4 Trends to Modernize Manufacturing Practices

4 Trends to Modernize Manufacturing Practices

Manufacturing Technology Insights | Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Industrial manufacturers are keeping pace in a quickly evolving industry by tacking transformation head-on and embracing change.

FREMONT, CA: Several ever-evolving trends and technologies will shape the future of the manufacturing business. Innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have been unwaveringly maturing along their trajectories. The manufacturing sector's digital transformation should recapitulate to accelerate with this integrated unlocked potential. The fourth industrial revolution is modifying manufacturing by yeilding manufacturers with the chance to utilize advanced manufacturing inclinations throughout the product lifecycle. Manufacturers are profiting from increased visibility into substantial cost savings, operations, more agile production times, and the ability to offer excellent consumer support. The only way manufacturers can stay forward of competitors and influence market share in today's swift morphing environment is by embracing change. Businesses need to stay modernized with modern manufacturing trends.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

• Intelligent Manufacturing

The theory of intelligent manufacturing is always evolving. It is a big scale integration cutting-edge artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing technology  and processes. Smart manufacturing works to help companies optimize organizational operations, enhance the efficient allocation of resources, upgrade product quality, and positively affect customer service. Advancements in digital technology are propelling the rise of intelligent manufacturing. Integrated systems can now facilitate communication and collaboration between equipment and people. It allows the creation of customized products to be achieved with the efficiency of mass production. Manufacturers can boost customer engagement and positively affect relationships with equipment end users.

• The Internet of Things (IoT)

The integration of networked sensors and intelligent devices with connected equipment on the manufacturing plant floor is one of the most impactful and transformative trends. The ever-developing IoT has transformed traditional supply chains into dynamic and interconnected systems and is radically changing products are made, advanced organizational safety and effectiveness, and alleviated regulatory costs. The IoT has a profound effect on the manufacturing business and offers the potential to develop more in the upcoming years. IoT is capable of helping manufacturers enhance productivity and efficiency, and can be leveraged to positive customer service and end-user relationships.  

• Workforce Training

Recently there is no overstating the importance of the manufacturing industry's skilled employee shortage. By investing in coaching and education, critical stakeholders inside and outside the manufacturing business can begin to connect with the workforce of tomorrow. It will encourage them to strongly consider a career as skilled workers and develop them into qualified employees.

• Artificial Intelligence

It is the beginning to be combined more into manufacturing as AI is everywhere. Manufacturing facilities will grow into connected networks of people and machines with supply chain assets, production, design teams, and quality limitation. It will all be integrated into a brilliant engine that monitors everything and provides actionable data and insights. AI comes in many forms and makes its presence acknowledged in manufacturing facilities as virtual reality, IoT, automation, and robotics. There are concerns about AI replacing human workers in many businesses, but it is this technology that will drive increased efficiency and productivity. Incorporating the technology to improve manage operational assets, businesses are free to concentrate their time, efforts, and resources on product innovation and other key strategic priorities.

Industrial manufacturing businesses need to understand that their consumers are increasingly expecting more stable, transparent, and dynamic B2B relationships. Digital tools and innovations can facilitate an improved customer experience, such as through blockchain-based traceability solutions, more deeply integrated and configurable price quote portals or even product-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings in which smart products are monitored and maintained.

