2017 had its share of ups and downs, challenges and opportunities. But for many manufacturers, it was another banner year. In California, the manufacturing sector continues to drive the economy. Manufacturing now accounts for nearly 11.5 percent of The Golden State’s total output, while employing 7.8 percent of its workforce according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
So what topics were on the tips of everyone’s tongue in 2017? From minimum wage laws to security concerns, everyone had a subject that hit home. Conversations revolved around the skills gap and ways to retrain existing talent and recruit new talent. We also heard a lot about the unique challenges facing women in manufacturing.
They make up a large, untapped resource yet only account for 27 percent of manufacturing employees. And of course, there was no escaping the topic of additive manufacturing and robotics.
So, here are the top 5 topics that gained the most traction with our readers in 2017.
Reducing Labor Costs in Manufacturing
This story posed the question, Is there a way to reduce labor costs in manufacturing without laying off the workforce? We offered and discussed six potential solutions, including:
Manufacturing Apps for Mobile Devices
With technology now touching every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that mobile apps have made their way into the manufacturing realm. In this story, we explored 13 of the most popular apps out there, including:
And that’s just skimming the surface. See our full list of top manufacturing apps here.
Innovations in Aerospace
The future of aerospace is now, and many small- to medium-sized manufacturers are poised to reap the rewards. We identified six emerging aerospace technologies that will change the face of aerospace, including:
The Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) has been around since the 1980s, but it wasn’t until recently that its benefits were well understood by manufacturers. In this story, we looked at 5 factors contributing to the growth of additive manufacturing, including:
Get the full story here and see what other benefits additive marketing is bringing to the table.
Overcoming Human Resources Challenges
While California holds the title of the largest manufacturing sector in the United States, that’s not to say we don’t face challenges. In this story, we identified some common problems and offered solutions.
The Year Ahead
So what can we look forward to in 2018? Expect the topics we just covered to continue to challenge us while offering room for growth. In addition, IndustryWeek predicts you’ll also be hearing a lot about these hot-button subjects:
We’ll stay on top of these trends and more throughout the year. Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to the California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) blog for all things manufacturing.