This is the time of year when everyone is either looking back at the year ending or looking ahead to see (predict) what’s coming. As Yogi Berra is attributed for saying, “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” But it seems like in our business, the two are much the same. The issues that seem…
As we have spoken about numerous times, the labor market is very tight. Industries across the full spectrum report the number of unfilled positions to be in the tens of thousands. And the situation is projected to not be getting any better. “MIT Technology Review” projects that of the 4.6 million new jobs expected to…
by Andrew Green, Business Development Manager Intro Every successful project requires the right combination of qualified personnel, tools, and the job scope itself. This is true for projects in any business, even down to seemingly miniscule tasks around the house. No one wants to have an electrician using carpenter’s tools to fix plumbing problems. Without…
Editor’s Note: Hinge Marketing is a research-based marketing firm focused entirely on the realm of professional services. Since 2009, they have been conducting research involving the buyers and sellers of professional services, with the latest round reaching more than 1,400 buyers of professional services. The last version of their e-book “Inside the Buyer’s Brain” provides…
If you read trade journals, any trade journals, you’ve seen articles and reports about network security. It is the most common subject observed across multiple industries. From “Chemical Engineering” to “Plant Services”, everyone it seems is talking about network security, its dangers, and ways to combat it. Even a local law firm has done a series of…
When you visit the automobile dealer to purchase a car, you buy the car based upon your personal needs, your research, value performance, etc. You negotiate the price, choose the options, and make your decision. A municipal OEM manufacturer is much the same as the automobile dealer. They consultant along with his customer, the owner,…
It’s been a while since we discussed the very important issue of risk mitigation as it pertains to control system projects, so let’s review our previous post and provide some updates. Strategy We all recognize that major automation and control systems projects have inherent risks and associated consequences. The degree of risk and the negative…
Previous blog posts, as well as LinkedIn posts, have addressed different aspects of the current labor shortage being experienced in many industries, manufacturing included. We’ve addressed hiring millennials and workforce retention as two working strategies. Another approach is to develop your own work force through apprenticeships and similar programs. Apprenticeships Apprenticeships have been with us since the latter half…
We have been strong supporters of CSIA’s (Control System Integrators Association) certification program since even before we received our first certification in 2002. In a January 2018 post, we wrote about the process and the benefits we believe result from CSIA certification. But certification is only one way that CSIA is working to make control system…
by Molly Smith, Recruiter Nothing is more satisfying than hiring and retaining the best-of-the-best employees. The simple fact is, it has become more critical than ever to maintain your dream team, and companies are falling behind due to the loss of superstar talent. Worker willingness to change jobs is at a 17-year high (see “Help…