“We’re too small for automation.” It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard, or maybe even said yourself. It’s a common belief. Automation sounds like a huge investment, something you’d expect in a massive plant producing thousands of identical harnesses every week. Not in a smaller shop running custom jobs or shorter batches. 

But here’s the thing: no manufacturer is too small to benefit from automation. In fact, day-to-day struggles of smaller operations (keeping track of materials, tools, and calibration dates) is often where the most time and money gets lost, and where automation can have the biggest impact. (an article originally published in the September/October 2025 issue of Wiring Harness News).

As 2025 unfolds, a theme of uncertainty has emerged, forcing many wire harness manufacturers to reassess their operational strategies, or at least keep a close eye on potential disruptions and shifts in the supply chain. After all, how can you prepare when the industry’s next move is anyone’s guess? With ‘resilience’ a buzzword dominating so many discussions, organizations are prioritizing the development of contingency plans. However, these plans are only as strong as the data they’re built upon. In unpredictable times, real-time data becomes your most dependable way to protect your order fulfillment and secure your business’ future (an article originally published in the March 2025 issue of Wiring Harness News).

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The adage “best laid plans often go awry” holds particular significance in the complex and dynamic world of wire harness manufacturing. Unforeseen challenges, evolving customer demands, and the intricacies of the production process require a delicate balance between control and flexibility. On the one hand, adhering to strict specifications is absolutely critical. On the other hand, the very nature of manufacturing demands the ability to evolve and adapt. So how do we reconcile these seemingly opposing forces? How do we maintain the control for quality while embracing the flexibility that today’s wire harness manufacturing demands? (an article originally published in the November 2024 issue of Wiring Harness News)

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