MT Magazine November/December 2024

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

9

Manufacturing Matters Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

TECHNOLOGY

Who Cares About Material Science Innovation? Several industries are leading the charge to innovate new materials. These materials are harder, more thermally resistant, corrosion resistant, and more abrasion-resistant. OEMs benefit from these materials, which enable lighter, more efficient designs, increased power, and better reliability. As a result, manufacturers will be tasked with processing these materials faster throughout the entire manufacturing ecosystem. The underlying question they will face is: Do I have the confidence and speed needed to do it correctly? By the time the drawing package and raw material arrive at tier-three suppliers for refining, there is not much time to iterate on their manufacturing process to achieve a stable process. Manufacturers will need a reliable starting point for forming, welding, material removal, and additive manufacturing. The need for a technical manufacturing dataset to support the physical raw material will grow to aid in de-risking new materials.

INTELLIGENCE

The Economics of Automation Automation is emerging as a crucial solution to the manufacturing industry's workforce challenges. As skilled workers become scarce and expensive, companies are turning to automation to fill the gap. The aging workforce, coupled with younger generations' preference for workplace flexibility, is driving this trend. Automation not only addresses labor shortages but also boosts productivity and profitability. Top-performing shops utilizing automation achieve higher capacity utilization and profit margins compared to their peers. While historically limited to large companies, advancements in technology have made automation more accessible to smaller operations. As the industry faces potential shortages of up to 3.8 million jobs between 2024 and 2033, automation offers a way to attract younger workers and retain existing talent by providing opportunities for skill development in future-oriented roles.

SMARTFORCE Smartforce Outlook: Shaping the Future Workforce With AI

Artificial intelligence is transforming the skills gap challenge in manufacturing into an opportunity for growth. Advanced AI powered training tools and simulations provide hands-on learning experiences, making it easier for workers to gain practical skills remotely or on the job. Educational programs now integrate AI technology to offer personalized learning paths, ensuring that students and professionals gain the competencies most in demand. AI is also reshaping roles within manufacturing, shifting the focus from repetitive tasks to higher-value, tech-centric roles like programming, system integration, and data analysis. As AI enhances these training tools and education opportunities, it equips the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a more automated and interconnected manufacturing environment, bridging the gap more effectively than ever before.