Manufacturing the Future

SMMT’s Luke Hampton on Collaboration and Sustainability in Automotive Supply Chains

Meet Luke Hampton, Head of Supply Chain at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
In our special episode of Manufacturing the Future: Supply Chain Insights, Luke Hampton, Head of Supply Chain at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), shared a powerful insight: “The future is not certain,” he says, referring to the pressing need for unity among automotive stakeholders as they face unprecedented changes in technology, regulation, and consumer demand. 
“Trade associations as an organization type are really fantastic to work with in that space because they provide you with that touch point, that regular opportunity to engage with the rest of the industry, to hear what the latest is, to understand what that future may look like.”
The automotive industry is currently grappling with a seismic shift toward EVs and digital transformation. As companies strive to meet new regulatory mandates, such as the zero-emission vehicle targets, they face significant challenges in adapting their supply chains and production processes. Additionally, the lingering effects of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted traditional operations, leading to increased costs and uncertainty. Luke and the SMMT are dedicated to providing guidance and support to manufacturers, helping them navigate these complexities and seize opportunities for innovation and growth.
Founded in 1902, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has evolved alongside the automotive industry, serving as a vital trade association for UK manufacturers. Over the years, SMMT has played a crucial role in advocating for the sector, providing market intelligence, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. Luke Hampton's leadership has been instrumental in steering key initiatives, including research on Brexit implications and the launch of programs to support the industry post-COVID. The organization continues to adapt and respond to the changing landscape, ensuring its members are well-equipped for the future.
In This Episode
In this special episode of Manufacturing the Future: Supply Chain Insights, Kerry speaks with Luke Hampton about the transformative changes facing the automotive industry. They discuss the impact of digital technologies, including the role of AI and data analytics in enhancing supply chain efficiency. Additionally, he discusses the necessity of collaboration among industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to achieve sustainability goals and navigate the evolving landscape of the automotive sector. Luke shares insights on how SMMT is helping members navigate the transition to EVs and overcome the challenges posed by recent global events. 
Topics
How Brexit has affected the automotive supply chain, creating challenges and opportunities for manufacturers in the UK and beyond.
SMMT's initiatives to support the automotive industry in recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growing demand for electric vehicles and the industry's need to adapt to new regulatory requirements and consumer preferences.
The role of digital technologies, including AI and data analytics, is explored as essential tools for enhancing supply chain efficiency and product development.
The rising costs in the automotive sector and the importance of finding ways to manage expenses while maintaining competitiveness.
How the automotive industry is working towards sustainability targets, including net-zero emissions and the integration of eco-friendly practices.
The significance of collaboration within the automotive industry and with other sectors to drive innovation and share best practices.
The importance of providing market intelligence and foresight to SMMT members as a means to navigate industry challenges effectively.

The World Economic Forum’s Kiva Allgood on Avoiding "Pilot Purgatory" for Successful Tech Scaling

Meet Kiva Allgood, Head of Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains
In the latest episode of the Manufacturing the Future podcast, Kiva Allgood, Head of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains at the World Economic Forum, shared some profound insights on the future of manufacturing and supply chain management. "People have to be part of the journey. We've learned that scaling technology and avoiding 'pilot purgatory' is 100% dependent on classical change management," Kiva says. 
 
One of the critical issues Kiva is addressing is the challenge of integrating new technologies like AI into existing supply chains effectively. Many companies struggle with identifying the right problems to solve and end up in that "pilot purgatory," where pilot projects never scale into full-blown solutions. Kiva stresses the importance of involving people in this journey, ensuring that technological advancements are aligned with the workforce's needs and capabilities. By focusing on key pain points and facilitating dialogue around them, Kiva helps organizations navigate these complexities and achieve meaningful transformations.
 
The World Economic Forum, where Kiva leads the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains, has a storied history of fostering global collaboration to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues. Founded in 1971 by Professor Klaus Schwab, the Forum has grown into a pivotal platform for leaders from various sectors to collaborate on solutions that improve the state of the world. Kiva’s journey with the Forum began after a 30-year career in industry, when she decided to go back to academia to gain new insights and perspectives, ultimately leading her to this influential role.
 
