We have already discussed these strategies for Growing as a Domestic Manufacturer in earlier posts:

• Prepare for Re-shoring Production
• Invest in Your Workforce
• Design for the Developing World

The fourth business strategy: 

Master Supply Chain Visibility

Domestic manufacturers need to update their supply chain management technologies in order to remain competitive. Too many domestic manufacturers currently rely on spreadsheets and manual processes to manage their supply chains. This is inefficient, expensive and error prone.

 To better manage supply chain operations and gain visibility into production, domestic manufacturers should invest in supply chain software. Supply chain software can automate supply chain planning, manage supplier relationships, and provide supply chain execution automation. By automating the process, manufacturers are able to gain productivity, more accurately plan production and reduce cycle times.

 Kildeer Mountain Manufacturing (KMM) has gained efficiency by combining radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with supply chain execution software to track incoming inventory and production. The real-time information provided by the software allowed KMM to cut their cycle times in half. The drop in cycle time increased output and allowed KMM to remain competitive.

 The final part in this series will be exploring:  Improve Environmental Responsibility