Supply Chain - Articles, Stories & Interviews
The Next Evolution of Configure-to-Order in Manufacturing
Static bills of materials, disconnected tools, and manual workflows limit scalability. They slow timelines, erode margins, and make it harder to manage increasing product complexity across the lifecycle.
Laying the groundwork for smarter manufacturing - Enhancing factory foundations for reduced downtime, more efficient production
As factories get smarter, they become capable of producing more efficiently, often triggering the need for expansion. This expansion includes better space utilisation, the adoption of newer, larger systems, and an increase in physical footprint.
Upgrade Your Mezzanine Flooring While Avoiding Timely and Costly Replacement
Mezzanine floors are important in many facilities. They provide extra space for storage or work without taking up more ground space. However, they often face heavy use from equipment and people. Over time, this can cause the floor to wear down.
Transforming manufacturing growth and efficiency with AI translation
The strategic adoption of AI translation platforms is enabling many manufacturing companies to achieve significant advancements in efficiency, cost reduction, and global reach.
Adapt Your Warehouse Operations Using a Low Code Application Platform-Based WMS
Today, modern software development methodologies have designed new platforms that have components and functionalities that are tightly connected to a single, large database. Individual components can be separated and modified independently.
Leveraging Real-Time Production Data
This article explores how manufacturers can leverage real-time production data to improve cost accuracy, optimize resource utilization, and enhance decision-making.
A Sustainable Future Relies on Flexible Manufacturing Adoption
Traditional manufacturing models are known for prioritizing efficiency over sustainability – and being resource-intensive. A truly sustainable future demands a paradigm shift. Flexible manufacturing systems offer a promising path forward.
Supply Chain - Featured Stories
Nature's Nano-Glue: How Attapulgite's Reversible Bonds Could Make Refractories Last Decades
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No material is perfect, but attapulgite has many useful properties that manufacturers may not be aware of. Companies should pay greater attention to these benefits if they hope to optimize their workflows, product lineups and facilities.
Digital Twins in the Supply Chain: A Pathway to Predictive Logistics and Lean Operations
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This article describes not only what a digital twin is but how it works as a predictive and resilient backbone for contemporary supply chains. From demand planning to warehouse automation, the revolution of the digital twin has already arrived.
Top Use Cases of RPA in Warehouse and Inventory Management
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RPA is no longer experimental in logistics—it’s essential. Whether reducing order processing time, maintaining inventory accuracy, or automating invoice reconciliation, the use cases here show how robotic automation drives speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency at scale.
Supply Chain - News Headlines
How AI and Automation Are Reshaping SMT Assembly Lines: Key Trends Every Manufacturer Must Know
From AI-driven optimization to smarter automation, SMT assembly lines are undergoing a massive transformation. Learn how manufacturers are future-proofing their production in 2025 and beyond.
How to Set Up a High-Efficiency SMT Production Line in 2025: Key Tips for Modern Electronics Makers
As global demand for high-performance electronics grows, setting up an efficient SMT line in 2025 is crucial. Learn how to streamline your process, select the right equipment, and stay ahead of industry trends. Read the full guide here.
Wauseon Machine Sets New Standard for Quality and Reliability Through Elite Industry Certifications
A3 and UL Certifications, ISO Recertification, and employing TUV Certified Engineers Underpin Commitment to Excellence
Supply Chain - Featured Product
T.J. Davies' Retention Knobs

T.J. Davies' Retention Knobs
Our retention knobs are manufactured above international standards or to machine builder specifications. Retention knobs are manufactured utilizing AMS-6274/AISI-8620 alloy steel drawn in the United States. Threads are single-pointed on our lathes while manufacturing all other retention knob features to ensure high concentricity. Our process ensures that our threads are balanced (lead in/lead out at 180 degrees.) Each retention knob is carburized (hardened) to 58-62HRC, and case depth is .020-.030. Core hardness 40HRC. Each retention knob is coated utilizing a hot black oxide coating to military specifications. Our retention knobs are 100% covered in black oxide to prevent rust. All retention knob surfaces (not just mating surfaces) have a precision finish of 32 RMA micro or better: ISO grade 6N. Each retention knob is magnetic particle tested and tested at 2.5 times the pulling force of the drawbar. Certifications are maintained for each step in the manufacturing process for traceability.
Supply Chain - Featured Company

T J Davies, Co., Inc.
Since 1965 the T.J. Davies Company has been manufacturing retention knobs (pull studs) for direct sale and distribution. Their retention knobs are manufactured in the United States from steel drawn in the United States. T.J. Davies Company is a veteran-founded, woman-led business dedicated to consistently manufacturing high-quality products that help our customers compete globally.