The Best of the Manufacturing Leadership Journal
Celebrating expert insights from a year of manufacturing innovation and leadership.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, 2024 brought a wealth of insights, breakthroughs, and transformative ideas to the forefront. From exploring the practical applications of digital twins to harnessing the potential of Generative AI, the articles featured in this year’s best-of issue highlight the ingenuity driving Manufacturing 4.0 forward. The Manufacturing Leadership Journal not only showcased cutting-edge technologies but also delved into the leadership practices, workforce strategies, and cultural shifts necessary to thrive in an era of rapid change.
In this special compilation, we revisit some of the most compelling narratives of the past year. Discover how manufacturers are leveraging AI and machine learning to optimize operations, using smart technologies to attract a new generation of talent, and adopting innovative frameworks for digital transformation. Whether you’re looking to refine your Manufacturing 4.0 approach, improve organizational alignment, or tackle workforce challenges, these articles offer a roadmap for success in the dynamic world of modern manufacturing.
While every article published in the Manufacturing Leadership Journal is chock full of ideas and information that is worth exploring, here are a few of 2024’s best articles.
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
SMART FACTORIES AND TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
How Digital Twin Applications Can Help Manage and Optimize Inventory
By Casey Chapman and Joe Krause, RSM US LLP
Discover how a midsize industrial food production company leveraged digital twin simulations to optimize operations, avoid unnecessary capital expenditures, and enhance decision-making. Highlighting the transformative potential of digital twins, this case study offers insights into improving inventory management, mitigating risks, and driving profitability in a competitive manufacturing landscape.
Connect, Analyze, Improve — Then Rinse and Repeat
By Randal Kenwothy and Kris Slozak, West Monroe and AJ Alexander, Sorba.ai
Struggling to start your smart manufacturing journey? This article explores how connecting equipment and using machine data to solve specific problems can build a strong foundation for Manufacturing 4.0 success, with real-world case studies demonstrating rapid ROI and expanded operational benefits.
APRIL / MAY 2024
THE M4.0 MATURITY CURVE
GenAI Ushers Human-Like Intelligence in Manufacturing
By Amol Adgaonkar, Microsoft; Gonzalo Chavez, Alex Lemken and James Zhang, PTC; and Howard Heppelmann, PTC ThingWorx IoT Solutions
Generative AI is set to revolutionize manufacturing by democratizing data analysis, automation, and problem-solving across the value chain. By leveraging techniques like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and building a unified, contextualized data foundation, manufacturers can identify high-impact use cases, pilot innovative solutions, and drive significant productivity and efficiency gains.
Unlocking Manufacturing Excellence with the M4.0 Maturity Model
By Roberto Cisneros and Krishnan Venkat, Softtek
The Manufacturing 4.0 maturity model provides manufacturers with a structured framework to assess readiness and capabilities across key dimensions, including supply chain management, technology, sales and operational management, and knowledge, skills, and attitude. By uncovering gaps and setting actionable goals, the model empowers organizations to navigate technology adoption, foster continuous improvement, and achieve operational excellence.
JUNE / JULY 2024
CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN THE M4.0 ERA
The Human Factor in Industry 4.0: Capability-Led Change
By Mike Doheny, Roberto Migliorini, Ewelina Gregolinska and Justin Grover, McKinsey
A leading global CPG company successfully scaled its digital transformation by prioritizing people, aligning organizational goals with tailored learning programs, and fostering a culture of continuous capability building. Through a structured approach that emphasized local and global collaboration, measurable outcomes, and on-the-job application, the initiative achieved a double-digit uplift in throughput across its manufacturing network while enhancing employee engagement and talent retention.
Technology as Manufacturing’s Skills and Applicant Solution
By John Coykendall, Deloitte LLP; Victor Reyes, Deloitte Human Capital; Kate Hardin and John Morehouse, Deloitte Research Center for Energy & Industrials; Gardner Carrick, The Manufacturing Institute
The U.S. manufacturing industry is experiencing robust growth, yet persistent workforce challenges threaten its trajectory, with nearly 1.9 million manufacturing jobs potentially going unfilled by 2033. By leveraging technology to attract, engage and empower workers — through flexible work arrangements, advanced training tools, and high-tech environments — manufacturers are innovating to address the talent gap and meet evolving workforce expectations.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER
AI IN MANUFACTURING
Unlocking AI and ML’s Potential in Manufacturing
By Adrian Wood, Dassault Systèmes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming manufacturing by optimizing production execution, predictive maintenance, and scheduling, resulting in improved quality, reduced downtime, and greater operational efficiency. Successful implementation requires robust data management, collaboration, scalable pilots, and workforce training, while emerging technologies like GenAI and autonomic systems promise to revolutionize self-optimizing operations and model development.
Exploring the Potential Value of Generative AI Throughout Manufacturing
By John Coykendall, Deloitte LLP; Kate Hardin, John Morehouse and Kruttika Dwivedi, Deloitte Research Center for Energy & Industrials
Generative AI represents a transformative step in the manufacturing industry’s digital evolution, with potential applications in product design, training, supply chain management, and aftermarket services. By leveraging GenAI, manufacturers can enhance efficiency, resilience and innovation, addressing challenges like labor shortages and operational disruptions. As companies explore this technology, they stand to unlock significant value and strengthen their competitive position.
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2024
LEADERSHIP, CULTURE, ORGANIZATION, PEOPLE
Effective Digital Transformation Leadership Practices
By Chris LeBeau, Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS)
Successful digital transformation in smart factories requires clear problem-solving focus, flexible frameworks, and strong leadership. By leading through influence, celebrating small wins, and fostering collaboration, leaders can drive cultural alignment and organizational buy-in. This approach, combined with scalable solutions and trusted expertise, ensures smart factory initiatives deliver lasting value and support long-term strategic goals.
How Manufacturers Can Use Industry 4.0 to Attract Gen Z
By Buddhi Ratawal, Dassault Systèmes
Industry 4.0 technologies offer manufacturers innovative ways to attract Gen Z talent by aligning with their values of autonomy, collaboration, and purpose-driven work. By leveraging data-driven empowerment, eliminating repetitive tasks, and embedding sustainability into operations, manufacturers can redefine worker experiences and improve their appeal to the next generation of the workforce.
About the author:
Jeff Puma is Content Director for the Manufacturing Leadership Council