IMTS 2024 – Fireside Chat

Manufacturing automation and digital transformation require clear, measurable objectives and cross-functional collaboration to succeed. Chris Luecke, host of the *Manufacturing Happy Hour* podcast, emphasizes that successful digital initiatives often start with "digital transformation light"—small-scale, departmental improvements—rather than just massive enterprise-wide overhauls. Beyond technology, the industry faces a critical need for aggressive self-advocacy among frontline workers and creative recruitment strategies to combat labor shortages, such as partnering with local technical schools. While software and AI integration are increasingly prominent at industry events like IMTS, the most effective transformations prioritize building a proactive culture and breaking down data silos between design, engineering, and production. Ultimately, empowering employees to own their specific roles and leverage data-driven insights remains the most effective path toward modernizing factory floor operations.