Posts by Graeme Fitzgerald
Transforming Manufacturing Businesses
As many readers of this blog will be acutely aware, manufacturing businesses can face a seemingly endless array of challenges. Markets and competitors can evolve. Strategies and management teams can change. Sales teams can become fractured and underperform. For some organisations, this can become ‘head-in-the-sand’ or ‘cross-your-fingers-and-hope-for-the-best’ time. But for most savvy operators, these challenges…
Read MoreThe AI Transformation of Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the business-world’s favourite “buzzwords” at the moment. And the manufacturing sector is no different, with emerging opportunities in this space that have the potential to revolutionise production processes, optimise supply chain management, and enhance product quality. Here are some of the key opportunities for the use of AI in…
Read More4id’s Secrets to product leadership success
Product leadership is about creating a strategic product roadmap, advocating for product vision and focusing on innovation. But how can we achieve this? I recently caught up with one of my clients, Bruce Hegan, Owner and Managing Director of 4id Solutions, leaders of asset tracking and tagging technologies with customers in both the US and…
Read MoreHow to develop high-potential talent in manufacturing
COVID-19 put more focus on talent issues, and, like many industries, manufacturing has seen a shortage of people for roles across the spectrum. As a result of this, expectations have changed on both sides. In addition, people and leadership are one of the areas where we’re still lacking here in Australia. The right talent is…
Read MoreTHE SECRET BEHIND ONGOING PRODUCT SUCCESS
There’s often no better way to learn the secrets to manufacturing success than from a company that’s walking the walk and not just talking the talk. Australian-owned computer and electronic company, GME, has been living the dream in manufacturing for over 60 years. What started in 1959 as one man repairing TV channels has grown…
Read MoreSINGLETON BUSINESS BUILDER PROGRAM: A HOT N SAUCY PIVOT
I enjoy sharing stories of businesses that have seen great success through the right mentorship and advice – and through my partnership with Singleton Council to deliver the Singleton Business Builder Program, there’s been many. A great example is a Texan BBQ restaurant located at Summerville Wines in Broke, NSW, called Smokin Hot ‘n Saucy…
Read MoreSINGLETON BUSINESS BUILDER PROGRAM: IMPROVING MARKETING FLOW
I have another success to share from the Singleton Business Builder Program I helped develop and run with John Costley from Lead C.I. in partnership with Singleton Council. This one is a local business called Singleton Pump and Water Systems. Established in 1983, their clients include farmers, mines, construction businesses, as well as residential swimming…
Read MoreGetting back to business as usual can be a futile exercise
Our business world continues to demonstrate that a dynamic environment is one that is continually changing. The events of the last 2-3 years, in my view, provide a demonstration of how waiting for things to “get back to the norm” is a futile exercise, one bound to create more uncertainty and confusion, and potentially overwhelm…
Read More5 LESSONS FROM COLLABORATIVE MANUFACTURING IN 2022
I recently facilitated a workshop focusing on the fundamental concepts of collaborative manufacturing. Now, those of you who know me well will understand that I’ve developed a ‘healthy scepticism’ toward the effectiveness of programs or initiatives presented as the ‘future for manufacturing’. I developed this scepticism over my years in steel manufacturing, where it was…
Read MoreMANUFACTURING: HOW TO SUCCEED THROUGH ONGOING CHANGE
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received from a mentor was when he explained that the concept “Everything will be alright when…..” is what ruins the chance for success in anything we do. The world we live in has demonstrated this time after time in the last couple of years. Just when we…
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