CIRAS can map your specific supply chain, summarize supplier information, build in some performance indices, and use the data to provide an overall supply chain risk management review. There are many benefits of Supply Chain Mapping: Provides visual representation of the supply chain. See where geographic concentrations (one supplier/too many suppliers). Provides multi-tier supply chain … Continue reading Supply Chain Mapping
Archives: Services
Archives: Services
College Student Engagement
CIRAS helps you plan for, engage, and hire college students using research data, best practice content, and campus partners to help companies connect with college students We can help your business: Connect with career services centers and student organizations on campus. Implement diversity hiring strategies to expand applicant pool and increase entry level representation at … Continue reading College Student Engagement
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing uses the internet and other digital communication tools to achieve the goals of your marketing strategy. A strong digital marketing strategy defines the target market, the messages that you want to be delivered (content) and the methodologies you will use to deliver those messages (tactics). CIRAS can help you develop and deploy the right … Continue reading Digital Marketing
Human Resource/HR Operations
CIRAS experts work with Iowa businesses to identify and implement strategic human resource changes aimed at building your employer brand and becoming a great place to work. The first step is evaluate the company’s current strengths and weaknesses related to HR and Workforce. CIRAS is here to help throughout the process. Assistance available to Iowa … Continue reading Human Resource/HR Operations
Identify and attract the right skilled workers
CIRAS experts work with Iowa businesses to identify and implement strategic changes that will make a company better at finding the best employees. The first step is to identify who you can hire. CIRAS is here to help throughout the process. Assistance available to Iowa businesses includes: Review local workforce data to identify under-employed populations. … Continue reading Identify and attract the right skilled workers
Retain and develop skilled workers
CIRAS experts work with Iowa businesses to identify and implement strategic changes that will make a company better at developing and retaining the best employees. The first step is to implement simple retention strategies, providing a foundation for growing your workforce. CIRAS is here to help throughout the process. Assistance available to Iowa businesses includes: … Continue reading Retain and develop skilled workers
Supplier Scouting
Supplier Scouting leverages our knowledge of Iowa manufacturing with a network of trusted advisors working daily with U.S. manufacturers. CIRAS specializes in finding suppliers that are not obvious to you. We usually do this by looking across supply chains and industry verticals to find core capabilities that translate to your need. There are many ways … Continue reading Supplier Scouting
Virtual Process Review
CIRAS may not be in your plant, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you innovate. We’re ready to help you with our new “Virtual Process Review.” Why? Do you need to re-think processes in light of social distancing measures? Do you need an expert opinion to identify and prioritize opportunities but an in-person consultation … Continue reading Virtual Process Review
Food Industry
Breaking updates – Food Talks Q2: Presentation by Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) “Presto-Change-O: Tides of Change Amidst A Pandemic”. CIRAS helps food manufacturers and feed manufacturers of all sizes navigate this complex and competitive industry. Over the past 5 years, CIRAS and our partners have worked with over 150 food manufacturers across … Continue reading Food Industry
3D Laser Scanning and CAD Modeling at ISU
A 3D scanner works by first projecting light onto an object or surface, then detecting the reflected light. The scanner then calculates positions and creates data points based on where the light beams fall in relation to each other. This “point cloud” helps a computer visually recreate the surface of an item in a 3D … Continue reading 3D Laser Scanning and CAD Modeling at ISU
Use TWI to Develop Leadership Skills of Supervisors
Given the demand for skilled employees in Iowa, developing a company’s management team to become more effective leaders is a key step in attracting and retaining top manufacturing talent. Iowa businesses need to be able to get the most they can out of employees they already have. Training Within Industry (TWI) consists of three standardized … Continue reading Use TWI to Develop Leadership Skills of Supervisors
Improve Manufacturing Operations
Modern manufacturing is a rapidly-evolving industry, and the complexity involved only grows as a business develops over time. CIRAS experts can help Iowa companies find the tools they need to meet challenges as they arise and plan for the challenges they can’t yet see. CIRAS provides customized services to help Iowa manufacturers of all sizes … Continue reading Improve Manufacturing Operations
