Over the past several years, the topic of Smart Manufacturing has been a conversation among manufacturing experts, strategists and thought leaders. However, despite its recent coverage in the press and in journal articles, many in the front lines of manufacturing aren’t quite sure what Smart Manufacturing entails, its importance or how it’s even relevant to their organization. If you’re sitting there wondering what Smart Manufacturing is, you’re not alone.

But if you are looking for more comprehensive definitions, there are two from leading organizations. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Smart Manufacturing are systems that are “fully-integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond in real time to meet changing demands and conditions in the factory, in the supply network, and in customer needs.”

Benefits of Smart Manufacturing?

  • Improved Productivity
  • Innovation and Higher Quality Products
  • More Manufacturing Jobs
  • Energy Efficiency

Source: http://www.cmtc.com/blog/topic/smart-manufacturing