Drew Baryenbruch, president of Real-Time Automation, joins us to discuss some of the challenges unique to small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Industry 4.0 environment. He also offers advice for how these manufacturers can prioritize investments in new equipment or technologies. Among those are AI, which can help analyze data today, but will likely have even more practical applications in the near future.

Modern manufacturing is at a crossroads.

Perhaps the biggest challenge lies the with workforce. Technological advancements and changing demographics have driving factors for a dwindling pool of workers. This is exacerbated by the skills gap – a years-long trend that more recently began to seriously impact how manufacturers get products made and out the door. Manufacturers are struggling to find enough labor, let alone the labor with the digital or technical skills they need today.

Sustainability has also emerged as a key concern. With increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressure, manufacturers are expected to reduce their carbon footprint and optimize existing assets and resources. Yet the practicalities of being efficient and productive, while also needing to change operations or equipment, without hampering product quality or output, is an immense task.

Altogether, it creates a competitive landscape unlike any other in memory. One that requires innovative solutions that help manufacturers have more efficiency and transparency, and unlocks productivity in new, exciting ways.

Join us as we discuss some of those solutions.