How to Grow Business through Government Contracting
What happens after a company has mastered the bidding process and conquered the RFQ? What if they are looking for other opportunities to grow? Experienced companies who understand the basics of selling products and services to the government sometimes decide to pursue more complex forms of business with federal agencies. CIRAS APEX specialists provide a … Continue reading How to Grow Business through Government Contracting
How to Perform on Awarded Government Contracts
What happens after a company is awarded a government contract plays a vital role in future contracting success. Government agencies prefer to work with reliable suppliers, so they’ll be watching closely. Companies that successfully perform on their awarded government contracts ensure excellent performance ratings and improve the likelihood that they’ll prosper in future sales opportunities. … Continue reading How to Perform on Awarded Government Contracts
How to Bid on Government Contracts
Preparing bids and proposals can be an overwhelming part of breaking into government contracting. Guidance from CIRAS specialists can help Iowa companies save time while learning how to bid on government contracts and increase the chances that businesses submit a winning bid. The CIRAS APEX program exists to serve as an advisor for any participating Iowa … Continue reading How to Bid on Government Contracts
Improve Products and Processes with FEA
Iowa manufacturers with concerns about the safety or reliability of a particular part or product can explore its suitability for a particular purpose by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). CIRAS experts can help Iowa businesses use FEA simulations to evaluate performance of a product under a host of thermal, stress, vibration, and/or fatigue conditions. Engineers … Continue reading Improve Products and Processes with FEA
Connecting to ISU Faculty and Research Labs
CIRAS is based at Iowa State University, which provides us with with key insights into the technical and business capabilities that exist at Iowa’s premier research institution. The university has nearly 2,000 faculty who teach and conduct research in engineering, business, agriculture, and more. CIRAS can help Iowa manufacturers connect with the right faculty or … Continue reading Connecting to ISU Faculty and Research Labs
How to Write a Product Test Plan
Evaluating a new product or part should always begin with development of a test plan. CIRAS routinely walks Iowa companies through this essential step by asking a few key questions: What do we need to know? What questions are we trying to answer? What are the variables that can affect the product’s performance or impact … Continue reading How to Write a Product Test Plan
Test Products in ISU Labs
Part of developing any product or piece of equipment involves checking to see if an item can really do what a company expects it to do. The design and material are carefully chosen, but how can anyone be sure it will work? CIRAS regularly assists Iowa companies with a wide variety of product testing needs … Continue reading Test Products in ISU Labs
FIRST LEGO League in your Community
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international program created by FIRST and LEGO and designed to get children interested in and excited about science, technology, and engineering. Every year, a new challenge is released that engages the teams in hands-on robotics design and scientific research. The goal is to encourage Iowa youth to become science and … Continue reading FIRST LEGO League in your Community
Implementing ISO 9001
Today’s ever-changing world carries with it ever-changing expectations. From food safety to sustainability to information security, society increasingly expects more from its largest corporations. Large manufacturers feel increasing pressure – from stockholders, competitors, customers, and government regulators – to do more to guarantee that their products are safe and of high quality. As a result, … Continue reading Implementing ISO 9001
Learn About Automation in Manufacturing
Unable to find enough people to hire, businesses across Iowa are turning to process automation so they can continue to grow and develop in the face of a perpetually tight workforce. But installing robots without an overall plan can quickly lead to chaos instead of enhanced productivity. Automation projects frequently fail because companies 1) don’t understand … Continue reading Learn About Automation in Manufacturing
Connect to Iowa State University Students
Growing Iowa communities require growing Iowa businesses – but those businesses can’t grow without people. Industries can’t expand without highly-skilled employees contributing to development and growth. CIRAS knows where to find some of these employees. Iowa State University sent more than 3,400 graduates to work in Iowa businesses during the 2016-17 academic year. CIRAS can … Continue reading Connect to Iowa State University Students
