Manufacturing is Advancing. Don’t Get Left Behind.

BY: GEORGE SINGOS

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 90% of manufacturers believe Industry 4.0 will have some or significant impact over the next five years, smaller companies (those with less than 50 employees) are 20% less likely to be frontrunners, and older companies are 19% more likely to be persistently non-digital. Among manufacturers, 53% report their top challenge to implementing Industry 4.0 is identifying the most appropriate opportunities for smart products, followed by 45% struggling to access the required technologies.

With these critical stats 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.

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. Learn more about the MEDC’s Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative here.


MEET OUR EXPERT

George Singos, Business Leader Advisor
George Singos is the Business Leader Advisor for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. 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. Prior to joining The Center, George spent the previous 10 years working in International Business Development. His primary focus was growing International Sales in Europe and East Asia while supporting North American, South American and ASEAN operations.  

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.