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Can’t Find a Full Time Industrial Job? Start as a Contractor

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

The job market, despite news claims of an economic recovery, is still fairly slim in certain sectors – particularly the industrial sector. That means there’s a lot of competition for full time employment in this sector. Even if you have a resume that’s thick with experience, it can be a tough market to break through. While it may not seem like the most attractive option to many people with years of experience in various industrial fields; there is some merit to signing on as contract labor. Here are just a few of the potential benefits you might want to keep in mind as you explore your employment options.

1)   Contractor jobs are in wider supply than full-time industrial positions. If you look through your local Sunday paper or even the job listings online you’re sure to see that most of the listings use language such as: temporary position, contract position, contract-to-hire, etc. It’s not a slim majority either. You’re leaving a lot of potential income off the table if you skip applying for all of the temp-to-hire positions that are available in favor of seeking full-time employment with benefits.

2)   Contract jobs mean money right now. Some of these positions even offer daily pay for daily labor. This means that you get paid at the end of the day for the work you’ve done. Depending on how long you’ve been searching for work, the fact that you don’t have to wait two or more weeks for your first paycheck is a huge benefit to keep in mind. It can mean the difference between a steady diet of Ramen noodles or a little meat and having a little bit of meat and potatoes on the menu.

3)   Many companies simply aren’t hiring direct any more. They’ve realized that they can save money and training hours by hiring contractors for the openings. When they find promising contractors they keep them in mind for full time positions as they arise. Contractors also don’t generally get the same benefits packages that full-time employees receive although they do typically earn very similar wages so this does save companies money. More importantly, it gives you, as the worker, and the company an opportunity to test the waters before making any formal commitment for long-term or full time employment.

Once upon a time, contractor jobs had a negative connotation in the field of industrial work. That simply isn’t the case today. If you’ve been running yourself ragged from one interview to the next with no results to show for your efforts, then it’s time to explore the potential benefits of becoming a contractor. It might make a world of difference in your current financial situation and could easily lead to the full time job you really want.

Be sure to get in touch with Advance Staffing Solutions for access to a wide range of industrial career opportunities.

Lean Manufacturing Advice | Real Time Data Benefits

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

The use of real-time data management has vastly improved processes in the manufacturing field of business. With advanced technologies made available to all, a preeminent industrialization using real-time intelligence has emerged. This has become a realization of the vision of businessman, Taiichi Ohno, often referred to as a father of Lean Manufacturing. The aptitude of “The Toyota-Style Information System”, which is now evident as a proof of real-time information effectiveness, has long become the standard in manufacturing efficiency. Learn more how one can maximize these benefits in manufacturing.

How to Take Advantage of Real-Time Information

1. Be influenced with secondary data.

Outstanding information like updated and secondary changes are made available for application to kick off improved works and contained procedures. The specified information may be in turn be the foundation of Six-sigma development and can enhance the precision of dominant info in every preparation procedure (set lead time, set expenses, etc.)

2. Prolong evidences of inclusive processes needed for entrepreneurial system aid.

This is no way similar to group-rooted entrepreneurial matters or result analyses. Data on real-time allows immediate resorting that is human-oriented, which aims on letting managing personnel to take over and customize the manufacturing processes. Despite the fact that higher members of the company do not see the need to supervise keenly on these proceedings, this potential is observably important when it comes to a crucial need for supplication matters.

3. Allows procedures to provide for connected alliances and consumers.

Putting distributors and product profit in order is a vital point to Lean benefits, despite the idea that many of Lean enhancements are centering on four foundations of manufacturing dexterities. The only means of accommodating the use of real-time information with external and internal associates is through producers that face the maximum abilities of Lean routines.

4. Maintain Kaizen

As it is known, Kaizen urges several minute procedures to alter in a Lean venture. The result of these little modifications in bordering merchandising plan, labor order, tools, strategies and human resource are all capable of being attained and turned into a ready-to-use real-time milestone. It paves a way for ready and prompt calculations of functional KPI’s throughout several dexterity to push same objectives.