Improve Manufacturing Safety
A safe workplace is a happier and more productive workplace. Iowa manufacturers who take safety seriously see improved worker confidence, increased profitability, a reduction in overall operating costs, and an end to time lost due to accidents. But how can a company be certain they are following appropriate safety regulations and best practices? CIRAS safety … Continue reading Improve Manufacturing Safety
K-12 STEM Engagement
We help Iowa companies develop strategy to impact their communities for talent expansion through engagement with K-12 audiences including students, educators, and parents. Since our creation in 2002, we have worked with hundreds of partnering industry and organizations to increase reach to Iowa STEM talent. We help businesses and economic developers by: Building a diverse … Continue reading K-12 STEM Engagement
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
We provide basic to advanced education, training, and evaluation support: Covering the seven Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies per ASTM In-house metal powder bed, FDM, and PolyJet technology capabilities Designing for 3D Printing Application feasibility analysis Opportunity identification – Virtual or on-site Stratasys Level 1 AM Certification Program Event Opportunities : Lab Tour – Visit our … Continue reading Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
Iowa Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of innovators and makers. While national Manufacturing Day is officially the first day of each October, companies and community organizations can plan events for any date that works best for them. Iowa Manufacturing Day events are a great first step in … Continue reading Iowa Manufacturing Day
Food, Feed, and Grain Regulatory Assistance for Iowa Businesses
CIRAS works with partners across Iowa State University to offer a full suite of food safety and quality services focused on helping Iowa food companies grow their businesses. Our services include: Regulatory food safety education and implementation coaching: CIRAS is committed to helping Iowa companies become better educated about food safety and more prepared to handle … Continue reading Food, Feed, and Grain Regulatory Assistance for Iowa Businesses
Product Design and Process Design
CIRAS engineers can help Iowa companies with product/process design in a variety of ways and make connections with our network of partners and resources in different areas of expertise. CIRAS can: Provide companies with limited product design concept assistance using 3D CAD Provide guidance for companies experiencing specific technical issues with a new or existing … Continue reading Product Design and Process Design
Improve Supply Chain Performance
CIRAS works with clients to help them develop a stronger, more resilient supply chain with effective supplier and distribution management strategies. We provide education and coaching to help clients drive improvements in service levels and cost and reduce risk. We work with Iowa companies on various supply chain management topics including: Supply base management, including … Continue reading Improve Supply Chain Performance
NDE Resources at ISU
Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) refers to various noninvasive techniques that can be used to find flaws in parts or to measure some property of a component. CIRAS experts can help select the most suitable inspection tool for a company’s application, depending on cost concerns, sensitivity requirements, and implementation needs. We can assist Iowa companies in this … Continue reading NDE Resources at ISU
Contract Research with Faculty at Iowa State
CIRAS helps Iowa companies work with Iowa State University faculty and staff on multiple types of company-driven technical projects: CIRAS clients have the potential to work with faculty in any area offered by the university Project duration can range from one month up to one year A potential cost share arrangement is available to help … Continue reading Contract Research with Faculty at Iowa State
How to Develop Effective Sustainability Programs
CIRAS, through our partner the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF), helps Iowa businesses connect and develop effective sustainability programs. The mission of the ISBF is to connect Iowa businesses to continuously improve practices that positively impact people, planet, and profits. ISBF is a confidential, members-only forum focused on helping environmental, social responsibility, safety, and other … Continue reading How to Develop Effective Sustainability Programs
How to Market Products and Services to the Government
Focused marketing increases the likelihood of winning government contracts. It enables companies to know what their customers are looking for and where they are spending money. Marketing helps businesses understand their competitors and has the ability to create more opportunities for a business to engage, network, and win contracts. CIRAS APEX staff are ready to … Continue reading How to Market Products and Services to the Government
