MT Magazine September/October 2023

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

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

See Data, See Energy Energy consumption is ripe with opportunity for manufacturers. Applying the lean practices of identifying waste by using energy as a denominator will highlight a plant’s fascinating perspective. Ever wonder how much compressed air your shop wastes due to leaks? How about water usage for filtration? Don’t get me started on MQL! Shop visibility has grown beyond manufacturing equipment to encompass a holistic plant view, and harvesting data from manufacturing operations will maintain and improve the bottom line. Manufacturing consumes the second highest amount of energy only behind transportation. In the future, as manufacturers scramble to keep up with market fluctuations, energy efficiency will be the name of the game.

INTELLIGENCE

Alternative Energy Looking Sunny Over the past two decades, global renewable energy consumption has surged, almost reaching 45.18 exajoules in 2022, according to Kearny and KPMG. Approximately half of this consumption is attributed to modern bioenergy, while the recent expansion of capacity is driven by solar photovoltaics. Despite this impressive, nearly 15-fold increase, renewable energy use still falls behind fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. Nevertheless, as energy demand continues to grow, renewables are poised to capture a larger portion of the market. In line with this, incentivizing policies are expected to play a pivotal role in reducing upfront costs for the global adoption of alternative energy solutions. Looking at worldwide investment trends in 2022, solar PV received the most substantial funding at nearly $300 billion, followed by onshore wind with $140 billion and geothermal at approximately $180 million.

SMARTFORCE

Smartforce on the Horizon Introducing the Smartforce Blog: Your source for news and announcements focused on the dynamic individuals and cutting-edge technologies driving the manufacturing technology workforce. Hear from the frontlines of education and workforce development as we highlight funding announcements, talent strategies, and inspiring stories from the K-12 robotics teams and STEM clubs that ignite inspiration across the nation. Visit us at IMTS.com/smartforce/ApprenticeBlog/articles.cfm. Coming in October: In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are proud to present a three-part article series to recognize the contributions and achievements of manufacturing professionals with disabilities and the innovative organizations that enable meaningful professional and professional growth opportunities. This series delivers a deeper understanding of diversity in the workplace and what a thriving work environment can look like in 2023 and beyond. Watch for these stories and more on the Smartforce blog on IMTS+.