Feature

In the fast-paced manufacturing world, it can be challenging for companies to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive. One way to gain an edge is through data discovery, which enables manufacturers to identify trends and patterns in their operations, helping them fine-tune their processes and improve efficiency.

Outdated assumptions and stereotypes surrounding manual labour have meant manufacturing has always been one of the most male-dominated industries in Australia. In 1998, the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency reported that just 25.9% of its workforce was female.

Manufacturing is becoming more innovative in the automotive sector, with advancements such as driverless technology and sustainability, particularly with the growing popularity of electric vehicles. 

Industrial automation has seen strong market growth in recent years as the global sector reaches USD 196.6 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to surpass USD 412.8 billion by the end of the decade. 

The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices creates significant opportunities for businesses by helping to streamline processes and uncover business efficiencies, but it can also present challenges in terms of managing and maintaining them in the case of these devices going offline.  

The manufacturing industry has been revolutionised by additive manufacturing (AM), which provides unmatched design freedom, material efficiency, and quick production times. Despite these benefits, post-processing is still essential to ensure that AM parts have the necessary surface polish, accuracy, and functioning.

Defence organisations in the United States and the rest of the world are under increased pressure to maintain their competitive edge by examining the most recent technology developments as the balance of power shifts and pressure grows.

Rising costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions are increasingly gaining momentum, placing manufacturers all over the world under unprecedented pressure. 

One of the "hottest" metals currently garnering interest in additive manufacturing is copper - largely because of its greater thermal conductivity, which is desired in industries like electronics and rocketry where heat exchange is essential.

Scheduling jobs in manufacturing is one of the most complex tasks in operating a shop floor as it involves a range of various details that must be accounted for, such as work orders, raw material availability, due dates, employee skill sets, and work centre capacity.