How to Get Started Selling to the Government
The CIRAS APEX Accelerator is the “go to” resource for any Iowa business seeking to sell products or services to the government – whether a company is a beginner in search of the basics or a more experienced company seeking to improve performance. We help de-mystify the process as a business gets started on (and … Continue reading How to Get Started Selling to the Government
How to Find and Understand Government Contracting Opportunities
Finding and understanding government contracting opportunities can be confusing. CIRAS APEX staff can help guide companies through this next step by: Providing education on the government solicitation process and the various contract types Explaining the difference between RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs Identifying internet-based and other electronic procurement opportunities that match a company’s products and services … Continue reading How to Find and Understand Government Contracting Opportunities
Materials Testing Resources at ISU
At times, Iowa companies may find themselves with questions about the materials used in their products. Why are they failing or under-performing? Did our supplier send us what we ordered? Will this substance be able to handle the demands of our particular product design? CIRAS can help find answers. Metallurgists with the CIRAS Technology Assistance … Continue reading Materials Testing Resources at ISU
Student Projects at ISU
Several colleges at Iowa State University, including the College of Engineering, require every student to complete a capstone project to graduate. Many of these projects are sponsored by companies. A team of senior students work with the company to apply learned principles, which could include engineering analyses and design recommendations. Project topics reflect Iowa State’s … Continue reading Student Projects at ISU
Implement Lean Processes in Business
Successful process improvement requires a two-pronged approach: Improve the process while simultaneously listening to and developing the people who are closest to the process. When you engage team members in improving the processes they touch, you increase the likelihood of sustaining the change and improve employee morale and retention. CIRAS offers a variety of services … Continue reading Implement Lean Processes in Business
Marketing Strategy
Many businesses struggle with turning product and market tactics to an actionable marketing strategy built on facts. CIRAS works alongside of you to analyze and describe your current state, diagnose key issues, pull in resources from Iowa State University and our partners, and deploy a strategic marketing plan that meets your business objectives. Iowa businesses … Continue reading Marketing Strategy
Develop and Implement Business Strategy
Any successful journey begins with a good map. That’s why CIRAS provides a variety of services to help Iowa manufacturers develop and implement the right strategies to find new customers and grow sales. CIRAS can facilitate the entire strategic planning process or any portion(s) of the process where a company needs external expertise. Our services … Continue reading Develop and Implement Business Strategy
Implement an Innovation System
Experience tells us that the best innovation strategy for Iowa companies involves a proper mix of innovation, improvement, and line expansion. Innovations can involve new product development, but also can mean new services, processes, business models, and/or marketing. Innovation services at CIRAS focus on the four main phases of Innovation: Definition: Creating, documenting, refining and … Continue reading Implement an Innovation System
Exporting to Global Markets
CIRAS export growth services, including ExporTech, help Iowa companies develop a strategic business plan to significantly increase international sales. A statewide network of partners allows CIRAS to connect companies with experts and resources to address their unique business needs. Our approach at CIRAS means we: Engage with businesses to determine export needs Provide tailored education … Continue reading Exporting to Global Markets
B2B Networking and Best Practice Sharing for Iowa Businesses
CIRAS B2B Networking programs are structured activities focused on helping Iowa companies develop relationships to improve their businesses. CIRAS and our partners can provide Iowa firms with the right connections at the right time to help them find new customers, new suppliers, and/or answers to important questions. We offer three types of B2B networking: Matchmaking … Continue reading B2B Networking and Best Practice Sharing for Iowa Businesses
Build a Culture of Engaged Employees
CIRAS experts work with Iowa businesses to identify and implement strategic changes that will make a company better at attracting and retaining the best employees. If a company is trying to reduce turnover, develop new leaders, and create a workplace culture where engaged employees are driving profit, CIRAS is here to help throughout the process. … Continue reading Build a Culture of Engaged Employees