Advanced Manufacturing Now

Livia Rice, Director of Outreach and Engagement at the ARM Institute, joins Contributing Lead Editor Amy Bryson for a discussion about how Industry 4.0 is ushering in a new age of manufacturing with automation, robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as what the ARM Institute is doing to help prepare the U.S. manufacturing workforce and connect people with valuable career opportunities.

In this episode of "Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow," host Toni Neary speaks with Drew Crowe, a former teenage father and twice-convicted felon turned manufacturing leader and advocate for justice-impacted individuals. Drew shares his inspiring journey of overcoming systemic barriers and transforming his life through the manufacturing industry, where he found a path to stability and growth.

Drew discusses the immense potential in hiring justice-impacted individuals, highlighting the loyalty and dedication they bring when given a chance. He calls on employers to look beyond records and recognize the transformative impact manufacturing can have on individuals, families, and communities. Drew's story is a powerful testament to the impact of second chances.

Tune in to hear how Drew Crowe is reshaping the narrative for justice-impacted individuals in manufacturing.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Steve Plumb speaks with Nozi Hamidi from Quaker Houghton about the critical role of process fluids in manufacturing and the advancements in automation technology. They discuss the challenges manufacturers face, the importance of integrating automation into ancillary processes, and the benefits of the Fluid Intelligence platform.

In this episode, David Muller sits down with Mindy Tomlinson, senior product manager at Minitab, to discuss the importance of continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing and other sectors. Mindy explains the origins of Minitab, its focus on usability for users unfamiliar with statistics, and the challenges faced by CI programs, including high failure rates and the need for effective project management.

In this episode, David Muller is joined by Clint Oram, co-founder and chief strategy officer of SugarCRM, discusses the evolution of customer relationship management in the manufacturing sector. They also explore the integration of AI and generative AI in CRM systems to provide actionable insights for sales teams.

In the debut episode of Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow, Toni Neary, Director of Community Engagement at SME, speaks with Jeannine Kunz, SME's Chief Workforce Development Officer, who has spent over 20 years advancing workforce strategies in manufacturing. Jeannine shares insights into SME's mission to equip the industry with both cutting-edge technology and skilled talent, emphasizing the critical connection between them.

This episode explores SME's national initiative, the Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge, which unites community colleges across 17 states to bridge the skills gap. Jeannine discusses SME's commitment to optimizing, accelerating, and scaling workforce solutions that drive innovation, resilience, and competitiveness in manufacturing.

Tune in to learn how SME is building a future-ready manufacturing workforce.

In this episode, David Muller interviews Naveen Poonian, President and CEO of iBaseT, discussing the significance of model-based enterprise in manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors. They explore how iBaseT's software solutions simplify complex operations, enhance quality assurance, and drive operational efficiency.

In today's episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host David Muller speaks with Pedro Pachuga, CEO of Advex AI, about the transformative role of AI in industrial automation. They discuss the technology behind Advex, its integration into manufacturing processes, and the future vision of becoming a central intelligence system for industrial efficiency.

To stay up to date on all things manufacturing, visit us at advancedmanufacturing.org

About SME Media Publishers of Manufacturing Engineering, Smart Manufacturing and AdvancedManufacturing.org, SME Media are manufacturing industry thought leaders, keeping an eye on what's next. From additive manufacturing, software, and robots to virtual reality and the Industrial Internet of Things, we keep industry professionals up to date on the innovations that are leading the charge of advanced manufacturing. We are committed to keeping our readers informed about relevant news, technology and advances that improve their ability to make decisions in an intensely competitive global environment.

Andrew Parker, the director of governmental affairs for the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, talks with SME Media Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb about new workforce development initiatives, including early successes and plans to expand Be Pro Be Proud.

In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, host Steve Plumb interviews Ronald J. Bennett, a prominent figure in engineering education and leadership and author of new book The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership. They discuss Ron's extensive background in industry and academia, the critical need for leadership training in engineering programs, and the principles of authentic leadership.

More about The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership:

The Engineer's Guide to Authentic Leadership is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of leadership in the technical world. It addresses the gap in essential leadership qualities —such as communication, emotional intelligence, ethics, teamwork, and other soft skills— by providing a roadmap for technical professionals to develop these crucial competencies. Drawing on recent employer surveys and decades of experience, it highlights the importance of skills beyond technical knowledge and demonstrates how to apply them effectively in real-world settings.

This resource introduces the challenges faced by emerging technical professionals, illustrated with real-life scenarios. It guides the reader in overcoming barriers and becoming an effective, authentic leader. While featuring interviews with a diverse group of authentic leaders who started from humble beginnings. These interviews provide practical advice and call attention to the various paths to successful leadership, demonstrating that anyone can become a great leader with the right mindset and skills. This book also focuses on the tools and insights necessary to bridge the gap between technical expertise and effective leadership. The reader will learn from the experiences of others, understand what it takes to be a true leader, and prepare for a fulfilling and successful career. Discover potential, overcome doubts, and embark on a journey to become a leader in the world of engineering.

This book is written for technical professionals who aspire to move up the career ladder or are already on that path. It is designed to help its reader grow both professionally and personally, continuously improve, and be ready for ever-increasing challenges and successes. It will aid in understanding oneself, dealing with occasional failures, and learning how to respond and overcome them.