22 MiMfg Magazine May 2021
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Is Your Manufacturing Business Ready To Embrace Technology ?
By George Singos • The Center
Manufacturing continues to evolve and advance at a rapid pace . As some are keeping up by incorporating new innovations and practices into facilities , other more reluctant companies are quickly falling behind . And while manufacturers recognize Industry 4.0 will have a significant impact in the coming years , many are struggling to identify appropriate opportunities for implementation or access the required technologies .
With this in mind , it is clear that manufacturers — especially smaller companies — require additional guidance for approaching the Fourth Industrial Revolution . To help Michigan manufacturers successfully prepare for such implementations , the Michigan Economic Development Corporation ( MEDC ) recently launched its Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative .
Supporting Manufacturing Innovation in Michigan
Created in partnership with Automation Alley and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center ( The Center ), the MEDC ’ s Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative aims to connect Michigan manufacturers of all sizes to opportunities , resources and services that will foster Industry 4.0 preparedness , ultimately supporting continued business growth .
Industry 4.0 will undoubtedly change the way we manufacture not just in Michigan , but around the world . Due to the manufacturing legacy and prowess embedded in our state ’ s identity , Michigan is positioned to be a leader in Industry 4.0 implementation and advanced manufacturing practices . The MEDC ’ s awareness campaign serves to ensure Michigan businesses are prepared not just to survive , but thrive in this next stage of innovation .
Scan to Get More ! Take The Center ’ s Technology Opportunity Assessment
Find Your Unique Path to Industry 4.0 With The Center
As stated above , manufacturers are admittedly struggling to both identify opportunities for technology adoption in their facilities and to access desired technologies . In each of these ways , The Center ’ s experts can help .
The Center ’ s two-hour Technology Opportunity Assessment helps small and mid-sized manufacturers identify opportunities for improvement within their facilities , often aided by the adoption of technology . At no cost , this hands-on , personalized assessment essentially provides manufacturers with their own custom roadmap for navigating Industry 4.0 . Recommendations for implementation are relevant and affordable , with calculations for Return on Investment ( ROI ) included to demonstrate how each improvement could positively impact operations . Additionally , with expertise in project management , The Center also can help establish an adoption strategy , scope the project , align suppliers with vetted resources and manage implementations to ensure success at each step of the process .
Industry 4.0 may still be intimidating to some , but manufacturers do not need to approach this next stage of innovation alone . Through the Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative , Michigan manufacturers can find the resources and help they need to successfully transition their operations to the factory of tomorrow — and ensure their businesses don ’ t get left behind .
Learn more about how The Center can assist with your technology implementations at The-Center . org or contact us at inquiry @ the-center . org . 6
George Singos is the Business Leader Advisor for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and a member of their dedicated Industry 4.0 team . He has more than 30 years of manufacturing experience in various capacities . For the past 20 years , he has focused on sales and marketing management both domestically and internationally . He may be reached at gsingos @ the-center . org or 888-414-6682 .