From the smallest machine shops to international operations, new technologies and methodologies can dramatically affect your production. As 2019 draws closer, we’re anticipating a number of new trends to emerge or continue to develop across the machining landscape. Here are just a few to keep an eye on.

Intelligent Manufacturing

As you might expect, smart manufacturing will continue to develop throughout 2019. Advances in AI, machine learning and smarter tech are inevitable. Specifically, be on the lookout for developments in faster and smarter product fulfillment and meeting the demands of the changing consumer market.

Investing in a solid IT department will be a smart move in any machine shop. There’s no replacing the human element when it comes to manufacturing, but you need to have a team who knows the ins and outs of every piece of technology on your shop floor. If you’re looking to build a smarter shop, find the people who can help you do it.

Diverse Workforces

A diverse workforce is a smarter workforce. As we have experienced, there is a shift back to manufacturing as a viable career option for many young people. Your shop can take advantage of this by being proactive and tapping into a much wider talent pool. Along with this greater diversity comes a swath of more specialized workers.

Specifically, younger generations are much more computer literate than their predecessors. As your machine shop evolves and incorporates the newest technologies, you’re going to need employees who understand the digital world. Make this a priority when writing new job descriptions and in your hiring process.

More Digitization

Along with smarter tech and employees who know how to operate it, we’re going to see more and more of the heavy lifting done in the digital realm. These digital practices don’t have to replace or completely change the way your shop conducts business, but rather enhance and support productivity by eliminating guesswork or human error.

As much as you should pursue employees who are tech-savvy enough to manage a digital shop, you need to invest and updating your training procedures to ensure employees both new and experienced can adapt to your evolving shop.

Rely on Custom Tool All Year Long

No matter what trends emerge, Custom Tool has the equipment your shop needs to keep running for years and years. Browse our capabilities or request a quote today.