5. Promote procedures and manufacturing system adjust-ability.

When partnered with an excellent potentiality of actions, real-time intelligence results in fresh and advanced stages in the procedures and distributing system adaptability. Industries these days are equipped with data that are essential for them to resort into specific business conclusions in regards to increasing suppliers, turning into other procedures and modifying supply systems to be on the call for inconsistent situations.

Taking control of real-time intelligence in the manner mentioned is guaranteed be attainable and is turning out to be increasingly useful and efficient. For a few industries, it appears to be necessary for issues concerning finances and opposing fields of the business. Effects and flourishing results of real-time intelligence for manufacturing fields are sure to come and can be evident for even years after its occurrences.

If you are looking to land top manufacturing talent, contact the experts at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

 Enjoy a previous related post on this topic

Demand Response Can Lower Cost for Your Manufacturing Facility

Boost Your Line’s Performance Today – Manufacturing Workforce Management

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

The manufacturing industry is not dead; it’s thriving despite predictions from economic sources. However, there has been slower than normal growth in this market due to the higher than average cost of materials and transportation. Manufacturing staffing has also suffered somewhat, with less than 9,000 factory jobs added last summer and approximately 3.5 million job openings being advertised as of the beginning of 2013 according to a US News report. That’s in sharp contrast compared to the 11 million unemployed people currently saturating the job market. On the other side, experts are also predicting a sharp rise in consumer spending this summer which should drive up demand for a wide variety of manufactured goods.

Yet, with all the uncertainty right now for this year, there are still some ways to develop your manufacturing business strategy to maximize the staff you have on board now. This will have a positive effect on your production rates and additional revenues that can help support the addition of new temporary and permanent manufacturing workers.  Here are some suggested ways to boost your line’s performance, to reach these goals.

  1. Streamline all of your manufacturing and inventory systems into one well-managed computerized product.
  2. Cross-train and mentor your current employees so that they can support peak production cycles and improve their efficiency and skills.
  3. Look to employee incentive programs and wellness campaigns to improve motivation and overall morale.
  4. Partner with vendors to provide integrated ordering, shipping and receiving of goods to reduce time and costs.
  5. Carefully manage your staff to spot signs of burnout or stress, then promptly provide support or paid time off.
  6. Contract with a staffing service onsite to manage all your recruitment, screening, hiring and training needs at a cost savings.

While the summer’s manufacturing trends are yet to be seen, preparing now can help you to boost your overall performance and raise productivity levels in your lines. Advance Staffing Solutions can help you design a staffing management plan that includes the use of temporary workers, trainers, and employee recruitment and screening services. Look to our recruitment experts for ongoing manufacturing staff support.

Demand Response Can Lower Cost for Your Manufacturing Facility

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

As a manufacturing facility in a struggling economy, you may be finding it challenging to meet expenses on a regular basis. It’s not uncommon with fluctuating costs in materials, shipping and transportation, and even the costs of recruiting manufacturing personnel. Yet, there is a way you can bring in extra revenues this year. Joining a demand response program can improve your cash flow, lower your facility costs, and help to maintain a thriving manufacturing business. Here’s how.

A demand response program is one that asks manufacturing companies to reduce their electricity use during certain peak times, in an effort to protect the electricity grid. To be compensated as a manufacturing company, it’s required to reduce electricity usage in return for financial compensation. This can be significant, considering that a large manufacturer may receive a grant payment of as much as $50,000 during a single demand response event, simply by cutting power usage by 1,500 KW.

On the back-end  the company will also save money by reducing electricity utility bills. For the average manufacturing plant, this can be in the thousands of dollars. This is money that can be invested in other aspects of running a business, such as staff training, equipment upgrades, and building maintenance. The rewards and incentives of demand response program participants are many, including the ability to be a leading sustainable company in the manufacturing industry.

Additionally, it’s possible to reduce damage and wear to costly manufacturing equipment during power grid down-times  During unexpected power surges and voltage fluctuations, these electrical pulses can cause damage to equipment and even internal computing systems. However, as a participant in the demand response program, your company will instead be alerted to potential brownouts and surges in the power grid, giving you the ability to shut down beforehand.