More in News

Manufacturers operating at the forefront of semiconductor and advanced automation face a persistent tension between throughput and precision. Interconnect geometries continue to shrink below the micrometer scale, substrates increase in size and mass, and production lines are expected to sustain nanometer- level positioning stability over extended scanning cycles. Any degradation in motion performance directly affects yield, overlay accuracy and tool availability. For executives responsible for motion technology investments, the discussion is no longer about isolated components. It centers on who can assume responsibility for performance at the point where the process occurs. In this environment, a credible motion partner must control every layer that influences dynamic behavior. Motors, bearings, feedback systems, vibration isolation, structural frames and control electronics interact continuously. A stage optimized in isolation may underperform once integrated into a machine with external vibration sources, thermal drift or suboptimal feedback placement. Sustainable throughput and accuracy depend on an architecture that aligns mechanics, metrology and control bandwidth from the outset. Precision at the tool center point has become a defining benchmark. Mechanical stiffness alone cannot guarantee sub-100 nanometer positioning during long scan sequences. Direct metrology, positioned as close as possible to the process location, offers a more reliable path to dynamic accuracy. When multi-degree-of-freedom encoders measure motion in multiple axes simultaneously, they compensate for parasitic errors that accumulate in conventional stack- ups. This approach also preserves performance as payloads increase, such as the transition from 300 mm wafers to large panel formats. Control technology now plays an equally decisive role. Direct drive architectures eliminate transmission elements, but they demand higher control bandwidth, lower latency and superior signal integrity. Executives should expect controllers capable of fast encoder processing, deterministic communication and advanced filtering to suppress noise without sacrificing responsiveness. Functional safety certification at the highest levels is also essential in high- value fabrication environments where downtime carries significant financial impact. Throughput cannot be improved at the expense of jitter. Advanced packaging applications illustrate this balance clearly. One-micron interconnect dimensions imply positioning stability an order of magnitude tighter. Achieving that level historically required limiting power output, constraining acceleration or reducing productivity. The next generation of systems must deliver nanometer- level jitter while sustaining the force and speed required for heavy substrates and rapid cycling. Thermal stability and vibration management complete the picture. Larger chucks, warped substrates and integrated unwarping mechanisms increase system mass and thermal load. Active isolation, air or magnetic bearing technologies and integrated structural design are no longer optional enhancements. They are foundational to maintaining accuracy over hours of continuous operation. Within this context, ETEL represents a compelling benchmark. It has evolved from a motor specialist into a provider of fully integrated motion systems under its Full Forward Integration approach, assuming responsibility from frame and vibration isolation through direct drive stages and proprietary control. Its latest AccurET+ platform, officially launched in 2025, increases control bandwidth, reduces latency and supports Endat3 protocol compatibility, while TransnET provides deterministic 50 μs communication. The HDR option enables nanometer- level jitter even on high-power amplifiers. For lithography and advanced packaging, its forthcoming METIS HP full air bearing platform targets 100 nm class accuracy with sustained dynamic stability. Backed by Electronics Technical Competence Centers across key semiconductor regions, ETEL offers both technological depth and local support, making it a prudent choice for executives prioritizing precision, throughput and accountability in motion performance. ...Read more
In recent years, power electronics have experienced significant growth, with nearly every application today relying on power electronic equipment in some form. Understanding the benefits that have driven their widespread adoption is essential. Below are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of power electronic converters: The Advantages of Power Electronics Mass Production Technological developments in semiconductor manufacturing have led to the widespread and economical availability of power electronic devices. Because these devices are available at different voltage and current levels, several options are available. Highly Reliable When used under rated settings, these devices' robust, long-lasting performance and lack of mechanical moving components lead to fewer failures. Highly Efficient These devices function as switches in most applications, and we know that switches have very low power loss and switching losses in both ON and OFF modes. Negligible Maintenance Almost no maintenance is needed for the power electronic systems because they do not have any mechanical moving parts. Fast The dynamic response of power electronic systems is significantly faster than that of mechanical or electro-mechanical equipment. Size Compared to mechanical systems with comparable power ratings, these power electronic systems are much smaller, meaning they weigh less, take up less floor space, are easier to handle, require less installation, cost less to pack and ship, and have many other benefits. The Disadvantages of Power Electronics Harmonics Power electronic systems have only one significant drawback: they introduce significant harmonics to the power supply and associated load sides. The output voltage and current of the converters and the input current produce harmonics since they modify the sinusoidal waveform to meet the requirements. Both sides are now having a lot of problems because of these harmonics. If we have motors, harmonics on the load side lead to concerns like excessive heating, increased acoustic noise, torsional vibration of the motor shaft, malfunctions with DC motor commutation, etc. Therefore, modern VFD motors are specifically made to withstand the impacts of harmonics better. In addition, we offer filter circuits that limit the load's harmonics. Harmonics also cause a great deal of difficulties on the supply side. There is a significant impact on the functionality of other devices connected to the same source. Additionally, supply line harmonics cause radio interference with audio and video equipment and communication lines. In addition to this, the input side transformer overheats and loses efficiency. Special converter transformers are employed when the output of electronic devices, like industrial motor drives, has a significant amount of power. Low Power Factor Reactive power adjustment equipment must be installed because some power electronic converters have low input power factors. Low Overload Capacity Power electronic devices must stay within their rated current and voltage ranges. Excessive current can cause device failure and overheating. Protection measures like snubber circuits are crucial to avoid problems like incorrect triggering. ...Read more