In This Episode
In this episode, Kiva explores the nuances of digital transformation in manufacturing. She discusses the importance of integrating AI to enhance decision-making processes and create more adaptive supply chains. Kiva shares valuable strategies for identifying the right problems to solve and highlights the significance of involving the workforce to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a business leader looking to modernize your operations or an entrepreneur entering the manufacturing sector, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating the digital landscape.
Topics
The role of AI in enhancing decision-making and creating more adaptive and resilient supply chains.
The importance of scaling pilot projects and ensuring they evolve into full-blown solutions, avoiding stagnant phases in digital transformation.
The necessity of involving people in the digital transformation journey to align technological advancements with workforce needs.
Strategies for creating supply chains that can withstand disruptions and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
How the World Economic Forum facilitates dialogue and collaboration to address key pain points in manufacturing and supply chains.
Common obstacles companies face when integrating new technologies and how to overcome them.
The value of questioning and learning in new roles to drive innovation and effective leadership.
The significance of including academic perspectives and policy considerations in discussions about manufacturing and supply chain advancements.
Kiva's approach to mentoring and her initiatives to uplift and upskill women in the tech industry.
Resources
The Resiliency Compass whitepaper

Synaptive Medical's Cameron Piron on the MedTech Supply Chain’s Evolution

Meet Cameron Piron, President & Co-founder at Synaptive Medical
“We really are 24/7, and surgeries are happening 24 hours a day in all regions, so we need to be on all the time in all regions with many different functions of the company. 
“So the synergy between the different electronic systems is really essential for us getting those right data points and making sure they're flowing up to management so that we can really track the important metrics for the company and really making sure those are linked all the way to our corporate goals and objectives that we check in on.”
As Co-founder and President, Cameron Piron wants to make sure Synaptive Medical is tackling one of the most pressing issues in the medical field today: improving surgical outcomes and patient care. With surgeries becoming increasingly complex, the margin for error is slim. Traditional methods often fall short in providing the precision and reliability required for modern medical procedures. Cameron and his team are leveraging AI and comprehensive data collection to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of surgical practices, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare providers alike.
In This Episode
In this insightful episode, Cameron discusses Synaptive Medical's transformative role in the healthcare industry. He also describes how their innovative solutions are not just about creating images but generating quantitative data that can be consistently relied upon. He touches on the importance of maintaining a culture of relentless innovation and the challenges of scaling a rapidly growing company. This conversation offers a deep dive into how Synaptive Medical is setting new benchmarks in the medtech industry, making a significant impact on surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Topics
How Synaptive Medical uses artificial intelligence to improve surgical outcomes and streamline medical procedures.
The importance of data collection in enhancing patient care and surgical precision.
How Synaptive Medical is undergoing a digital transformation to stay at the forefront of medical technology innovation.
Challenges and strategies involved in managing the global expansion of a growing company while maintaining a culture of innovation.
The critical role of vendor choice and supplier management during scaling of operations.
Strategies for balancing cost and innovation to make advanced medical technologies more accessible to healthcare providers.
How Synaptive Medical's technologies are designed to improve key metrics like blood loss, length of stay, and overall patient recovery times.
Maintaining and nurturing a culture of relentless innovation as the company grows.
The role of sophisticated technologies in product development and manufacturing processes.
Cameron’s insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the journey of founding and growing Synaptive Medical.
Resources
Cameron Piron on LinkedIn
Cameron Piron via email: cameron.piron@synaptivemedical.com
Synaptive Medical’s website

MTDG’s Dean Bartles on Empowering SMEs and Navigating Career Paths in Manufacturing

