Insights: The 4 Pillars of American Manufacturing, Warehouse Heat and More
June 2024 insights for manufacturing and distribution
This month’s insights focuses on the “four pillars” of American manufacturing strength, along with an analysis of a 2024 panel on the robotics and automation picture. Because we are the start of a very hot summer, we included an analysis of how you should approach any HVLS warehouse fan implementations as well.
Thought leadership panel: robotics and the speed of change
Supply Chain Exchange conducted a panel discussion with industry leaders on the future of robotics, automation and their effects on the supply chain. What technologies should be on your horizon? What changes can you expect?
Key takeaways
- Robotics is growing: 17.6% globally, to a whopping total of $258 billion by 2025. North America and Asia are the growth regions. Brian Pulfer of Vargo points out that deployments into distribution and warehousing are expanding. Kevin Reader of Knapp discusses the key question” “what is a robot?” Are AMRs robots? What about technologies marketed as robots? These questions are valid for determining market sizes. The classification of a device is far less important than its functionality and impact – no matter what we call it.
- Standardization is critical: Thomas Meyer-Jander of Movu Robotics points out that many companies require standardized solutions. Many automated systems simply require too much customization and take too much time to implement. Meyer-Jander mentions AMR solutions and shuttle systems as the types of automation with less “runway” and implementation roadblocks for companies starting an automation journey.
- Workforce integration is critical: Brian Pulfer of Vargo mentions that training regimens do not need to be dramatically adjusted for today’s automated solutions. Interactive software and other advancements help reduce the training curve. Integrate your labor force into the system in order for it to succeed. ROI and productivity gains rely on this integration.
Automation is a rapidly moving sector, and a critical one for industrial operations. How can you find ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency and shield your operation from an ever-tougher labor market? Finding ways to automate the most labor-intensive aspects of your operation is a good way to start.
National Association of Manufacturers: the “Four Pillars” of American manufacturing strength
Above: Timmons on modern manufacturing challenges
In 2014, NAM President Jay Timmons spoke of the “four pillars” of American manufacturing strength. Timmons’ speech was enshrined as part of the association’s policy suite.
The pillars of American manufacturing strength:
- Free enterprise: the system, in Timmons’ words, “unleashes” innovation and opportunities that drive the U.S. and world economic systems. These forces have lifted countless billions out of poverty as people are free to create businesses and grow them to the best of their ability. We’ve seen many small companies find ways to grow, attack new markets, build better ways of business and thrive.
- Competitiveness: American companies can compete with anyone, if not inhibited by government overreach. In the decade since Timmons gave this speech, this has been largely proven. American manufacturing is seeing its largest boom in history right now because it’s competitive and because it is given space to innovate.
- Individual liberty: America’s system of constitutional rights has helped us succeed and build a better economy based on individuals and their needs.
- Equal opportunity: Americans have a core belief that we are all able to contribute to, and be rewarded by our economic system. It’s a matter of bettering our families and communities because all of us should have the rights any of us have.
These core beliefs are at the heart of the NAM mission. You can read Timmons’ speech here.
Choosing an HVLS warehouse ceiling fan: Big Ass Fans
Warehouses and factories suffer productivity decline, reduced ergonomics and heightened dangers when the weather is hot. Some can install air conditioning to alleviate the situation, while others cannot. HVLS fans are an effective way to combat these problems. In this article, Big Ass Fans explains the factors for selecting an HVLS solution. Start with the type, size and amount of space. Evaluate your existing warehouse condition: is it hot? Humid? Is there dust and airborne debris? What types of existing systems do you have?
More on HVLS fans and summer heat
- HVLS Fans, Air Flow and High-Bay Warehouse Racks
- How HVLS Fans Make Warehouse Air Conditioning More Efficient
- How Heat Saps Warehouse Productivity, Causes Errors and Reduces Retention
Sunderesh Heragu Receives the 2024 Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award
The Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award recognizes outstanding educators who have contributed significantly to the industrial engineering through innovative teaching, research, publication, and administration. Sunderesh Heragu, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University was the 2024 winner.
Quick hits
- In its 2024 State of Manufacturing Report, fictiv outlines the trends reported by over 178 engineering, supply chain, manufacturing and product development leaders. The last five years have seen more changes in the manufacturing space than perhaps any other era. Manufacturers are optimizing their operations, supply chains and strategic planning differently. They’re working to reduce risks and shocks more than ever. Top macroeconomic concerns include economic headwinds (particularly interest rates and inflation), the emergence of artificial intelligence, labor shortages and escalating costs, and competitiveness.
- In US Exports: Top Categories, Challenges, and Opportunities, The Balance covers the range of American exports. The United States consumes most of its production – only 8.5% of American GDP relies on exports, but that will probably grow in the coming years. Top export categories include commercial aircraft, industrial machines, semiconductors, electric apparatuses, telecommunications and medical equipment. The U.S. exports over $531 billion materials used by manufacturers.
- The National Association of Manufacturers covers Manufacturing in 2030: The Opportunity and Challenge of Manufacturing Data. Over 70% of manufacturers still utilize spreadsheets as their primary data.
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Scott Stone is Cisco-Eagle's Vice President of Marketing with 35 years of experience in material handling, warehousing and industrial operations. His work is published in multiple industry journals an websites on a variety of warehousing topics. He writes about automation, warehousing, safety, manufacturing and other areas of concern for industrial operations and those who operate them.