Manufacturing minute: 4 must-read articles on data-powered production, simplifying digital adoption, and more

Manufacturing minute: 4 must-read articles on data-powered production, simplifying digital adoption, and more

June 6, 2025
Bonus: Next-gen safety training

Every minute counts in manufacturing—especially when you're chasing uptime, efficiency, and performance. That’s why we created Manufacturing Minute, a curated snapshot of articles worth your time. From real-world reliability wins to smart maintenance practices, we’ve got you covered. Here's what’s trending across the industry this week.  

4 AI Applications To Manufacturing 
Author: John Werner 
Source: Forbes 
60-second snapshot: AI is transforming manufacturing by automating traditional processes with precision and flexibility. Four key applications are highlighted: digital twinning for real-time quality control, collaborative robots (cobots) that work safely alongside humans, “factory in a box” units enabling localized, on-demand production, and centralized control systems that connect factory floors to enterprise-level oversight. These innovations reduce defects, optimize workflows, and adapt manufacturing to shifting market needs. Together, they represent a larger shift toward AI-native, data-driven production that redefines the modern factory. 
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Skills shortage or user-unfriendly tech? The real reason why your digital transformation is stalling 
Author: Nicholas Leeder 
Source: World Economic Forum 
60-second snapshot: Manufacturers often cite a skills shortage as the main hurdle to digital transformation, but the real issue may lie in poorly designed, complex technology. Many tools aren't built for frontline workers, leading to frustration, low adoption, and wasted investments. Case studies, like PepsiCo’s use of user-friendly predictive maintenance platforms, show that intuitive tech can empower teams and improve results. The article calls for a shift in mindset: prioritize usability and embed training to unlock the full potential of existing workforces. 
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Tariffs, Technology, and the New Geography of Manufacturing 
Author: Daniel Kuepper, Nikolaus Lang, and Jan Nordemann 
Source: Harvard Business Review 
60-second snapshot: Manufacturing leaders face a new reality shaped by rising tariffs and accelerating automation, requiring them to rethink traditional offshoring models. The concept of a “tariff tipping point” helps determine when localizing production becomes more cost-effective than importing, with factors like cost structure, country pair, and pricing power all playing critical roles. The “factory of the future,” powered by automation and AI, can offset localization penalties—especially in asset-intensive industries—but its impact varies by sector. To thrive, companies must adopt scenario-based planning that blends quantitative modeling with strategic judgment, considering both cost and qualitative factors like labor availability and market proximity. 
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Tips manufacturers should follow to meet the imperative of modernization 
Author: Creighton Fearrington 
Source: Smart Industry 
60-second snapshot: Modernization is crucial for manufacturers but often complicated by conflicting priorities and outdated infrastructure. Success begins with aligning stakeholders and setting clear business goals, followed by a thorough audit of existing network infrastructure to identify gaps that may hinder progress. Creating a culture supportive of change is essential, involving clear communication of benefits, defining roles, and encouraging employee feedback. Ultimately, modernization requires a solid foundation, strategic planning, and collaborative engagement to build resilient, efficient operations ready for current and future demands. 
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Technology is Pushing the Envelope for Safety Training 
Author: Adrienne Selko 
Source: EHS Today 
60-second snapshot: Advancements in virtual and extended reality (VR/XR) are revolutionizing safety training by enabling lifelike simulations that improve learning outcomes and reduce workplace injuries. Companies like Raymond and Roundtable Learning are integrating these technologies into both training programs and machinery, ensuring real-time feedback and automated safety enforcement. These tools are especially valuable for onboarding new, inexperienced workers in high-risk environments like warehouses and manufacturing facilities. VR is also being used as a pre-employment screening tool, helping companies lower turnover and training costs while promoting a safety-first culture. 
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About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.