Latest news with #Mastercam
Forbes
06-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Building Resilience: Leveraging AI For Smarter Manufacturing
Russ Bukowski, President of Mastercam. Manufacturers are facing increasing pressure from geopolitical disruptions, trade conflicts and economic uncertainty. According to a 2025 report by Fictiv, a digital manufacturing and supply chain company, 96% of surveyed manufacturing and supply chain leaders indicated concerns about U.S. trade policies. Moreover, 91% of leaders are taking global friction into account when forming their long-term supply chain planning strategies, a five-point increase from 2024. Amid these challenges, many forward-looking companies are embracing digital transformation and using artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data-driven decision making to build more nimble, resilient operations. I've seen the potential impact of applying AI to manufacturing. My company recently introduced AI-powered Help and Command features to improve accessibility for newer computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) users in an effort to free programmers to focus on the most complex challenges. These streamline toolpath creation, reduce clicks and shorten learning curves, especially for newer users navigating powerful but complex toolsets. On a broader level, AI can deliver real-time insights for faster decision making, support a wide range of skill levels and automate knowledge distribution—ultimately helping organizations stay adaptive. From Legacy Systems To Labor Gaps As digital tools, data analytics and automation redefine production environments, many companies find themselves constrained by outdated systems. Manual processes and legacy training models are no longer sufficient. Many manufacturers are juggling multiple software platforms that generate tons of data. But if those systems don't talk to each other, that's a big problem. A fragmented setup requires users to manually transfer data, which wastes time, increases costs and leads to errors. From design to quality inspection and every step in between, data should flow seamlessly, allowing users to see the full picture without having to search for information across various platforms. Compounding the challenges facing manufacturing is the combination of a widening skills gap and an aging workforce. Manufacturers are still dealing with a major talent shortage. In fact, a study by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte found that the industry's talent gap "could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030." As experienced professionals in the industry retire, they take decades of expertise with them. To address these challenges, manufacturers must prioritize knowledge transfer, invest in upskilling programs and embrace tech-forward systems. Additionally, manufacturers need to shift toward a fully integrated digital setup to optimize data workflows. Adapting To Customization And Supply Chain Disruptions AI enhances intelligent manufacturing by maximizing toolpaths for faster cycle times and reduced waste. This helps address one emerging trend that I've observed: Production volume sizes are decreasing as demand for customized parts increases. Unlike traditional mass production, where it's relatively straightforward to produce millions of identical units, producing thousands of slightly different parts is a challenging task. Machine learning algorithms can optimize production schedules and quickly adapt to design changes with minimal downtime. AI-driven quality control systems can also learn to detect subtle variations across different custom parts. Manufacturers must also be able to respond quickly to disruptions amid rising geopolitical risks and increasing supply chain volatility. AI models can forecast demand patterns, detect supply chain risks and help adjust inventory levels. The Case For Industry-Specific AI Tools When searching for AI solutions, manufacturers should seek those tailored to their specific industries. There are two key reasons why. For one, from my observations, general-purpose tools can deliver inaccurate results, which can have serious consequences, especially in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where inaccuracy can compromise safety. Additionally, industry-specific AI tools arguably have a faster learning curve for workers. When an AI solution is able to understand intent and provide suggestions in the context of a certain industry, workers can adopt and integrate the technology more swiftly into their existing workflows. Laying The Foundation With Clean Data AI is a critical enabler of operational flexibility, but it must be paired with strategic planning and a company culture that is ready to support change. Data quality is paramount. Clean, well-structured data is essential for reliable AI outcomes. The key to success is not trying to solve everything at once. Instead, manufacturing leaders should identify priority problems, refine their data strategies and build use cases gradually, ensuring each is rooted in a clear objective. Preparing models takes time, so patience is essential. Starting small allows teams to test, learn and measure what matters most to an organization. Using AI wisely also means investing in people and processes rather than just technology. Empowering workers with training and new skills to collaborate with AI strengthens