January 2017 MiMfg Magazine 17
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Focus # 3 : The Technology
Use new technologies to improve efficiencies across the manufacturing process .
Today ’ s manufacturing industry is full of new technological innovations that past generations would never have thought possible . The ability to share information throughout the supply chain and across industries creates new ways to collaborate . Manufacturing is entering the fourth industrial revolution — Industry 4.0 is happening and those who fall behind could end up forgotten .
“ The major technology trend that all manufacturers should be focused on in 2017 is Industry 4.0 ,” says Tom Kelly , executive director of Automation Alley , Michigan ’ s leading technology business association .
Automation Alley connects companies and organizations with talent , resources and funding to accelerate innovation and fuel the local economy .
“ Industry 4.0 encompasses all of the technologies that are disrupting the manufacturing industry right now — the Industrial Internet of Things , autonomous robotics , advanced materials / advanced manufacturing , additive manufacturing , big data , cybersecurity , cloud computing and modeling , simulation and visualization ,” says Kelly .
Issues to Watch For
Promoting fair trade . As we saw throughout the 2016 election cycle , American voters are very frustrated with mounting job losses in U . S . manufacturing , and they are even more frustrated that unfair , illegal trade practices used by other countries are a significant contributor to the trend . It is time for our country to aggressively enforce our existing trade laws and address the devastation caused by unfair , illegal trade practices . When laws are enforced and the playing field is level , American manufacturers can compete and win , and that ’ s good for U . S . manufacturers , their employees and families , and the communities where they operate .
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Christopher J . Masciantonio United States Steel Corporation General Manager of Governmental Affairs
As Boston Consulting Group put it , Industry 4.0 is “ the vision of the industrial production of the future .”
The core of this new age is the smart factory .
Smart factories utilize sensor technologies to provide manufacturers with feedback on every aspect of their products and process . This real-world data creates models and simulations in the digital world and allow for continuous improvement across the full life of a product . Employers must develop a plan to reinvent how and why they do every step of their manufacturing process or risk losing out to companies who are already on the cutting edge .
Automation Alley is already gearing up to promote new technology options to manufacturers in 2017 and help them assess where they are now and where they want to be .
“ This year , we will officially launch our new Industry 4.0 initiative , which is focused on helping local small and medium-sized manufacturers transition to Industry 4.0 ,” says Kelly . “ In January , we ’ ll launch the first of nearly a dozen new member committees focused on Industry 4.0 technologies . We ’ re inviting thought leaders from around the country to advise our committees and to help them create tools and training opportunities to bring the local
Get Involved ! From active participation in Policy Committees or networking at our annual events , we have right level of connection for you ! Contact 517-487-8542 or membership @ mimfg . org .
manufacturing industry into this new era of manufacturing .”
Industry 4.0 is a great way for Michigan to remain a leader in manufacturing while creating new , high-tech manufacturing job opportunities to attract fresh talent .
“ Automation Alley is excited about the prospect of working more closely with MMA this year ,” says Kelly . “ MMA serves as the industry ’ s voice and we both aim to educate the public on the positive impact of manufacturing on the state economy . Together , we can shift the perception of the manufacturing industry from one that is behind the times to one that it is on the forefront of technological advancement .”
What Can You Do ?
• Save the Date for the 2017 MFG Forum where experts will provide valuable takeaways on top priority issues ( see page 27 )
• Access MiMfg Magazine online each month for details on technology , innovation , talent and ways your business can grow ( http :// mag . mimfg . org )
• Connect with MMA , at 517- 487-8533 , to share your stories and influence all of Michigan ’ s manufacturing industry
You can influence all three pillars of manufacturing — politics , people and technology — by being informed , engaged and connected .
Utilize the resources available to you as an MMA member and keep up with the policies and initiatives that will affect your company . 6
Brett Gerrish is a communications coordinator with the MMA . He may be reached at 517-487-8533 or gerrish @ mimfg . org .