Barron Equipment Boosts Sales through Enhanced Digital Strategy

• micapaul

A growing focus on digital transformation has helped Barron Equipment, a Davenport- and Des Moines-based material handling equipment company, significantly expand its reach and customer engagement. With support from CIRAS, Barron overhauled its online presence, achieving a sixfold increase in monthly leads and measurable growth in new markets. Barron specializes in industrial doors, truck equipment, … Continue reading Barron Equipment Boosts Sales through Enhanced Digital Strategy

Planning for Automation: Essential Steps for Success

• micapaul

Automation addresses challenges such as workforce shortages, capacity limits, rising costs, and quality concerns. However, many companies face difficulties with implementation. Success requires careful planning, including defining your scope, building the right team, managing risks, and ensuring lasting success. Define the Scope: Focus on automating what makes the most sense. Avoid attempting to automate everything … Continue reading Planning for Automation: Essential Steps for Success

Q&A with Ally Kuehl

• micapaul

Q&A with Ally Kuehl   Role: Business Administrator Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. My role at CIRAS is on the operational wing and is split into three parts revolving around Finance, Reporting, and Third-Party Resources. My goal is to assist … Continue reading Q&A with Ally Kuehl

Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success in Compliance

• micapaul

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, a key part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law on November 15, 2021, stipulates domestic preference for materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects. Understanding the BABA Act BABA requires that all the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure … Continue reading Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success in Compliance

Mental Health in Construction: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Wellbeing 

• micapaul

The construction industry is no stranger to safety challenges, but the conversation around worker well-being must go beyond physical hazards. Mental health is crucial in overall safety, productivity, and job satisfaction. Stress, fatigue, substance use, and the high-pressure nature of construction work can contribute to serious mental health concerns, including an increased risk of suicide. … Continue reading Mental Health in Construction: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Wellbeing 

Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – Updates Since February 4

• micapaul

Navigate Tariff Changes with Confidence –  February 13 Update Tariff changes can create uncertainty for Iowa companies, but there’s no need to panic—there are steps you can take to manage these changes. CIRAS is here to help. Learn from Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he breaks down how tariff shifts could affect your … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – Updates Since February 4

“Late is Late” and Electronic Proposal Submissions

• gmallen

Federal government agencies are increasingly requiring offerors to submit their proposals electronically, whether by email or through a portal. While electronic proposal submissions can be convenient, they also pose risks to contractors–especially those who may be inclined to wait to hit “submit” until very close to the proposal deadline. Under the strict “late is late” … Continue reading “Late is Late” and Electronic Proposal Submissions

CIRAS Supports the Restoration of Historical Dairy Fountain

• gmallen

When University Museums at Iowa State sought to restore the iconic History of Dairying Fountain in the Food Sciences Building, CIRAS, through their connections at the Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy, provided crucial support and introduced them to campus resources able to assist. Under President Wendy Wintersteen’s leadership, the project leveraged advanced technology … Continue reading CIRAS Supports the Restoration of Historical Dairy Fountain

America’s Cultivation Corridor: Why Iowa? Five Questions with Mike O’Donnell

• gmallen

Mike O’Donnell brings a background in engineering and global manufacturing to his role as director of the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University. Since 1963, CIRAS has been focused on helping Iowa industry improve. The center’s team of experts brings first-hand practical experience to their roles in helping Iowa companies solve complex … Continue reading America’s Cultivation Corridor: Why Iowa? Five Questions with Mike O’Donnell

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