What Manufacturing of Tomorrow Looks Like

By: Meaghan Ziemba Z-Ink Solutions - Mavens of Manufacturing Technical Copywriter/Copyeditor

Manufacturing is not what it used to be. Of course it still has its dirty, dark, dull, and dangerous side, but with the consistent advancements in technology, the workforce of tomorrow requires highly skilled individuals with technological literacy.

Tomorrow’s manufacturing focuses on digital transformations via automation and software systems involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Machine learning plays a major role in eliminating manual and repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus more on value-added processes and cuttingedge innovations. Employees are able to upskill and reskill with the implementation of cobots.

Data analytics have been improved through the use of cloud organizations. Business leaders have increased visibility across their entire organizations. They receive a variety of information in real time to help optimize their business strategies and remain competitive within their markets.

Occupations for skilled maintenance and machine technicians are becoming harder to fill. When machines stop working, finding someone to fix it at a moment’s notice can be challenging. IoT and predictive maintenance allow companies to track their machines’ health and get ahead of any breakdowns or malfunctions so they are not as reliant on maintenance workers.

As the digital transformation continues to progress within manufacturing, new career opportunities are starting to appear including:

Digital Twin Engineers - Proficient in creating virtual replicas of industrial products and helping companies predict and respond to problems using real-time data analysis and other advanced technologies.

Predictive Supply Network Analysts - Skilled in data sciences and data modeling techniques. Use digital tools along with their innate human skills, like problem-solving, to move materials and finished goods through a digital supply network (DSN) for just-in-time deliveries.

“As the digital transformation continues to progress within manufacturing, new career opportunities are starting to appear” - Meaghan

Robot Teaming Coordinators - Help enable collaborative human-robot working environments by applying a mix of digital, social, and human skills. Digital Offering Managers - Oversee the entire product development lifecycle and work closely with experts in data science and user interface design to process knowledge about pricing and subscription modeling.

Digital Offering Managers - Oversee the entire product development lifecycle and work closely with experts in data science and user interface design to process knowledge about pricing and subscription modeling.

Drone Data Coordinators - Work with contracted drone service providers on a project basis to collect and interpret the data that autonomous drones collect.

Smart Factory Managers - Wears many hats including production operations and quality responsibilities, DevOps, and IT and cybersecurity. They are in the unique position of integrating advanced manufacturing, secure connectivity, and actionable data analytics together to drive a new level of overall equipment effectiveness.

Controls Engineers - Responsible for setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design.

Cybersecurity Analysts/Managers - Responsible for protecting IT infrastructure from a range of criminal activity.

Mavens of Manufacturing is a LIVE videoseries hosted by Meaghan Ziemba,that celebrates women in manufacturing.From the shop floor to the c-suite,you’ll hear their stories and learn howthey are setting the new standards forAmerican manufacturing and chang-