Advanced Manufacturing

Discover Smart Solutions for Manufacturing Success

Advanced Manufacturing Assessment helps Idaho companies identify practical technology opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, and build resilience.

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Download Sample Report

What Is the Advanced Manufacturing Assessment?

The Advanced Manufacturing Assessment is a structured process designed to help Idaho manufacturers evaluate current challenges and explore technology solutions that improve operations, workforce performance, and competitiveness.

Whether you’re looking to reduce downtime, address workforce gaps, or improve visibility across your supply chain, our assessment identifies tailored recommendations that fit your goals and budget.

Delivered by Idaho’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center, this tool blends industry expertise with modern technology strategies—keeping your business ahead in a fast-changing landscape.

How It Works

1. Pre-Assessment

Start with a short online form that gathers key details about your company’s operations, workforce, and goals

2. On-Site or Virtual Assessment

Our team engages with your cross-functional staff to identify pain points, rate readiness, and discuss opportunities.

3. Technology Match & Roadmap

Receive a detailed report with actionable recommendations for short-term improvements and long-term innovation.

4. Support & Next Steps

Get help from TechHelp with training, grant guidance, supplier scouting, or implementing pilot projects.

Focus Areas We Assess

🔧 Operations & Production

Identify bottlenecks, downtime issues, or customization demands.
Technology Examples: Robotics, machine vision, predictive maintenance, smart sensors.

🧠 Workforce & Training

Assess labor gaps, productivity issues, and training needs.
Technology Examples: Collaborative robots (cobots), AR/VR for training, digital work instructions.

📦 Supply Chain & Inventory

Uncover visibility gaps, forecast issues, or inventory mismatches.
Technology Examples: AI forecasting, ERP upgrades, RFID sensors, blockchain.

🧮 Product Design & Engineering

Improve time-to-market and design iteration speed.
Technology Examples: Additive manufacturing, generative design, simulation tools.

📊 Data & Digital Systems

Evaluate the effectiveness of your current digital systems.
Technology Examples: Industrial IoT, real-time dashboards, cloud platforms, cybersecurity.

🌱 Sustainability & Energy

Analyze energy use, waste, and environmental risks.
Technology Examples: Smart energy monitors, digital compliance tracking, waste reduction automation.

🧱 Technology Infrastructure

Assess your digital foundation: connectivity, resilience, and cyber-readiness.
Technology Examples: IT/OT integration, network reliability, system modernization.

What You’ll Receive

Each assessment includes a clear, actionable report with:

✅ Maturity scores across seven key areas
✅ Identified pain points and root causes
✅ Recommended technologies and solutions
✅ A phased roadmap: what to do now, next, and later
✅ Pilot project ideas and training needs

Deployment Options

Choose the format that fits your needs

📝 Quick Pre-Assessment – Self-guided, lightweight option to get started

🏭 On-Site Assessment (1–2 Days) – Deep dive with your operations, engineering, and leadership teams.

Why TechHelp?

TechHelp is Idaho’s trusted partner in manufacturing innovation. As part of the MEP National Network™, we’ve helped hundreds of companies streamline operations, adopt new technology, and grow confidently.

• Based at Boise State University with regional offices across the state
• 20+ years of experience supporting Idaho’s manufacturing economy
  
• Connected to university labs, federal resources, and supplier networks
• Experts in lean, digital transformation, and workforce development

Our Network of Trusted Technology Providers

Connecting Idaho Manufacturers to Industry-Leading Innovators

Through years of collaboration and outreach, TechHelp has developed a robust, vetted network of advanced manufacturing solution providers across Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, and the U.S. These partners bring deep expertise, proven technologies, and implementation support to help manufacturers solve real-world challenges.

When you complete an Advanced Manufacturing Assessment with TechHelp, you gain access to this ecosystem of integrators, engineers, and technology experts—each selected for their reliability, technical capabilities, and alignment with industry needs.

Areas of Expertise in Our Network:

• Industrial Robotics & Automation
  Robotic systems for assembly, welding, packaging, and material handling.
• Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
  Flexible automation designed to safely work alongside human operators
• Material Handling & Logistics Automation
  Solutions including conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), palletizing, and warehouse control systems.
• Machine Vision & Quality Inspection
  Vision-guided robotics, automated inspection systems, and precision imaging for error-proofing and process control.
• Custom Controls & Systems Integration
  SCADA, PLC programming, panel design/build, process control, and turnkey integration services.
• CNC & Machine Tool Automation
  Robotic part handling, machine tending, and integrated productivity solutions for machining operations.
• Agricultural & Dairy Automation
  Robotic milking systems, feed automation, and smart farming technologies to improve operational efficiency.
• Industrial Software, AI & IoT
  Data-driven manufacturing, predictive analytics, cloud-connected systems, and AI-enhanced automation.
• Cybersecurity & Network Infrastructure
  Industrial networking, wireless systems, and cybersecurity tools for connected manufacturing environments.

Built for Idaho Manufacturers

Our network includes both local experts and nationally recognized technology providers. Each has been reviewed and selected to support manufacturers of all sizes—from early adopters to advanced users—across sectors like aerospace, food & beverage, electronics, wood products, and general manufacturing.

📬 Interested in joining our provider network?