the organization. Leaders should find a 'champion' to help drive adoption. Breaking down data silos and enabling platform integration enables AI tools to work optimally across the entire value chain. AI Is An Enabler, Not A Catch-All Solution As manufacturers face mounting pressure from trade tensions and geopolitical disruptions, they are rethinking traditional operational models. AI and automation are vital tools in this digital transformation, enabling greater efficiency, deeper insights and faster responsiveness to change. While AI offers powerful capabilities, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its impact depends on thoughtful, strategic implementation aligned with specific business needs. AI is not a replacement for sound decision making, but rather a powerful enabler that can help manufacturers build more resilient, adaptive operations. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Allegheny College ALIC @ Bessemer achieves accreditation as a branch campus
Allegheny College announced Tuesday the accreditation of its Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC) branch campus by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Located with the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County on Bessemer Street, ALIC @ Bessemer solidifies Allegheny's commitment to leveraging liberal arts education in workforce development and advanced manufacturing, college officials said in an email announcing the accreditation. Officials said ALIC @ Bessemer integrates traditional liberal arts education focused on the development of critical thinking, problem-solving and interdisciplinary learning with practical workforce training in high-demand sectors for adult learners. 'The accreditation of ALIC @ Bessemer is a claim on the future of higher education and its role in strengthening communities,' said Allegheny President Ron Cole. For more than 200 years, Allegheny has been a leader in developing innovative educational models, officials said. ALIC @ Bessemer expands opportunities for workforce-focused education for nontraditional students in northwestern Pennsylvania and also creates new avenues for collaboration between the college's faculty, staff, students and the broader community. 'This initiative also allows our traditional students to engage with hands-on, industry-driven learning experiences while reinforcing the value of liberal arts education in an evolving job market,' Cole explains. 'By embracing workforce development and manufacturing education, we are building a stronger regional economy and ensuring that Allegheny College is relevant and accessible to a diverse range of learners.' ALIC @ Bessemer already has made significant strides in this direction, piloting industry-relevant training in software programs like Mastercam and Solidworks; developing hands-on coursework in Additive Manufacturing; and designing courses in close collaboration with regional manufacturing industry experts. Now as a branch campus of Allegheny, ALIC @ Bessemer is positioned to further expand its offerings by providing a unique blend of hands-on training and critical thinking. Future plans that support research and development will provide distinct opportunities for Allegheny students. From use-inspired research to marrying ideas with production, the facility will soon enable students to augment their studies in real-world applications, with the potential to work in innovative solutions with regional manufacturers. Due to a decline in the number of traditional college-aged students across the higher education industry — a phenomenon known as the 'demographic cliff' — many institutions have been forced to rethink their models of education. ALIC @ Bessemer positions Allegheny to thrive despite this shift by serving the professional development and adult education needs within the surrounding community. Its approach also demonstrates how colleges can successfully adapt by adding workforce-driven learning opportunities to more traditional offerings. The accreditation of ALIC @ Bessemer is also a significant win for Crawford County and the state, according to officials. As a region with deep industrial roots and a growing need for skilled workers, the county stands to benefit from ALIC's role in helping to prepare the next generation of workforce-ready professionals. ALIC @ Bessemer will fuel economic development by strengthening the local job market and attracting new business investment, officials said. 'This is a game-changer for our region,' said Elisabeth Smith, CEO of Acutec Precision Aerospace. 'Having an accredited branch campus of a top-ranked national college in Meadville, focused on advanced manufacturing, provides students and workers with valuable opportunities for education and career advancement. It also signals to the manufacturing industry that rural Pennsylvania is dedicated to equipping its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the global marketplace.' 'The launch of ALIC@Bessemer was made possible by building partnerships with local industry and importantly with the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County who serves an important role in this work,' Cole said. Allegheny will officially unveil ALIC @ Bessemer to the public during a two-day celebration starting April 24 with a ribbon-cutting, facility tour and featured speakers, followed by an open house and additional happenings April 25.
