New tech, young leaders the key to future success

The August 2021 issue of Canadian Fabricating & Welding is our FABTECH 2021 preview issue. Inside it you’ll find a short introduction to a number of special events and keynote speakers at the show, as well as our annual FABTECH Product Preview section, highlighting a selection of technologies that you will be able to see in person there. Much of this you'll find on the website as well.

This is a perfect time to give some thought to how you hope to update your operations, both in the short term and for years to come. For instance, Industry 4.0 and the tools of the fourth industrial revolution now affect nearly every part of the manufacturing process. Are you considering the next step in your Industry 4.0 adoption plan? Are you able to get the data you need from your machines to better understand your operations? Or do you simply need new technology that is more precise than older machines on your shop floor? The great thing about a show like FABTECH is that it gives you such a broad view of what’s possible, you can dream big while planning carefully, step-by-step, what will work best for your production mix.

Weld monitoring is one application in which a lot of data is available when using new technologies. This month, we have a look at some of the different ways this data is being used in a variety of shops.

As excited as I think we all get when introduced to new technology, we also know that a shop is still only as effective as the team on the floor. Investing in that team can be the biggest benefit to your bottom line. It’s important that we celebrate that talent, which is why we created our Next-Generation Manufacturing Leaders recognition program. This program set out to provide examples of up-and-comers who are both succeeding and giving back to their industry. This year I hope you will consider nominating someone who you believe stands out among your peers.

I encourage you to nominate someone from the manufacturing community–a fabricator, welder, programmer, teacher, or other industry-associated individual–to help us celebrate their accomplishments and the value of what they bring for the future of the industry in Canada. For more details and to fill out a nomination form, contact me directly at rcolman@canadianfabweld.com or visit www.canadianmetalworking.com/mfgleaders.

I hope we see you at FABTECH in Chicago or at one of our Canadian shows in 2022. The following year is going to be a busy one for us all.