Be prepared to participate in a demand response program by understanding that your facility will have to be wait listed for a time before acceptance, and you must be flexible in order to meet each program. This means also having access to temporary contract workers who can manage second and third-shift working hours, when your manufacturing plant will be encouraged to be at full operation. However, the rewards for participating in a demand response effort can far outweigh the requirements.

Get more information about Emergency Direct Response programs in Ohio and Michigan !

 

Taking a Closer Look at Employee Performance Management

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Employee performance management systems have long been considered a foundation for successful human resource management in the business world. Yet, some critics argue that performance metrics are not always the most accurate way to measure human capital ROI.

An interesting study, conducted in the summer of 2012 by Ed Lawler, George Benson, and Michael McDermott at the University of Southern California – Center for Effective Organizations, pointed out that, “Performance management systems are effective when they are based on goals that are jointly set and are driven by an organization’s business strategy.” The study revealed that as few as 10 percent of the 100 organizations surveyed for this study had updated their performance management systems in the last five to ten years. That means, there was a clear breakdown between the performance of their employees and the ways in which they are evaluated. In fact, some of the performance measurements were so outdated and inaccurate, they could not be relied upon to give a true picture of success.

Performance management is only as good as the way in which it delivers results in the increased engagement and productivity of employees. When employees are carefully recruited during the selection and interview process, they will be one step closer to being able to productively contribute to the organization. Likewise, when these new hires are trained well and provided with all the tools they need to succeed, they can perform up to organizational expectations. Herein lies the real issue.

Over-reliance on any performance management system will not motivate or inspire any employee. In fact, it will likely have the exact opposite effect. Negative feedback can seem like a stab in the back to employees who work hard and sacrifice personal time every day. Performance systems that are overly generic lack meaning to employees. Perhaps the worst case scenario is a performance management system that is not delivered in a consistent or fair manner, but instead is a tool used by managers to avoid rewarding employees who have demonstrated a commitment to the business. Favoritism still exists and it’s damaging to any business.

Despite these challenges, performance review systems are not going away. Rather, they are being viewed as one of many different tools that HR departments can use to measure the success and growth capabilities of their staffers.

If you are looking for top talent to manage your work force or join your team, contact the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions today!

Why Your Manufacturing Company Should have a Blog

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Blogging is big business these days. Retail businesses and major corporations fully understand this. Unfortunately, some manufacturing businesses have been slow to understand this trend. Venturing into social media can seem like a scary concept for those who are new to online marketing.

However, blogs aren’t going away and they can actually be important tools for businesses of all shapes and sizes—even manufacturing businesses. Here are just a few reasons why your manufacturing company should have a blog.

Brand Promotion

Your business is a brand. Public perception is almost everything to businesses in the information age. The more information that makes its way onto the World Wide Web, information that is controlled by you, the better it will be for the health and long-term wellbeing of your brand.

Blogs are an excellent resource for providing frequent updates about all the good things going on in your business. More importantly, they are excellent tools for solidifying your brand with existing and potential customers. When you control the information on the Internet, at least a majority of that information, you’re able to have a huge impact on public opinion about your business.

Recruiting Tool

Keeping an active business blog for your manufacturing company is also a great way to recruit top talent in your field. A large percentage of job seekers today do the bulk of their job seeking online. The Internet is a major tool in the job search process these days and that isn’t likely to change.

By posting openings in your company on your blog you’re going to come up with a larger potential pool of knowledgeable and skilled employees than with a random job posting on most job boards. If you need specialized skills, this is the place to let people know about the positions that are available and which specific sets of skills are needed.

People who are reading your blog are likely to be people involved in the industry, first of all, so they’re likely to have the skills you need. Second, these may be people who weren’t necessarily looking for a job, but may be intrigued by the specific jobs you have available. Finally, it’s another way to bring attention to your manufacturing business and establish yourself in the eyes of potential employees and customers as a legitimate force in your particular manufacturing field.

The bottom line is that all businesses in today’s competitive marketplace, whether they are manufacturing businesses or fast food restaurants need blogs to provide a steady stream of data and information to the buying public while building their brands and reputation online. If you’re not controlling the conversation about your business on the Internet, to some degree, it leaves the doors open for people who do not have the best interests of your business in mind to control that information.

