Like most industries, the manufacturing sector is transforming rapidly. Because of recent technological advances and globalization, U.S. manufacturing is facing intense international competition, increasing market volatility and complexity, a declining workforce, and a host of other challenges. Yet we know that in order to have a strong economy, we need a strong manufacturing base. So what’s the answer?

Today’s manufacturers must transform along with the rest of the world by adopting next-generation manufacturing principles. And while many manufacturers have started to adopt some of these, there are six advanced principles they must embrace to move forward now. Let’s look at both categories—the current and the advanced.

Current next-generation manufacturing principles

• Connected to the global economy. Now that manufacturers are connected to the global economy, they can reach more consumers and sell in ways they couldn’t have before.

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