12
MiMfg Magazine
May 2019
processes of the past decades simply did not demand
the kind of technology knowledge that is required
in the new era of manufacturing. Now we see
manufacturers adjusting at a slower pace than the
change in technology might require.”
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by technology,
especially as a small- to mid-sized business. Between
the variety of tech out there, the potential costs and
the fear of choosing wrong and having to start over,
many manufacturing executives can wait too long.
Integration is what manufacturers need to
strive for. Talent and technology need to
be integrated and, in order to do that,
best-in-class businesses should develop
a plan and work to implement it.
— Mike Maddox, ASK
“Technology, especially in manufacturing, is
really not dependent on the size of the business,”
explained Maddox. “There are tech solutions and
tools that can provide a real competitive advantage
for companies of all sizes. The best advice is to
utilize a partner that has the experience and skill to
help you do that.”
At first glance, most technology providers look
the same.
“Most technology providers bill themselves as
experts at all things tech,” Maddox admitted.
“That leaves the manufacturer very vulnerable. It
is important to interview, discuss with peers and
ask very pointed questions on experience before
engaging an outside tech firm.”
Some questions that you can ask, as a part of
this vetting process, include:
• How many people do you have solely dedicated
to designing technology solutions?
• How large is your staff and can you provide a
breakdown by position?
• Do you have a team that is solely dedicated to
cyber security and, if so, what certifications and
credentials do they hold?
• What vendors do you partner with to provide
IT management and cyber security solutions?
• How many customers do you support in your
industry at your size?
• Can you provide client references specific to
the type of solutions you are recommending
for our business?
“While it’s included in a couple of the questions,
I would strongly reiterate the importance of any
partner you work with having a deep knowledge of
Ten Skills for the Future Workforce
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Sense-Making: ability to determine the deeper
meaning or significance of what is being expressed
Social Intelligence: ability to connect with others
in a deep and direct way, to sense and stimulate
reactions and desired interactions
Novel & Adaptive Thinking: proficiency at
thinking and coming up with solutions and
responses beyond that which is rote or rule-based
Cross Cultural Competency: ability to operate
in different cultural settings
Computational Thinking: ability to translate
vast amounts of data into abstract concepts and to
understand data-based reasoning
New Media Literacy: ability to critically assess
and develop content that uses new media forms and
to leverage these media for persuasive communication
Transdisciplinarity: literacy in and ability to
understand concepts across multiple disciplines
Design Mindset: ability to represent and develop
tasks and work processes for desired outcomes
Cognitive Load Management: ability to
discriminate and filter information for importance,
and to understand how to maximize cognitive
functioning using a variety of tools and techniques
10.
Virtual Collaboration: ability to work productively,
drive engagement and demonstrate presence as a
member of a virtual team.
Source: UHY LLP, an MMA Associate Member
company since 2008. Information
originally provided at 2018 MFG Forum.
cyber security,” Maddox suggested. “Emerging
technology in all forms can be very dangerous
ground. Manufacturing, along with health care, are
the two most targeted industries for cybercrime.”
You’ve Got the Tech.
What About Your Talent?
Technological advances have given manufacturers
tools and solutions to truly revolutionize their
innovative processes. Furthermore, we may only be
at the beginning of that curve as emerging solutions
will continue to provide unprecedented opportunities
in the future. However, without the talent to
identify, implement, manage and use these solutions,
your tech will never provide bottom-line results.