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“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. ...
Read MoreAutomation 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…
Read MoreThere’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…
Read MoreSustainability 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....
Read MoreOne look at the numbers is all it takes for a stark wakeup call on cybersecurity....
Read MoreWhen 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…
Read MoreThe last few years have not been kind to supply chain planning professionals. Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, a pandemic, numerous sea freight issues, and the war in Ukraine are some of the many issues that have affected global supply chains....
Read MoreDue to the shift in consumer demand driven by increased pressure from large-scale competitors, direct-to-consumer trends, and an ongoing pandemic, food and beverage manufacturers like you face unprecedented change and increasing adversity. The challenges are many, including pressure for automation to control costs and address labor shortages, the need for visibility into production yield, and…
Read MoreThe 2022 State of Smart Manufacturing report identified a number of key industry trends. If they continue at their current pace, what do these trends mean for the future? Let’s take a look at this hypothetical but not-so-futuristic story through the lens of Plex CTO Jerry Foster:...
Read MoreSmart manufacturing enables manufacturers like you to adapt to a changing market and unlock long-term opportunities by connecting and automating their business. But where do you start? With increasingly modular smart manufacturing technology options available, investment and implementation can be simple, seamless, and cost-effective. These incremental investments unlock value quickly and can be…
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