Smart Manufacturing: Current Trends and Insights 🏭

Opening Remarks

Jay Myers: CEO, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
- Objective: Building world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada
- Focus: Industry 4.0 deployment, skill requirements for tech deployment
- Panel: Experts from the industry
- Sponsor: Salesforce

Data Collection: Widespread in manufacturing but needs better analytical tools
Systems Connection: Factories are connected, but we still await full benefits
Data Importance: Identifying, collecting, and analyzing data for performance improvement
Predictive Outcomes: Aim to predict outcomes and build autonomy in processes and products

Efficiency Beyond: Efficiency isn’t the ultimate goal; improving the wrong process isn’t a win
State of Change: The future is unfolding now; we reveal more than we predict
Trends: Demographic changes, demand uncertainty, and disruption
Resilience: McKinsey’s emphasis on building resilience against frequent disruptions
Continuous Learning: Engineers need ongoing education
Workforce Mobility: Remote work and continuous training increase retention
Distributed Intelligence: Example of Tesla cars sharing information in real-time

Bosch IOT Cloud: Hand tools providing real-time data for better decision-making
Pepsico: Leveraging machine learning for product quality checks
Tuff Shed: Re-definition of their product and service integrating customer configurations

Craig Holden: Factory terms (Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, Factory 4.0) are interchangeable; significant productivity gains are anticipated
Peng Yin San Cao: Adaptations are necessary to react to fast market changes; labor shortage and market-specific demands driving the need for smart factories
Paul Boris: It's crucial to go beyond technology and re-engage human teams; fixing the core processes first

Paul Boris: Machine Learning in a tier-one automotive; solving bottlenecks through data analysis
Peng Yin San Cao: John Deere's integrated tech for agriculture; Symphony tech for better factory automation; Blockchain for maintaining data integrity
Craig Holden: Real-time lean manufacturing using Microsoft Azure; deploying sensors for utility optimization

Peng Yin San Cao: Underestimating the learning curve; integration challenges and hidden costs
Craig Holden: Ensure sound data integrity; infrastructure readiness is crucial
Paul Boris: Over-reliance on top-down initiatives; starting small and expanding with clear immediate benefits
Peter Coffey: Avoid creating bespoke solutions; focus on immediate actionable data

Peng Yin San Cao: Make employees' jobs easier and more adaptive to customer demands
Paul Boris: Begin with small impactful changes that create excitement and buy-in
Craig Holden: Validate small-scale projects and leverage funding sources
Peter Coffey: Eliminate manual data entry; deliver actionable data directly to frontline workers

Finding Collaborators: Leverage networks, pilot programs, supplier involvement, and region-specific funding
Engaging Frontline Workers: Crucial to the success of new initiatives
Network and Leadership: Use existing networks and leadership buy-in to support smart manufacturing initiatives

Peter Coffey: Innovation requires reimagining processes, not just improving old ones. Employees should feel valued as their loyalty translates to better business outcomes.
Panelists: Start small, engage the team, use existing tools, and constantly iterate.
Resources and Networking: Utilize industry clusters and government funding opportunities to mitigate risks and foster better implementations.

This presentation and additional resources will be available through the Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGMC) platform.