INDUSTRY NEWS
FABTECH tackles future workforce strategies
FABTECH , a North American event for metal forming , fabricating , welding and finishing , will take place in Orlando , Florida ( USA ), from 15-17 October 2024 .
“ This year ’ s special events at FABTECH will feature a dynamic line-up of industry leaders , innovators and visionaries who will challenge attendees to rethink their approaches , explore new technologies and embrace innovative practices . The sessions will explore the rise of women in manufacturing leadership ; advanced manufacturing techniques ; digital solutions ; AI and robotics ; steel production and strategies for workforce development , while also offering insights into global economics and the current state of the industry ,” said the show organiser .
Tracy Garcia , CEM , Group Director- FABTECH Series , SME , said : “ FABTECH 2024 is designed to ignite change and drive advancements across the manufacturing sector . With an extensive line-up of influential speakers , we aim to provide attendees with the knowledge and inspiration to embrace new technologies and innovative practices .”
Scene from FABTECH 2022 .
FABTECH offers a comprehensive conference with 60 – 90-minute sessions as well as full- and half-day workshops covering advanced fabrication and welding technology , workforce development and management topics . Attendees can customise their agenda from 14 tracks , gaining practical knowledge to address specific manufacturing and production challenges .
FABTECH ’ s Leadership Exchange Panel will explore current trends , challenges and innovations in metal fabrication . Leaders will discuss the impact of global economic dynamics , processing technology and AI on the industry . Attendees will gain insights into how companies are navigating these challenges and preparing for the future .
“ The new FABTECH Emerging Leaders Programme has been designed to equip young professionals and rising stars with the tools and confidence to shape their future and drive positive change in their organisations and the industry . Featuring an opening keynote luncheon , interactive workshop , guided show floor tours , networking opportunities and more , the three-day programme will act as a launchpad for those ready to elevate their careers to new heights ,” added the show organiser .
FABTECH 2024 will feature an expansive exhibition floor with over 1,500 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technologies . The 800,000 square-foot exhibit space offers an opportunity to explore innovations in metal forming , fabricating , welding and finishing . Attendees can see live demonstrations , interact with suppliers and discover new developments designed to improve productivity and increase profits . n
A path to digital transformation
Confusion around digital transformation is risking paralysis among SME manufacturers , says ‘ Made Smarter ’ in the UK . It has released a new white paper to help SMEs navigate the technology and skills adoption journey . ‘ Made Smarter ’ is the UK national industrial digitalisation movement to drive productivity and the growth of manufacturing industries .
Donna Edwards , director of ‘ Made Smarter ’ s ’ North West Adoption Programme in the UK , commented that businesses are hesitant to commit to change because they lack the confidence with technology and digital skills among leaders and employees . But , delaying digital transformation risks being left further behind or wasting time , effort and money , she cautioned .
Made Smarter ’ s new white paper ‘ Digital Transformation : A Made Smarter Roadmap for SME Manufacturers ’ is a free-todownload guide that aims to help makers looking for a place to start , explaining the concepts and steps to successful digital transformation . It explains the Made Smarter process , available services and showcases some of the hundreds of businesses who have benefited in the UK .
The white paper also spotlights some of the partner organisations who are working with Made Smarter to help manufacturers digitalise and decarbonise including Make UK , Innovate UK , the Centre for People- Led Digitalisation ( PLD ), InterAct and the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub ( SMDH ).
Donna Edwards said : “ Ask a hundred SME manufacturing leaders what digital transformation means to them , and you ’ ll probably get a hundred different answers . But the common view is that it is daunting and confusing . SMEs , while aware of the benefits technology brings , lack the resources and skills to approach digital transformation in the right way . Many hesitate or become paralysed , risking being left behind or wasting time , effort and money .
“ The Made Smarter Adoption Programme is a tried and tested approach that offers businesses access to fully funded support so they can improve their understanding of what steps they need to take , to arm them with the tools and strategy to take those steps , and accelerate them towards the multitude of benefits and growth opportunities .”
Donna Edwards .
Since launching in the North West five years ago , thousands of manufacturers have engaged with Made Smarter ’ s specialised support , from impartial technology advice and digital transformation workshops , to digital leadership programmes , internships and other training opportunities , and matchfunded technology projects .
Following a UK Government commitment to a national rollout by 2027 , every SME manufacturer in the UK will have regional access to an adoption programme to accelerate their digital transformation .
To download the white paper , see : www . madesmarter . uk / resources / digital-transformation-a-made-smarterroadmap-for-sme-manufacturers / n
www . madesmarter . uk
22 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2024