Today, Friday, October 4, is National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day).
According to its founder, the Manufacturing Institute, a body of NAM, National Manufacturing Day, “is the industry’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, reshape perceptions, and build the foundation for the future manufacturing workforce.” In fact, many organizations and companies treat it as an opportunity not only for the day, but for the entire month, and beyond.
SME will celebrate the month by opening many of its engagement programs to non-members, “offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and share knowledge with industry professionals,” according to SME.
Other industry professionals have also expressed the importance of this event and its benefits and opportunities.
Bryan Christiansen, CEO and Founder of Limble CMMs, said, “National Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role manufacturing plays in driving progress and shaping the future of our economy. It is a day to celebrate the unsung heroes that keep the world moving, and come together to address the greatest challenges facing the industry today. According to Limble’s 2024 State of Maintenance in Manufacturing report, more than 50% of manufacturing leaders cited downtime and workforce shortages as their greatest challenges. Implementing advanced technologies, such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), can help manufacturers overcome these significant hurdles. Implementing a CMMS not only reduces downtime and extends equipment lifetime by streamlining all maintenance operations, but it can also significantly reduce workforce shortage challenges by helping teams optimize their workforce. By introducing automation to task management and quickly surfacing critical asset and maintenance data, CMMS platforms enable manufacturers to increase productivity, improve job satisfaction, and focus on innovation. A huge priority for all industries today is leveraging technology in strategic ways to do more with less, and manufacturing is no exception. This Manufacturing Day should be used to showcase the innovation and technological advancements driving the industry forward, and inspire the next generation of workers to pursue careers in this evolving field. Modern manufacturing is not only about producing goods – it is also about creating solutions that fuel progress and shape our future.”
Neeta Verma, Director at Accuris, said, “On this National Manufacturing Day, it is important to highlight and recognize the ongoing challenges modern manufacturers are facing, and how new technologies can help alleviate some of this burden. First and foremost, manufacturers are struggling with a lack of skilled workers, worsened by an aging workforce and a shortage of tech-savvy employees. To overcome labor shortages, many are adopting robotics, while IoT technology supports their adaptation to a digital-first environment. Rising material costs, wages, and freight charges are also putting pressure on manufacturers. Digital tools can help audit supply chains and renegotiate contracts, reducing costs while maintaining quality. As supply chain disruptions also continue to negatively impact manufacturers, data-driven insights from AI technology can help ease such complexities. By using dashboards and analytics, manufacturers can anticipate disruptions and proactively plan responses. In addition, the technology can help with inventory management and production schedules. ERP systems with real-time data and automation help balance supply with demand, ensuring timely production and delivery. Inaccurate demand forecasting can lead to overproduction or underproduction. Advanced technologies analyze sales data for better alignment with market trends. Manufacturers need agility, not only to keep pace with evolving customer needs but also new regulations. AI technology enables demand forecasting, digital advertising, and market research, helping organizations meet customer needs without compromising quality. Automated compliance systems also help manufacturers stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. Overall, technologies like ERP, IIoT, automation, and AI help manufacturers streamline processes and enhance efficiency in a dynamic environment, while cloud-based platforms and digital twins optimize production. Additionally, leveraging data analytics promotes sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption.”
For more information on SME, visit sme.org/memberbenefits. For access to Limble’s 2024 State of Maintenance in Manufacturing report, visit https://limblecmms.com/maintenance-report/#workforce-manufacturing. For more from Accuris, visit https://accuristech.com/.
