May 2018
MiMfg Magazine
13
don’t exist has long since passed. You have employee
data. You have patents and schematics. You have
client data and confidential communications. All of
this has value – and not just to you. It’s your
responsibility to protect it.
“At no point along the supply chain are you too
insignificant to be a target of cyber attacks,” said
Ron Kraus of the Michigan State Police, bringing a
brief silence to the event.
The Convergence of Tech and a
New-Look Industry
Orbitform President and 2017 MFG Excellence Award
recipient Phil Sponsler announced the nomination
opening for 2018 MFG Excellence Awards.
Success in Industry 4.0 requires more than the
adoption of robotics and automation, it involves a
new strategic mindset where Informational
Technology overlays all aspects of Operations.
Whether a small family owned business or a global
corporation, manufacturers need to learn how to
navigate the complexities of both OT and IT to
ensure a single, focused direction.
“In today’s modern marketplace, speed of
information and services is critical, both internally
across organizations and externally for customers and
supply chains,” said David Behen, vice president
and chief information officer for La-Z-Boy.
“Without connecting Operational and Information
technologies, companies cannot keep pace with
increasing consumer demands.”
By integrating IT with the business, IT is able to
collaborate more with internal customers, help end
users’ platforms perform at peak efficiency, identify,
embrace and utilize industry changers like big data,
the Cloud, IoT, and cyber security, and communicate
more effectively with all suppliers and customers.
“This session really showcased specific items I
need to be aware of on both topics — Industry 4.0
and cyber security,” said Kerschbaum. “These are
the essential pieces I know I need to keep my
business competitive and relevant in the industry.”
“Business leaders who attended walked away
with several bona fide actions and added facts to
their foundational thinking that will help them be
successful going forward,” said Sponsler. “You
might say the MFG Forum generates a level of
competitive edge for your company. Everyone
should mark the next MFG Forum on their calendar
and the calendars of their colleagues and peers.”
It’s never too early to start planning for 2019.
What emerging issues does your business need to
learn more about? Connect with MMA today and
help us provide more expertise to grow manufacturing
and give you a competitive advantage.
Brett Gerrish is MMA’s communications
coordinator. He may be reached at
[email protected] or 517-487-8533.
Pre- and post-event receptions offered additional opportunities
for attendees, speakers and MMA staff to connect at the Forum.