To stay abreast of industry trends, we, the editors, read countless articles and editorials written by experts from across verticals. We're always learning more about the people, technologies, and events that are making waves in the manufacturing space, and we want to share this information with you. In this brief, we’ll cite our sources and highlight columns and features that can help improve uptime at your plant.
Management
Is 'Made in USA' Worth the Cost and Effort? [Industry Week]
Obtaining “Made in the U.S.A.” certification is a goal for many manufacturers, but like any business decision, there are benefits and tradeoffs to consider. You must ask yourself the right questions if you hope to be successful. Why is your company interested in manufacturing in the U.S.? Will this be the most profitable decision for your business? Will you manufacture exclusively in the U.S. or just produce some components on American soil? This article explores the 10 factors companies must consider when investigating whether to adopt a “Made in America” designation.
Monitoring
Understanding the Role of Machine Vision in Industry 4.0 [New Equipment Digest]
Machine vision systems are a core component of Industry 4.0. Once primarily used to detect production errors, machine vision is being utilized in a diverse array of applications, including predictive maintenance and robotic guidance. This technology not only generates real-time images, but also processes and analyses the images so data-driven decisions can be made by management. This article explains what machine vision is and how it can be integrated into your Industry 4.0 initiative.
Safety and Security
Eight Cybersecurity Predictions for 2023-2024 [Material Handling & Logistics]
Industrial cybersecurity is a challenge for all manufacturers, but as the frequency and severity of cyberattacks increases, businesses must be focused on issues at hand while still keeping an eye on potential pitfalls in the future. This article highlights eight cybersecurity predictions made by Gartner at its Security and Risk Management Summit. Gartner recommends that these strategic planning assumptions be built into your security strategies for the next two years.
Technology
How is ChatGPT changing manufacturing? [Smart Industry]
ChatGPT is the technology of the moment, and it seems poised to affect all aspects of life. Whether we’re debating the efficacy of this innovative tech, pondering how it will influence the world of search, or asking it to generate a new recipe for tonight’s dinner, the buzz around ChatGPT is unavoidable. However, not much has been said about how this technological advancement could impact the industrial sector. This article examines how manufacturers can use advanced AI to improve business KPIs.
Workforce
Today’s Workforce Development Requires a Sound Strategy [American Machinist]
It is undeniable that workforce challenges are the biggest issues facing manufacturers today. The pool of potential employees is ever changing, as are their wants and needs. Businesses that do not have a holistic approach to workforce development have no hope of reaching and retaining this new generation of workers. This article outlines the benefits of a strategic workforce development plan and how it can be used to recruit and retain top talent.