As technology advances, manufacturing leaders are struggling to keep pace and remain competitive in a dynamic and ever-changing market, especially with skilled labor shortages and an aging workforce. Therefore, ahead of our upcoming Connected Worker Summit in Chicago, from October 7-10, we caught up with Conrad Leiva, VP of Ecosystem and Workforce Education at CESMII. As the United States’ non-profit institute dedicated to smart manufacturing, with a mission to drive the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies for manufacturers including small to medium-sized enterprises, CESMII plays a pivotal role in transforming the manufacturing landscape. Conrad Leiva, a key figure in this initiative, sheds light on the organization's efforts to bridge the technology gap, attract young talent, and equip the existing workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving industry.

Recent surveys and research conducted by the Connected Worker Series show that 75% of senior operations, manufacturing, and digital executives consider Predictive/Prescriptive Analytics a top investment priority for their organization in the next 12-24 months.

There’s no denying the power of data and analytics, especially in industries like manufacturing that are driven by technological advancement. An increased focus on predictive and prescriptive analytics, two vital data analytics methodologies, signifies the industry’s commitment to leveraging data to optimize processes and improve decision-making.

Generative AI (Gen AI) holds unprecedented promise and potential for companies in industries like manufacturing, offering immense value like optimizing production lines, reducing waste, improving supply chain logistics, and more. McKinsey research indicates that Gen AI applications stand to add up to $4.4 trillion to the global economy annually. However, for those interested in adopting this technology, it’s imperative to understand the both the benefits and drawbacks of Gen AI in Industry 4.0.

In this interview, we catch up with Jeff Winter, Industry Strategy Leader for manufacturing for Hitachi Solutions, and Smart Manufacturing Advisor at CESMII, to learn more about how organisations can systematically evaluate processes and operations to pinpoint where Gen AI can create the most impact. Read as he shares valuable insights into emerging trends and potential disruptions within smart manufacturing, along with a comprehensive perspective on harnessing the full potential of Gen AI for sustainable growth and innovation.

“Every decision we make should revolve around adding value in the flow of work,” says Brian Perlstein. “If we fail to do so and neglect to consider the impact on the individuals affected by these changes, no matter how innovative the solution may be, it won't succeed.” As the Digital Manufacturing Innovation Leader at Owens Corning, a global building and construction materials leader, Brian understands the need for leaders today to be more visionary, proactive, and human-centric in their approach to digital transformation.

Ahead of our upcoming Connected Worker Summit in Chicago, we caught up with Brian to learn more about his vision for change. Read as he shares valuable insights on how digital technology has transformed manufacturing processes at Owens Corning and how digital leaders can prioritize effectively within the current landscape.