For more tips on the use of blogging and other forms of social media marketing in the manufacturing sector, be sure to check out our previous related posts on this topic: 

Treat Every Event as a Networking Opportunity

The Importance of Hiring a Social Candidate – Who Doesn’t Just Look Good on Paper

Social Media Recruiting 101: Make Friends, Not Fans

Build a Smart Foundation for Manufacturing Productivity

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

When it comes to building a smarter manufacturing company, companies need to do what’s important to them – putting together the pieces to make a product. Yet, manufacturing productivity is often a factor. There are some companies now taking steps to make the technology aspect of manufacturing so foolproof and easy to manage that companies can get back to focusing on what they do best – manufacturing without having to figure out where technology comes into place.

Productivity Matters

In nearly all situations, productivity is a big discussion point within the manufacturing industries. As staffing agencies, you know the value of finding team players that can meet productivity goals – it keeps the business going. However, for these companies, it is also important to find a way to get around technology difficulties.

Many manufacturing companies are facing a higher demand for increased productivity. Though some of this comes from staffing the right people, there is much more to the process.

Smarter Manufacturing Systems

Some companies are taking the goal of improving productivity to a new level. They are building smarter manufacturing systems (something your staff may soon see rolling out more frequently in the coming months.) The goal is to allow manufacturing companies to get back to managing what they produce and to leave the technology aspects of putting together manufacturing systems to the experts.

Staffing Agencies and Productivity

Could your staffing agency do something the same? Consider what some companies are doing to enable increased manufacturing productivity. For example, some are developing systems that provide mobile capabilities to keep business managers and operators in constant, instant access of each other no matter where they are. Cloud-based services are making the process secure, reliable, and real-time. This enables far more to be accomplished in a matter of a shorter period of time. This is a clear benefit to increased productivity.

In some cases, manufacturers are facing pressure to see significant productivity gains in a short period of time. Massive demographic changes as well as global competition are encouraging this demand. According to some reports, an estimated 70 million people will be moved out of poverty and will become consumers. Those 70 million people, over the course of the next ten years, will contribute to $8 trillion in spending. As this clearly demonstrates, it is critical for massive improvements in productivity to happen. Realizing it cannot come from just people and staffing enhancements, many companies are pushing for smarter manufacturing systems as a must-have.

Want more productive manufacturng employees in Michigan and Ohio? Advance Staffing Solutions has many temporary and contract manufacturing laborers ready to help your company reach maximum productivity levels.

Manufacturing on the Agenda: Presidential Campaign

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

As the US Presidential campaign heats up and the candidates hit the debate stage in full force, it seems that the future of manufacturing and energy is high up on the agenda. While the manufacturing industry is still rebounding from years of recession, there is a renewed focus on how those involved in the management of energy resources and re-building of America will become a critical factor in the coming administration.

While President Obama has consistently pushed for the enhancement of manufacturing and clean energy development, stating that “We can’t have an energy strategy for the last century that traps us in the past. We need an energy strategy for the future – an all-of-the-above strategy for the 21st century that develops every source of American-made energy.” (March 2012)

His opponent Mitt Romney, has released a comprehensive energy plan that could potentially open up more avenues for manufacturers around the nation, including those previously ignored coal and oil manufacturers.

Says the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons in a recent article “Manufacturing continues to occupy center stage in the presidential campaign discussion” and “For U.S. manufacturers to be able to compete successfully in the world marketplace, they need access to a consistent supply of affordable energy. To achieve that, a true ‘all-of-the-above’ approach is necessary.”

The overall concern among many manufacturers is whether the next generation of workers will be available to manage the responsibilities of this difficult industry. There are fewer and fewer college grads willing to work in the manufacturing business because of the uncertainty of future jobs in this sector – stemming from massive layoffs of the earlier part of this decade. Manufacturing is also a career in which specific, specialized skills are needed to be proficient. This is in an era when many candidates have diversified their skills in order to be eligible for more jobs.

While the future of manufacturing still hangs in the balance, one thing is clear. The United States must find a solution to sustainable energy sources that will support the manufacturing infrastructure for future generations. We also must be willing to train and provide career growth opportunities in manufacturing to attract tomorrow’s talent. These are the people who will reshape and rebuild America.