Meet Dean Bartles, PhD, President and CEO, Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group
"I wanted to figure out how we could help small and medium-sized manufacturers. That eventually led me to the job I've taken now."  
Dean Bartles, PhD is addressing one of the most pressing issues in the manufacturing industry today: the struggle of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. While larger corporations have the resources to easily adopt new manufacturing technologies and processes, SMEs often find themselves lagging behind due to limited resources and expertise. Dr. Bartles' work aims to bridge this gap by providing these smaller manufacturers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. By focusing on applied research and technology deployment, his initiatives help SMEs integrate advanced manufacturing methods, making them more efficient and competitive.
The Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (MTDG), where Dr. Bartles currently serves as President and CEO, was born out of a need to support manufacturing innovation and technology adoption. Dr. Bartles' extensive background, including 30 years at General Dynamics Corporation in various global manufacturing leadership roles, uniquely positioned him to understand the challenges faced by the industry. MTDG now serves as a holding company for the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining and Advanced Manufacturing International, focusing on applied research and the practical deployment of manufacturing technologies. 
In This Episode
In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Bartles, an industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge in manufacturing and technology management, shares his journey from a 30-year career at General Dynamics Corporation to his current role at the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group. He dives into the challenges and opportunities faced by small- and medium-sized manufacturers, highlighting the critical role of technology in leveling the playing field. Dr. Bartles also discussed the importance of education and continuous learning, offering valuable advice for both students and professionals looking to advance their careers. 
Topics
The difficulties small- and medium-sized enterprises face in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and staying competitive in the market.
How the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group helps SMEs integrate advanced manufacturing methods through applied research and technology deployment.
Current trends and future directions in manufacturing technologies, including the impact of AI, AR, and VR on the industry.
The differences between additive and subtractive manufacturing, and their respective applications in various industries.
The critical role of professional organizations and networking in advancing one's career and staying updated with industry developments.
Guidance for students and mid-career professionals on where to focus their studies and how to stay relevant in the manufacturing field.
The importance of partnerships between manufacturing companies and educational institutions in driving innovation and workforce development.
The growing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing and the opportunities available for those entering the field.

Texas A&M’s Anupam Agrawal, PhD on Overcoming Tech Adoption Challenges in Manufacturing

Meet Anupam Agrawal, PhD, Associate Professor at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School
"At the end of it, we should have good people coming out of our universities who are trained better to solve problems and make lives better for other people."
Anupam Agrawal, PhD, Associate Professor at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, addresses a significant challenge in the manufacturing industry: the integration of new technologies and digital processes. As industries move forward, traditional methods are becoming obsolete, and the need for digital transformation is paramount. Dr. Agrawal highlights the complexities involved in this transition, such as data acquisition, cybersecurity, and the seamless integration of new technologies into existing systems. By focusing on these challenges, he aims to ensure that companies can navigate the digital age effectively, maintaining competitiveness and driving innovation. As an academic, he also wants to ensure that the next generation of manufacturers is as prepared as possible to enter the field and succeed.
The journey of Dr. Agrawal and his work at Texas A&M University began with a strong foundation in academia and a passion for supply chain management and operations. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a highly respected teacher and researcher, contributing significantly to the field. This journey has been marked by a commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application in the industry.
In This Episode
In our latest episode of the Manufacturing the Future podcast, Dr. Agrawal offers a deep dive into the future of manufacturing and digital transformation. He shares his expertise on the importance of digitalization, the challenges of adopting new technologies, and the necessity of close collaboration between academia and industry. By breaking down complex concepts and providing actionable insights, Dr. Agrawal equips listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of manufacturing.
Topics
The importance of digital transformation in modern manufacturing processes and its impact on operational efficiency.
Challenges faced by businesses in integrating new technologies like AI, big data analytics, and machine learning.
The necessity of developing relevant talent through closer collaboration between academia and industry.
How digitalization can lead to better product design and reduced faults in manufacturing.
Practical applications of digital transformation in supply chain management.
The evolution of academic programs to include digital skills and new technology competencies.
Strategies for businesses to navigate disruptions and leverage technology for training and upskilling.

