underestimate the benefits of targeted market research. Your local MEP Center can help.

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August 6, 2021

Developing a New Era for Smarter Food SafetyThe World Health Organization estimates that each year, unsafe food causes 600 million cases of foodborne diseases and 420,000 deaths worldwide? A new initiative by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration called “The New Era of Smarter Food Safety” builds on FSMA and incorporates more effective processes and modern techniques. It encourages food manufacturers to establish and internalize the culture of food safety.

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July 28, 2021

Blast from the Past: Why Manufacturers Should Get More Involved in Registered ApprenticeshipsAmerican manufacturing is better served by making a concerted investment in our current workforce, so workers feel valued, appreciated and understand they have a bright future in manufacturing. Just like modern manufacturing has come a long way from the factories of the past, so have modern apprenticeships. Check out this blog to find out four reasons your manufacturing company should take a serious look at registered apprenticeships in 2021 and beyond.

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July 14, 2021

How Smaller Manufacturers Can Take Advantage of Additive ManufacturingAdditive manufacturing is the secret weapon for small to medium-sized manufacturers who create highly customized products and are looking to improve their industrial tooling processes. MEP National Network representative Dave Pierson shares how for shops interested in producing more high-value, low-run parts.

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July 7, 2021

Workplace Development is the New Workforce DevelopmentHow can manufacturers cultivate smart, motivated workers? One answer is to redirect efforts away from workforce development to instead focus on workplace development. In addition to a focus on attraction and recruitment, American manufacturers must also focus on keeping and cultivating the workers they already have.

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June 28, 2021

Commonly Misused Terms in CybersecurityData vs. Information vs. Knowledge. Threat vs. Risk. When it comes to cybersecurity there is still much confusion about even ubiquitous terms. Check out this unofficial list of some commonly misused terms in the field of cybersecurity to understand these key terms and how they are used.

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June 3, 2021

Maintaining Your Online PrivacyOnline privacy is becoming increasingly important as we move closer to a fully internet-connected world. It's important to consider both security and privacy to keep your business's information safe. But how do you maintain online privacy? Here are some tips.

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