One of the best parts of my job is traveling around the country meeting members and learning about their businesses. In conferences, committee meetings, workshops and receptions, there are plenty of opportunities to engage; but I find my best discussions take place when I take AMT to the members.
In January, I was part of a stellar team of AMT staff who visited members in California and the Detroit region. Two very different manufacturing ecosystems.
In preparation for the visits, we had numerous calls with our members to personalize the visits and familiarize ourselves with the company staff who would be attending. A few comments stuck out during these calls—“Assume we know nothing about AMT.” That was not normally how I planned my presentations when meeting with a member, but from now on I will. “We aren’t the same company we were five years ago.” That also got me thinking, well neither is AMT.
During the visits, which included awesome facility tours, we listened to our members’ opportunities and challenges of doing business in a transformed industry. After the meetings, there were two consistent themes as I discussed AMT’s Business Solutions: 1. “Wow, I didn’t know you did all that!” and 2. “How do I access all these great products and services?” In my future columns, I’ll try to help our members discover the best AMT tools for their companies.
Thanks to our incredible hosts in California: Southwestern Industries, 3DEO, Index Designs, and Haas Automation; and in Michigan: Acme Manufacturing, FANUC, and Star Cutter/Star SU. During a rainy week in Southern California and an icy evening at the Detroit airport, your hospitality and honest conversation were much appreciated.
Technology Solutions
One question I was asked during my recent member visits: What is the MTCouncil? For that answer, I went straight to an excellent source of technology information at AMT: Ben Moses - Technical Director in the Manufacturing Tech department, Doug Woods - President, Travis Egan - VP Business Development, and Tim Shinbara, VP Technology.
KB: So Ben, what is AMT’s Manufacturing Technology Council?
BM: The MTCouncil is a peer-to-peer network of technologists and manufacturers interested in increasing the application of advanced manufacturing technologies. A seat on the council includes a live video learning series presenting on topical advanced manufacturing technologies, two in-person events, and a member portal for information on startups in the manufacturing space and other technology news and information.
KB: Why is this important to our members?
BM: Each webinar is focused on one specific technology topic with multiple speakers, companies that have advanced and tangible technologies in the area. During each webinar, the community can interact with the speakers, ask questions, and discuss potential next steps with those companies. These new technologies are transforming our industry and the MTCouncil puts you right in the passenger seat.
KB: How can members learn more about MTCouncil topics and the free trial?
BM: Recent topics include “Building a digital strategy” and “Sensor technology.” To view the historical sessions and start a free trial, visit manufacturingtechcouncil.com to schedule a demo.
KB: While we are talking about transformative and cutting-edge technologies, AMT has created a new event called MT360. Why?
DW: MT360 is the intersection of manufacturing and technology. Manufacturing and technology alone are not enough. It’s the interconnection of manufacturing and technology that creates something greater. At MT360 the Silicon Valley tech community will collide with world-class manufacturing companies to create a new ecosystem where new ideas will be shared, new products will be imagined, and new business models will emerge.
KB: Speaking of attendance, who will be attending MT360, June 18-20, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif.?
TE: MT360 is about bringing together transformative people. This unification of disparate groups of like-minded people, digital technologies and manufacturing processes will accelerate innovation and create a competitive edge allowing us to crossover into the future.
KB: And one more time: Why is it important to be there?
TS: MT360 is about bringing together transformative technologies. Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Automation and the Digital Thread. Alone, these technologies will change the way we manufacture products. Together, they become truly transformational, allowing us to reimagine what is possible.
Attendee, exhibitor, speaker, and sponsorship information can be found at mt360conference.com.