Looking for manufacturing workers for your organization? Advance Staffing Solutions has pre-screened, talented contract employees ready to support your manufacturing business goals.

Advise on Using Social Media in an Industrial Job Search

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Finding an industrial job can be a challenge. As a job seeker, social media may be the best tool available to you to find the right job. Social media is a method of interacting with others in the employment world in a more social manner than you may be used to. If you are a professional who has focused his or her career on applying for positions through written applications, it may be time to brush off your computer and learn about social media sites.

Where to Start with Social Media Job Searching

If this is the first time you are looking for a job in this manner, you’ll need a few tips to help you to get your foot in the door. Social media sites, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and dozens of others, allow people to connect with each other online. This can be a great way to find out about others in your industry and where the best industrial jobs are.

As a job seeker, your goal is to connect with those who you may be able to apply with or those who may know about job openings in the industrial field. This could include hiring managers in industrial companies. You can also connect with industrial businesses that you would like to work at directly. The key is to gain as many connection points as possible.

Set Up the Right Social Media Profile

Another step to take is to set up a stellar profile. A profile is like a resume, but on a much less formal manner. It communicates who you are, what your job history is, what you are looking for and who you want to connect with. Every social media account worth belonging to is free to use and set up like this. Make that your goal.

Connect and Interact in a Positive Manner

You do not want to use social network connections as a type of sales platform in which you are trying to sell yourself or your skills. Rather, you want these interactions to be more social. For example, if you hope to land a job with an industrial company, interact with the hiring manager about trends in the industry.

Should You Ask for a Job on Social Networks?

It is a good idea to connect with individuals on a professional level and then to drop a hint that you are looking for a job. It is best to ask for recommendations for positions or to be alerted if a specific type of job opens up. This allows you to ease your way into that interview, instead of appearing “desperate” for employment.

Remember, with industrial jobs, the competition is often fierce. No matter if you are looking for a floor position or upper level management, chances are good you’ll be better able to achieve that interview if you interact with the company socially rather than just turning in an application. Learn more about social media by reading our previous related posts:

6 Ways the Job Search has Changed

Best Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search

 

How to be an Eco-Conscious Manufacturer

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Investing in a green manufacturing initiative may be at the top of your list of goals for this year. There is no doubt about it, this does offer various benefits. For one, it is great PR in a world where consumers love a company’s efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. It can also save the company millions of dollars over its lifetime in many instances.

Some companies are taking big steps, and making big investments, to be an environmentally conscious company and it is paying off in spades.

What’s Behind the Push?

For many companies, it is all about the demands of the consumer. Companies are making significant changes to their investment plans to fill the demands of the consumer. The consumer is demanding eco-friendly, environmentally-focused products. This is driving manufacturers to invest in newer technology that is more environmentally friendly. The immediate cost is simply worth it in the long-term.

Solar Installation

Diamond Wipes is a good example of this extreme investing for the payout to the company. The company installed a 3360 panel solar system on top of its new manufacturing facility in California. It cost the company $1.6 million to do, which is about 8 percent of their annual earnings. In doing so, the company is creating enough power to fill virtually all of its needs or even to exceed them.

The company’s investment may be a wise one. With 35 to 40 percent of it coming back to them over time through federal and state rebate programs. For the total payback, it could take seven to eight years to realize their investment and break even. Considering this, it could take the company a decade to break even. It may not sound financially wise, but for the company it’s all about good business.

The benefit, the company says, comes from the PR value found in both the consumer and the corporate customers. This particular company is mainly a business-to-business provider, and the green model it is taking will appeal to those companies they operate with over the entire supply chain.

Beyond the Solar Panels

Environmentally friendly initiative extends beyond solar panels. Companies are investing in methods that reduce emissions. Another option is to improve shipping and warehousing to ensure they are efficient. Moving to biodegradable products is also a key benefit some companies are enjoying. Some are also looking to cut packaging costs to reduce waste. Others are demanding greener base products from manufacturers, all with the goal of creating a more eco-conscious end product for the consumer.

The initial investment may not pay off for some time, but for many companies, it is worth it just to do good business. Meeting the consumer’s demands and fulfilling corporate customer’s needs is worth the investment.