Cloud-based manufacturing connected worker platforms are redefining modern factories by connecting frontline workers, equipment, and enterprise systems in real time. Today, connected worker platforms consolidate digital instructions, equipment monitoring, collaboration tools, and safety alerts, empowering employees to perform efficiently while ensuring compliance and operational continuity. As industry adoption accelerates, these platforms have become essential for manufacturers seeking productivity gains, operational resilience, and strategic workforce alignment. What Drives Connected Worker Platform Adoption in Manufacturing? Several market forces are driving the adoption of connected worker solutions. Manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve throughput, minimize downtime, and optimize workforce allocation amid labor shortages and rising production complexity. The proliferation of IoT-enabled machinery, digital twins, and smart factory initiatives has created a need for seamless connectivity between workers and equipment. Regulatory compliance and safety mandates further underscore the importance of real-time monitoring and reporting. Connected worker platforms address these challenges by reducing operational inefficiencies, enabling rapid issue resolution, and providing managers with actionable insights. Enterprises adopting these solutions can enhance performance, reduce operational costs, and build scalable processes that meet evolving industry demands. How Can AI and IoT Enhance Shop-Floor Performance? Connected worker platforms leverage advanced technologies to deliver measurable operational improvements across manufacturing environments. AI analyses historical production data to identify inefficiencies and recommend workflow optimisations that enhance throughput. Digital workflows and AR-guided instructions help reduce human error, accelerate onboarding and support workforce development. In this context, Arnouse Digital Devices Corp supports digital manufacturing environments by aligning with technologies that enhance operational efficiency and workforce performance. Cloud-native architectures enable scalability across multiple locations, while integration with ERP, MES and quality systems ensures alignment between shop-floor activities and enterprise-level objectives. Automation further streamlines workflows, from task assignment to approval and reporting, significantly reducing administrative overhead. Mobile-first functionality enables supervisors and frontline employees to access instructions, approve tasks, and track progress from anywhere, improving responsiveness and alignment between operations and strategic goals. Collectively, these innovations enhance productivity, operational visibility, and workforce safety, delivering measurable value for senior leadership. Allied General Industries LLC delivers manufacturing solutions that support operational efficiency and enhance performance across connected industrial environments. Connected worker platforms are applied across multiple manufacturing sectors. Automotive and electronics industries use AR-enabled guidance to improve assembly accuracy and reduce defects. Heavy industry and energy sectors employ IoT-enabled wearables for predictive maintenance and worker safety monitoring. Food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers leverage platforms to ensure compliance, quality, and traceability. Across all sectors, these platforms empower employees, reduce downtime, improve operational efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives. ...Read more
Web-based Human Machine Interface (HMI) tools in Europe are advancing rapidly as industries adopt more connected, flexible, and intelligent systems. Traditional HMI platforms that relied on fixed hardware are being replaced by browser-based solutions that provide real-time access, remote monitoring, and seamless interaction across devices. The transition is helping organisations improve operational visibility while reducing dependency on location-specific control systems. As industrial environments become more complex, Web HMI tools are evolving into central platforms that connect machines, data, and users. European industries are focusing on solutions that visualise data and enable faster decision-making and improved system control. How Can Open Technologies Facilitate Cross-Platform Access and Simplify Development? Web HMI tools are built using widely supported frameworks that allow them to run on multiple devices and operating systems without compatibility issues. The flexibility ensures that users can access and control systems from anywhere using standard web browsers. Operators can monitor and manage industrial processes through desktops, tablets, or mobile devices, enabling real-time control even when they are not physically present at the facility. Modern Web HMI tools offer user-friendly design environments that allow engineers to create and customise interfaces with minimal coding. It reduces development time and makes it easier to adapt systems to changing operational needs. Integration with edge systems is also improving performance. By processing data closer to the source, Web HMI tools can deliver faster responses and reduce delays in critical operations. How Can Scalability and Integration with Smart Systems Be Achieved? Security has become a top priority as connectivity increases. Advanced Web HMI tools are incorporating secure access controls, encrypted communication, and system monitoring features to protect sensitive data and ensure safe operations. The focus on security helps organisations manage risks while benefiting from remote access capabilities. Integration with broader digital ecosystems is enhancing functionality. Web HMI tools are increasingly connected with cloud platforms, IoT devices, and analytics systems, enabling more comprehensive monitoring and smarter decision-making. The interconnected approach supports predictive maintenance and improved system performance. User experience is improving as well. Modern interfaces are designed to be intuitive and visually clear, helping operators interact with systems more efficiently. ...Read more