The ARM Institute’s Ira Moskowitz on Making Robotics Accessible

Meet Ira Moskowitz, CEO, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute
“If we offshore manufacturing, we offshore our manufacturing innovation, and therefore, we offshore a lot of our design innovation as well. And then, of course, the COVID pandemic showed us what happens when your supply chains get tight because they are overseas, and they're not domestic, and you lose control.”
 
As the CEO of The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, also known as the ARM Institute, Ira Moskowitz has learned how manufacturing and innovation are heavily intertwined. Although it might have previously made sense to offshore the task of manufacturing, with ever-expanding globalization, technological advances, and sustainability efforts, it has become clear that has changed. In fact, manufacturing needs more innovation than ever before. Ira and the rest of the members of the ARM Institute would say that robotics is an excellent place to start.
 
The ARM Institute is a leader in the Manufacturing USA Network and is revolutionizing the future of manufacturing by integrating people with robotics to tackle national challenges and to create great products. Each of the 17 members of the Network focuses on a different discipline, but all have the same mission. This mission is to accelerate both the development and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across the country and train the workforce in those technologies. For the ARM Institute, that means robotics and automation and, increasingly, artificial intelligence as applied to robotics.
In This Episode
In this episode of the Manufacturing the Future podcast, weI interview Ira Moskowitz, CEO of the ARM Institute, who talks about how they are helping to make robotics more accessible to businesses of all sizes. Ira also touches on the importance of fostering education in robotics, sharing inspiring success stories and emphasizing the rewarding nature of a career in this field.
Topics
The ARM Institute's mission to integrate robotics with human labor to tackle national manufacturing challenges and innovate product creation.
The importance of training the workforce in robotics to meet the future demands of the manufacturing industry.
How being part of the ARM Institute consortium provides access to leading minds, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge research in robotics and automation.
Efforts to make robotics technology accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, including the Robotics Manufacturing Hub initiative in Pittsburgh.
The role of collaborative robots (cobots) in improving manufacturing efficiency and safety while creating more engaging jobs for human workers.
Differentiating between generative AI and AI in robotics, and the importance of intelligent robots in future manufacturing environments. 
Resources
roboticscareer.org

The US Council on Competitiveness’ Deborah Wince-Smith on the I5 of Innovation and How the Concept Applies to Fostering Growth

Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the United States Council on Competitiveness, has made it her life’s work to foster partnerships in driving the future of manufacturing, restore the dignity of work, and ensure the United States maintains its competitive edge. 
 
The Council on Competitiveness is a leadership organization that includes CEOs, university presidents, labor leaders, and directors of national laboratories. With over 20 years as a senior official in the US government, Deborah was the first senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy at the Department of Commerce and Assistant Director for International Affairs for the Reagan administration.
 
On our recent episode of the Manufacturing the Future podcast, Deborah, who is also the president of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, talks about the frontiers of advanced manufacturing, emphasizing its impact on national security. She highlights the integration of digital technologies in traditional manufacturing processes and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, including talent shortages. 
Topics
The merging of digital and physical worlds in modern manufacturing processes.
The pressing competitiveness issues facing the manufacturing industry today, including restoring the pride of work in manufacturing to address talent shortages.
The role of technology, especially AI, in driving efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
Fostering a culture of innovation and partnership for success in the manufacturing sector, both as a nation and at the company level.
Strategies for leaders who want to stay ahead of trends and changing technologies in the industry.
The importance of partnerships, education, and community involvement in shaping the future of manufacturing.
Resources
National Council on Competitiveness website

Delta Bravo AI's Rick Oppedisano On Streamlining Manufacturing with AI

Meet Rick Oppedisano, Founder and CEO of Delta Bravo AI
“In the case of AI, it's making someone make better decisions faster. How do we take that training cycle from six months to a day? How do we take the impact of attrition at that job level from hurtful to minimal? How do we create joy in that job and fulfillment and make that person feel like they're a bigger part of the team, faster, by doing things correctly the first time. And then lastly, how do you scale that?”
Rick Oppedisano, Founder and CEO of Delta Bravo AI, has built an AI platform that allows manufacturing companies to answer those very questions. Using their client’s company data, Delta Bravo can help quickly understand the influencing factors on a production outcome. For example, they built an AI engine that predicts a production run and tells their operators in real time how and where to adjust certain set points, allowing them to produce a higher-quality product with less steel scrap. This sort of time- and material-saving information can save a company millions of dollars over just a year or two.
 
