Smart Manufacturing Blog

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7th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing

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State of Smart Manufacturing

Plex Manufacturing Blog

Why Technology Adoption in 2023 Means Adding Staff and Skills

Gerry Abbey September 5, 2023

One of the biggest headlines from the 8th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report isn’t just about technology — it’s about technology and people. As manufacturers aim for profitable growth without sacrificing quality, adopting the right technology is high on their collective to-do list. But for that new tech to truly be beneficial, our respondents tell us there must be an equal priority on…

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95% of Manufacturers Are Prioritizing Sustainability in 2023

Gerry Abbey June 29, 2023

When it comes to sustainability in manufacturing, the future is now.According to the 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) have moved into the manufacturing mainstream. Over 95% of respondents stated they have a sustainability and/or ESG policy over the last two years, whether formal or informal....

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Gain a Competitive Edge in Quality with Better Data

Gerry Abbey June 12, 2023

When you look at the future of your company, what do you hope to achieve?For 1,353 global manufacturers in the 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, the answer is clear: growth. And to achieve that growth, these manufacturers are prioritizing their quality strategy as they continue to digitize operations and fight to overcome disrupted supply chains, new regulations, and other challenges....

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Supply Chain Technology Adoption: Opportunities and Obstacles

Gerry Abbey May 4, 2023

"Back to normal."After the countless disruptions that have defined the last several years, that’s not a phrase used by manufacturers when talking about where supply chains are headed.However, not getting back to normal offers new opportunities for success. Finding better ways to minimize upheaval and maximize relationships also means gaining stability, agility, and predictability when it comes to…

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Seize Opportunities for Growth with the 8th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report

Veena Lakkundi March 16, 2023

“We’ve experienced 20 years of evolution in 2 years.”This quote from CEO Blake Moret resonates throughout the findings of our 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, which surveyed 1,353 global manufacturers. ...

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How Is Automation Changing the Manufacturing Sector?

Mike Hart August 9, 2022

Automation in manufacturing is constantly evolving. Manufacturers all over the world are using automation to improve the efficiency of processes, reduce the complexity of managing modern supply chains, and combat the skilled worker shortage. In conjunction with adding levels of automation to streamline the business, manufacturers are turning to once-hyped technologies to accelerate process…

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How Smart Manufacturing Platforms Empower Sustainability

Plex Team August 2, 2022

There’s no denying that more and more manufacturers are embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives with aims to improve both performance and accountability. Naturally, these efforts often center around sustainability. While we’re a long way from closed-loop manufacturing, sustainability efforts gain return value to companies in areas like waste, material usage, supply…

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The Benefits of ESG Initiatives in Manufacturing

Anthony Murphy July 26, 2022

Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and (Corporate) Governance (ESG) policy is growing in importance across all industries, and especially in manufacturing. The public concerns around climate change, social justice, corporate responsibility – including increased regulations, emission reductions, and responsible governance – are increasingly driving more businesses to take action....

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Benchmark Your Cybersecurity Strategy Against 300+ Manufacturers

Plex Team July 11, 2022

One look at the numbers is all it takes for a stark wakeup call on cybersecurity....

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Automotive Manufacturing Is More Resilient Than Ever

Anthony Murphy June 8, 2022

When production halted in 2020, automotive suppliers and OEMs showcased their business agility by banding together and pivoting to develop much-needed supplies for frontline workers. Ford Motor Company produced clear plastic shields, Creative Foam Corp manufactured foam parts for ventilators, and Desin, a manufacturer of Human Machine Interface (HMI) sensors, added a production line to make face…

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