The State of Smart Manufacturing

#AskTheCEO Podcast

Rockwell Automation is the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation. Rockwell connects the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more intelligent, more connected and more productive. Throughout the world, their flagship Allen-Bradley® and Rockwell Software® product brands are recognized for innovation and excellence. Kyle Crum is the director of advanced technology at Rockwell Automation. He has over 10 years of experience in leading and managing R&D projects that shape the future of industrial automation. This interview discusses Rockwell’s 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report which offers valuable insights for manufacturers and industry leaders, as well as actionable steps that manufacturers can take to leverage these findings for success. The report is available here: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/capabilities/digital-transformation/state-of-smart-manufacturing.html Key Topics: 1. 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2. The Balancing Act: People, Process, and Technology 3. Leading the Future Workforce: Upskilling and Collaboration Contact Kyle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-crum-b4a3143a/ Contact Avrohom: Web: https://asktheceo.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrohom-gottheil/ Facebook: AvrohomGottheil Twitter: @avrohomg Instagram: @avrohomg INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:55 - What is Smart Manufacturing? 02:05 - IoT has been brought to the manufacturing world. It is called IIoT. 03:07 - What are some of the challenges manufacturers face in today's day and age? 03:23 - Manufacturers are really interested and focused on talent. You can have the greatest technology, but nothing happens without your people. 04:42 - 95% of manufacturers surveyed stated that they will maintain or increase their workforce as a result of smart technology adoption. 06:00 - We're not going to loose our jobs as a result of technology. Just that the nature of our work will change. 06:52 - How is Rockwell Automation helping manufacturers survive and thrive in today's difficult operating climate? 08:50 - The benefits of predictive maintenance 09:50 - Only 44% of data is being used effectively. The smaller the company, the less efficient they are in using data. 11:03 - Due to the time sensitivity of manufacturing and the large amounts of data it collects, we need it to be processed at the edge. 11:45 - Even large manufacturers are only using 51% of their data. 13:40 - Physical devices connected to the internet is now putting infrastructure at risk for cyberattacks. This is why it's important to work with vendors who know the manufacturing space. 14:30 - The role of Generative AI as one of the top emerging technologies in Smart Manufacturing. 18:08 - Where do wearables fit in Manufacturing? 20:27 - What is the future of Smart Manufacturing? 22:00 - Focus on your people and your people will focus on the work.