Advance Staffing Solutions in the central states of Ohio and Michigan can help your manufacturing program to become more eco-friendly. Find out how temporary staffing can support a more green manufacturing model.

Lean Manufacturing Is About Your People, Not Tools

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

Lean manufacturing may be all that you are hearing about as a manufacturing organization or business owner. Yet, business owners who are putting all of their time and attention into lean tools are missing the fundamental key aspect of this movement. It is not just about putting in place a system for getting the work done on the floor. Rather, businesses need to think people, too.

The Mistake So Many Are Making

Going lean is the big goal. Many businesses are being told that by implementing lean tools in their organizations that they are going to see significant improvement and achieve global competitiveness. In fact, there are dozens of authors promising this type of outcome if we just implement lean. They are basing this on the performance results Toyota has achieved with their TPS production system – known for its effectiveness. However, TPS is not just about lean tools. Without the true connection to people, there’s something major missing that’s going to hold you back.

What Is TPS Really?

Two components make the Toyota Production System so ideal. One element is continuous improvement. The second is respect for all people. Yes, it is a simplistic symptom, but that comes from maintaining these two aspects. For those businesses in the U.S., learning about lean tools, such as value stream mapping, poke yoke, and kanban, there is a huge disconnect from what the TPS methodology really is. For lean technology and methods to be effective, there must be a change in culture within the business, too.

What Does This Mean?

To ensure that a business “going lean” is able to succeed at it, they must change their culture and way of thinking when it comes to people. The business owner must trust people within the manufacturing plant to solve problems regardless of where the problem came from. The goal here is that businesses must focus on obtaining a critical mass of people who will act, think and believe lean and rely on them to push the business forward.

Solve problems with a TPS perspective. Here are some examples.

  • Keep hitting your numbers is the old way of thinking. The new is to product only items that the customer has ordered.
  • Avoid too many problems with unions or vendors is the old thinking. The new is never to skip past a problem.
  • Make sure there is plenty of work in the backlog you say with lean focus the goal is to work to continually improve the processes.

Do not let people handle problems alone. Do skip over something that can be handled right now. This changes the job of the plant manager significantly.

The bottom line is that before manufacturing industries focus on lean tools in their business, they need to teach their employees the way of seeing the operation through lean eyes. Be respectful of the team. Teach them. Learn from them. Adapt together to approach a lean methodology.

Looking for the best manufacturing staffers? Get the right team members for your manufacturing business growth by working with the staffing experts at Advance Staffing Solutions in Michigan and Ohio.

SMART Asset Management in Manufacturing

HMG Success on October 7, 2026

As we move rapidly into the new age of manufacturing, SMART asset management can and should be an integral part of an industrial environment. Consider that more innovators are focused on creating a “smarter” planet, with technologies connecting more aspects of business and personal life than ever before. We are all interconnected through our communities, our corporations, and even other nations.

The manufacturing business as a whole is also getting smarter. Since the dawn of robotics and computerized machinery, the industrial world can produce faster, better and at higher levels of quality than even humans can in some cases. It’s as if the entire manufacturing world is trying to keep up with consumer demand at lightning speed.

Therefore, it makes sense that SMART asset management is a part of the equation for millions of manufacturing companies worldwide. Every industry uses some form of SMART management. Here are some examples:

  • Sensors built into vehicles that alert manufacturers of malfunctions to a central computer center.
  • Smart meters from energy companies to reduce waste with a demand response system.
  • Manufacturing data centers that process information from equipment on the production floor.
  • Buildings with smart systems that close window shades, adjust lighting, and secure entrances.

In the manufacturing world, there are most likely to be practical applications for SMART asset management to control a variety of materials, personnel functions, and customer data. SMART software can monitor inventories using RFID tags, place routine orders for regularly used materials, automate shipping and receiving, detect equipment use and failures, and more.

SMART asset management for manufacturing means being able to collect advanced data using sensors and actuators. This data translates to analytics which can then be used for a variety of purposes from incident response and staffing to inventory control. It’s clear that SMART asset management serves a critical purpose and will continue to do so for many years.

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