Most manufacturers agree that digital transformation is necessary to remain competitive today and thrive tomorrow. Many large companies have already begun initiatives. But, when asked to quantify the impact of those initiatives on the bottom line, they often come up short.

Process improvement projects have traditionally struggled with obtaining accurate data quickly and easily. In many cases, various data sources provide competing sources of the truth. Smart technologies offer the means to provide a single source of the truth, without the time-consuming and labor-intensive efforts of the past.

Training the next generation of manufacturing workers is essential to the success of U.S. manufacturing and the economy. A recent McKinsey study found that restoring growth and competitiveness in 16 key manufacturing industries could boost annual U.S. GDP by more than 15 percent.

Every assembly technology has its advantages. But, it’s hard to top the variety of fasteners and fastening methods available to manufacturers.

On an assembly line, a fastening tool is typically set up to install specific fasteners at a specific workstation. While an assembler might be tempted to use that tool to help a colleague down the line, such good intentions could actually lead to fastening errors. To keep that from happening, several companies have developed a variety of ways to ensure that fastening tools stay put.

Manufacturers around the world are increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint. One company that is doing something about it is General Motors. Last fall, the automaker announced that it plans to source 100 percent renewable energy to power its U.S. sites by 2025.

When a recent survey asked manufacturers to list their biggest challenges, 83 percent said "attracting and retaining a quality workforce." Only supply chain disruptions and rising material costs ranked higher. Indeed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturers had 858,000 unfilled jobs in November 2021. And the problem is only going to get worse.

Whether it rolls, floats or flies, every electric vehicle needs sensors to monitor current, temperature and voltage. Battery management systems (BMS) are the “brains” responsible for the efficiency, safety and longevity of lithium-ion batteries. 

Valeo is a Tier One automotive supplier that specializes in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), interior, lighting, power train and thermal management systems. The $17 billion French company operates 184 plants in 31 countries around the world that support both traditional automakers and startups.

A common misconception about big equipment is that it can’t be environmentally friendly. The gas turbine engine proves otherwise. It converts natural gas or other liquid fuels into mechanical energy, which is then used to drive a generator that produces electrical energy.