ASSEMBLY Audible

Join us for an interview that covers a new report from Infor, How Possible Happens: Overcome the ‘Value Void’ Through Technology-Driven Productivity. Andrew Kinder, SVP Industry Strategy, explains the findings, sharing insights into the challenges manufacturers face when adopting new technology. Learn what the “value void" is in the context of advanced manufacturing settings, how to avoid it, and how manufacturers can ensure their technology investments deliver on their full potential. This episode presents tips on transforming potential into performance and bridging the skills gap in the era of automation.Sponsored By:

Intricon specializes in designing, molding, and assembling some of the smallest and smartest components in the medical device industry. Our guest, Jay Tavakolian, Operations Program Director at Intricon, shares insights into the precision, scalability, and innovation behind building micro medical devices that serve critical applications in surgical navigation, wearables, diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies. The conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges of working at the micro scale—from molding and tooling to advanced automation and 3D manufacturing techniques. Discover how Intricon enhances production capacity while minimizing risk, ensuring that every device meets the highest medical standards.Sponsored By:

Dive into the latest insights from Sikich’s 2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Industry Pulse survey. According to the study, despite persistent challenges like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and tariff pressures, more than half of U.S. manufacturing executives remain moderately optimistic about the year ahead. Jerry Murphy, Principal and Manufacturing Services Leader at Sikich, joins us to break down the survey’s key findings. From economic uncertainty and workforce concerns to AI adoption and automation, this conversation unpacks where manufacturing executives are investing.

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What does it really mean to be consumer-driven in today’s manufacturing landscape? Traditional production models based on forecasts can’t keep pace with shifting demand, volatile tariffs, and rapid market changes. In this episode, we welcome Liya Getachew, Principal at Sendero Consulting, to explore how manufacturers can transform their operations to stay agile and competitive. Liya shares her expertise on the fundamentals of consumer-driven manufacturing, explaining how it differs from traditional models and why agility is crucial in navigating tariff volatility. From designing production lines that can pivot quickly to leveraging real-time consumer insights and translating data into smarter procurement and production strategies, this conversation offers a clear picture of how manufacturers can embrace resilience and flexibility in an era of constant disruption.Sponsored By:

This joint episode of ASSEMBLY Audible and Quality Magazine’s Q-Cast spotlights the collaboration between SMTA and The ASSEMBLY Show 2025. Hosts Jennifer Pierce and Michelle Bangert welcome Greg Vance, principal engineer at Rockwell Automation and president of SMTA’s board of directors, to discuss how electronics manufacturing has evolved over the decades, from miniaturization to the latest developments, to protect products in harsh environments. Greg also shares how SMTA and ASSEMBLY are working together to create a premier event for manufacturing professionals, combining innovation, education, and networking in one location. Join us for a preview of what’s ahead in Rosemont this October.Sponsored By:

This conversation with Foster Ferguson, Vice President of Industrial Business, explores how Stratasys, a leader in aerospace manufacturing R&D and additive manufacturing, is innovating 3D printing to advance part production, materials, and processes. Advanced additive manufacturing enables parts to be printed in a single, optimized design, thereby reducing supply chain complexity and improving performance. From certifications to safety to cross-industry benefits, this episode highlights how innovations in aerospace ripple across the automotive, industrial tooling, and other manufacturing sectors.Sponsored By:

Join us for a conversation with Vanessa Akhtar, Kotter's Head of Consulting and Managing Director, and co-author of Change: How Organizations Create Hard-to-Imagine Results Despite Uncertain and Volatile Times. We examine how reshoring affects organizations beyond logistics, how to measure the success of reshoring or other operational transformations, how to engage employees during times of uncertainty, and how to prepare teams for transitions that may otherwise spark fear or resistance. This conversation reveals proven change management tactics that can turn uncertainties into opportunities.Sponsored By:

Join us for a conversation with Joanna Cooper, General Manager at the Mount Holly Daimler Truck plant, to explore what it really takes to connect with people and get desired results in today’s manufacturing landscape. Joanna offers insights into innovative management strategies to address workforce challenges, some of which can involve a “game of telephone” unless new tools and approaches are utilized to facilitate effective communication. Learn more about the Competitive Edge it takes to succeed as a plant manager during the ASSEMBLY Show keynote presentation.

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Join us for a conversation with Tennessine Titans FIRST Robotics member, Lacey Coates. Lacey offers valuable insights into how manufacturers can attract and inspire young talent, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift that prioritizes innovation, technical skills, and long-term investment in STEM education. As part of FIRST Robotics, Lacey and her teammates take a holistic approach to design and engineering, ensuring every member understands all aspects of their robot to develop a versatile skill set that translates beyond competition.Sponsored By:

From addressing workforce and skills gaps to enhancing quality control, assembly line maintenance, and front-office operations, learn how automation is helping manufacturers and how to formulate a successful strategy. Colin Dowd, Industry Strategy Senior Manager for the Manufacturing and Distribution practice at Armanino, shares practical insights on building effective automation strategies that are a perfect marriage of data-driven and human-centric elements. Discover common pitfalls to avoid, hallmarks of a strong plan, and how automation is helping manufacturers overcome shared challenges in large-scale transformations.Sponsored By: