Blog Posts

There is something in the air in Las Vegas this time around for MAGIC more than I have ever noticed in past editions. There is a power struggle going on amongst MAGIC and a host of competing shows. Brands are looking more than ever to be in the place where they can attract the most attention. MAGIC has it's crowd and there is certainly activity, but each time MAGIC happens it seems there is another, more niche show competing for the exhibiting brands and attending buyers; MAGIC, Project, MRket, ENK Vegas, Curve, Pool, and the new (status quo shaking) show called "When I Move You Move" put out there by Christian Audigier of Ed Hardy. When I first heard the name of WIMYM it sounded odd but the name grew on me over the past two days to the point when I couldn't help laugh and admire the sheer hutzpa (and upon further reflection genius) of this move on a host of levels. Here are the shots:

The idea of being able to electronically shred a document seems like a pipe dream to me. I'm not to sure your going to be able to rely on it. I'm certain a computer can do it, but a computer is a little like a gun. It's the owner you have to be afraid of. I currently employ a safe file transfer with customers securely by either my ftp server or theirs. Using this method allows me to either publish or not, my customers or my drawings. very safely. The larger companies are very hip to this and use software that makes use of this ability of a computer to transfer files and still maintain the integrity of the distribution. This is not a very cost effective way to maintain security for the smaller companies right now and may be why its not widely used with them. An online server can cost thousands to have and maintain, not to mention you may need an "IT guy" as they say to keep control of it. This is how I'm CURRENTLY maintaining the integrity of my customers documents. I share an ftp user account with them or vise versa. I can pull these documents right out of the folder into my CAM software and then onto code. I can open a read only file from an customers ftp server around the globe, make code from it. never save anything of the file other than my text doc for the CNC.

This is just one more way Eric's Tool Room, Inc. is statying ahead of the curve.

Any one out there requiring the service and talent of real tool makers and wants privacy can ask for a ftp user acct or provide one of their own either way we can work together on a level not found anywhere else.

Over at All Roads Lead To China, Richard has hit upon something that many bloggists and press pukes overlook with striking regularity: just because China's fortunes as an outsourcing darling are shifting/slipping/adjusting doesn't mean you can paint everything/one with the same brush.

His post titled Is China No Longer Competitive? breaks down the broad view often presented by the Western press: that Chinese products are only of poor quality; that fluctuating currencies, rising fuel and labor costs signal the end of China's dominance as a manufacturing giant; and that these shifts mean the same things to all companies/business models outsourcing to China.

The fact is, as Richard rightly points out, it's much more complicated than that. A macro view doesn't adequately offer the micro solutions that are called for. He asks that companies assess their positions by answering these 6 questions:

1. What is your China platform?
2. Where is your market?
3. Where are your competitors?
4. Where are your suppliers?
5. Is your product high tech, or high labor?
6. Were you previously compliment (with new Chinese labor laws)?

I've had a few friends say to me recently "Check out my Coach bag, it's totally fake!" I used to think, 'Wow, it really looks like the real deal...how can I get one?' But I have to tell you, the more I remain in this business and deal with the inventors, small business owners, and entrepreneurs who are trying to come up with the new ideas that make our lives easier, I feel a little bad that I once had that sentiment. Because the fact of the matter is, somewhere along the way, Coach entrusted a manufacturer with their design and it was stolen. Just like all the jeans, bags, watches, and other fakes we find out there, overseas, and on E-bay. People are stealing ideas, and what's worse is we are buying them without any twinge of guilt anymore.

I'm not here to point fingers....I'm guilty as well. But I am here to caution. If you are coming out with a new design or new invention, PROTECT yourself.

Please note, I am NOT a lawyer or patent specialist, but speak from experience dealing with buyers.

And here is what I've heard.

The first major mistake I'm hearing with new buyers is that in their eagerness to manufacture their product for less, they decide to go overseas. Just remember, the laws of the US sometimes don't hold merit in other countries and may NOT protect you.

Buyers should be familiar with what a Non-disclosure agreement is and how it can protect your information. This is the simplest way to start protecting yourself. Patents are another way....

Do your DUE DILIGENCE on all suppliers who are viewing your information....do this BEFORE they view your documents. Find out who they are doing business with, how long they have been in business, do a credit check, etc.

Feel free to add to this blog about great websites to reference on how to protect yourself. I would like to know more myself.

American Machinist magazine's Web site has just launched a new collection of forums. Titles of the new forums include Machine Shop Management, Machining and Shop operations. The new forums were launched this week, after a long relationship between AM and Practical Machinist forums.