Insight_2nd Edition

Second Edition | Marquis Who ’ s Who Insight 9 Instead, they are either holding onto old mindsets and ways of doing business, or jumping to quick fixes involving technology and/or outsourcing. I keep informed of trends in quality and manu- facturing through a number of ways. I attend workshops and conferences, actively participate in local and national professional organizations like IISE and ASQ, and network with quality, engineering, and manufacturing professionals in various industries and academia. I am also an avid reader of books and articles in quality, leadership, manufacturing, and related applica- tions outside manufacturing. Bottom line: when faced with complex problems, new technology/ approaches, I seek out sources of knowledge and experience to learn. What are the two key behaviors/ personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? Persistence and organization. What is the most important issue/ challenge you are dealing with in your industry right now? There are many issues/challenges facing small U.S. manufacturers today, including outdated mind- sets, lack of leadership, increasing change pace, customer expec- tations, poor infrastructure, tax structure, regulations, labor, lack of technical skills/training for cur- rent and future technology, and disinterest from millennials in manufacturing. How do you feel your industry has changed/ evolved over time? Overall, manufacturing has embraced more of a quality mindset and toolset than other sectors of the economy like health care, education, and services, but it has not been sustained. The biggest change I have seen is the loss of respect for manufacturing. It is no longer a career choice of many young adults despite the application of technology and higher average salaries than other sectors. Communities no longer want manufacturing either — it’s viewed as dirty, environmentally unfriendly, and not a source of sustainable employment. What new innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Artificial intelligence and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) have the potential to drastically change the manufacturing environment. While some think it will further reduce jobs, I tend to think it will change jobs, products, and how customers purchase and use products. Employees will be freed from repetitive, unsafe jobs and move into more creative, complex problem-solving jobs. The product will be customized and serviced directly from the manufacturer. What excites you the most about your industry? Despite all the challenges above, manufacturing is still the lifeblood of many U.S. communities and it offers a big opportunity to transform people’s lives. The essentials in the SOS Roadmap to Competitive Results cost very little, but have the power to transform organizations and lives to compete today and tomorrow. “ Manufacturing is still the lifeblood of many U.S. communities and it offers a big opportunity to transform people’s lives. ”