The Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) role has been a staple for almost two decades in high tech manufacturing environments. But does it also apply to traditional manufacturers? Short answer: yes. Slightly longer answer: it depends. Let’s find out why and if it makes sense for your manufacturing company.

Manufacturing, in particular, has a distinctly different approach to revenue than retail or professional services. The distinct lens that the CEO of a manufacturing company looks at revenue through shapes everything from the metrics they track to the operational initiatives they support.

The upcoming CAMPS Manufacturing Conference on June 12, 2019 continues the tradition with 200 expected to attend. The conference presents to us practical applications to use current technology now, not ‘someday’ in the future.

I am especially interested in the keynote where Andy Luse will present his insights about the 4th industrial revolution. I am also curious about the A.I. breakout session as we learn about the myths and realities.

On November 15, 2018 CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound) celebrated the successes and achievements in manufacturing in the Puget Sound region.  Regence, Capital Benefit Services and Shannon & Associates sponsored the fabulous event. The emcee for the evening was Randy Gardiner, President of CAMPS Board of Directors.

Without manufacturing companies, we would not have the quality of life we currently enjoy. They ‘make stuff’ is often taken for granted and what they build can be the difference between life and death.

Manufacturers are often under-appreciated as they work invisibly to deliver products that change our lives. Employees typically do not have glamorous work spaces and may appear unimpressive since their work clothing is more for function and safety than style.

Manufacturers are in a word: “Remarkable”. This is why I have come to appreciate CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound) as they do a great job of supporting local manufacturers.

CAMPS has grown membership of nearly 300 companies, organizations, education, and government partners supporting the region’s most innovative, high performing, and collaborating companies. These companies are focusing collectively on:

• Serving domestic and international markets
• CAMPS, as an organization, has taken a leadership role in 21^st Century Workforce solutions
• CEO’s and other leaders have adopted a primary goal of improving the image of Manufacturing to all sectors of the community, with a special focus on youth programs and transitioning military personnel

If you believe as I do about the importance of manufacturers and interested in giving support, providing service or products, you can learn more here.

What you might have missed:

On June 7th, nearly 200 CAMPS Members, industry experts, and guests were introduced to the future of manufacturing. The prime message was how technology is enabling manufacturing to reach new heights.

The upcoming CAMPS Manufacturing Conference on June 7th is expected to be one of the best yet. With over 200 expected to attend, the conference will present practical applications to use current technology now, not ‘someday’ in the future. I am especially interested in the keynote where Bill Hill will give an overview of IoT used in manufacturing. Of course, the robot demonstration will raise some eyebrows, but don’t be expecting a “Lost in Space” robot.

Manufacturing and service operations answer different questions and formulate different strategies when it comes to planning and managing the way in which their organizations operate and grow revenue.