Manufacturing in Mexico Blog
Simple, Cost-Effective Video Conferencing
Written by Collectron Friday, 25 March 2011 13:48
Open and clear communication is important to any business. When you’re accustomed to conducting business with clients all over the globe, making the communication process as seamless as possible for everyone involved is not only necessary for successful operations, but vital for saving time and money.
Once again, modern technology comes to the rescue. One of the tools that can make any exchange of ideas easier and more cost-effective is a VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) service like SkypeTM. The Skype software application allows individuals or businesses to conduct phone and video conference calls with clients using Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems.
All it takes to hold a video conference call is the free Skype program download, available at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home, and a web cam for each group of participants involved in the meeting. Video conferencing encourages regular communication without the worry of travel expenses and scheduling.
If you haven’t given Skype a try yet, you might find it worth a look! http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/business/.
What Can Global Manufacturers Learn From the Crisis Caused by the Japan Quake?
Written by Collectron Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:51
The current crisis in Japan brings up many important questions for manufacturers world-wide. One of those questions is: do you have a plan in place if an unavoidable disaster, such as a natural disaster, causes long-term disruption to your plant operations?
In Japan’s case, could outsourcing part of a manufacturing plant’s production line to Mexico provide a feasible and cost-effective solution to plant shutdowns, rolling blackouts and potential long-term disruptions caused by the recent earthquakes and tsunamis? According to recent reports, Fernando Sierra Ortiz, president of Mexico’s National Chamber of Electronics Industry, seems to think this is a not only a viable option for high-tech manufacturers, it’s a current reality. He is reported as saying that a number of damaged Japanese electronics companies plan to move a portion of their production processes to Mexico in the near future.
With the advantages of proximity to the US – especially in light of rising fuel costs – plus preferential duty treatments that can lower manufacturing costs, trade agreements with 43 different countries, a skilled workforce and intellectual property protection, Mexico could prove to offer enough benefits to attract struggling Japanese manufacturers. These same advantages have already proved beneficial to hundreds of international companies that have established maquiladoras in Mexico thanks to shelter plan programs.
Only time will tell how the global manufacturing landscape will be altered by the natural disasters in Japan, but we can hope that out of the tragedy will come new solutions and opportunities to work together to mutually benefit each country. This is what Collectron President Maria Elena Rigoli would call the power of her motto, “Together, we will.”