In This Episode
In our recent episode of Manufacturing the Future podcast, Rick speaks about Delta Bravo’s impact on manufacturing and gleans other fascinating insights into AI’s role in the industry, including how it can help a company improve quality, reduce waste, and enhance workforce training with the end result of lessening costs and increasing profits.
Topics
Delta Bravo’s mission to demystify predictive model development and transform operations for manufacturers by leveraging untapped data wealth.
The importance of integrating AI to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, enhance throughput, and lower defects.
How and why Delta Bravo creates customized AI solutions tailored for each manufacturer's unique needs and workforce roles for maximum impact.
The importance of insights and actions over mere data visualization to drive operational improvements and decision-making in real-time.
The impact of AI on workforce readiness, reducing training time from months to days, and improving job satisfaction and retention rates.
The significance of continued investment in capital equipment, automation using AI-powered robots, and brain-powered operational tasks.
The urgency for manufacturers to adopt AI to stay competitive and avoid being left behind in the rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Voice of the Essential Manufacturing Worker: A Roundtable with Marc Weinmann of VEM Tooling and Arturo Buzzalino of Epicor (Chapter 3)

In this special episode of Manufacturing the Future podcast, Kerrie hosts a roundtable discussion about Epicor's second-annual Voice of Essential Manufacturing Workers report. 
Together with Marc Weinmann, owner of VEM Tooling and Arturo Buzzalino Vice President of Products, Innovation, and Design at Epicor, Kerrie explores the day-to-day work, upskilling and new skill sets, technology and modernization in the workplace, and the outlook on manufacturing work to gain a deeper understanding of those who make our industry thrive. 
In today's chapter, Kerrie, Marc, and Arturo dive deep into the technologies poised to transform the daily work of manufacturing workers. Here are a few key takeaways:
Ensure your business stays relevant and competitive by adopting AI, cloud services, and new software developments. This approach is crucial for success in the near to medium term.
Consider ERP investment can be the foundational vehicle for harnessing AI's capabilities and addressing critical business challenges.
Encourage discussions and partnerships that look beyond the current state of technology. This will help you anticipate and prepare for the next big developments.
Resources
Link to Epicor’s Voice of Essential Manufacturing Worker survey
Helpful summary article about the EU’s carbon accounting requirements

Voice of the Essential Manufacturing Worker: A Roundtable with Marc Weinmann of VEM Tooling and Arturo Buzzalino of Epicor (Chapter 2)

In this special episode of Manufacturing the Future podcast, Kerrie hosts a roundtable discussion about Epicor's second-annual Voice of Essential Manufacturing Workers report. 
Together with Marc Weinmann, owner of VEM Tooling and Arturo Buzzalino Vice President of Products, Innovation, and Design at Epicor, Kerrie explores the day-to-day work, new skill sets, technology and modernization in the workplace, and the outlook on manufacturing work to gain a deeper understanding of those who make our industry thrive. 
In today's chapter, Kerrie, Marc, and Arturo examine the challenges and necessity of upskilling in a busy corporate environment. They emphasize the importance of making continuous learning a priority to keep pace with industry demands and to retain valuable talent.
Topics discussed:
The integration of AI technology in manufacturing companies to enhance employee communication.
The obstacles involved in prioritizing upskilling within a bustling corporate schedule, despite the industry's increasing demand for a diverse skill set.
Practical upskilling strategies including the dissemination of best practices across global teams and conducting specialized training sessions.
Resources
Link to Epicor’s Voice of Essential Manufacturing Worker survey
Helpful summary article about the EU’s carbon accounting requirements