Peggy’s Tech Blog:
Future of Manufacturing: Myriad Solutions
Most of us in the manufacturing industry know the challenges: supply-chain disruptions, rising costs, the need for greater sustainability, the rising demand to produce faster than ever before, and of course the ongoing labor shortage. This is why we are embarking on a blog series about the future of manufacturing. Some might be saying I am harping on the same old issues. But let’s take a moment to step back and recap what we have been talking about.
We have already explored who the future worker is, the technology that will enable the future of work, and how we can prepare for the future of work. Today, since there is a new initiative, I want to look at other potential ways we can address the manufacturing workforce crisis as we move closer to the future of work in manufacturing.
Expert Opinion:
The ROI Assessment: The Cost Impact of Indirect Labor
In my last article (It’s Technology Acquisition Time) I provided an overview of a tool used to define the potential value of new technology acquisitions to improve operational productivity and effectiveness. We left off with the promise to show how to calculate the full cost of a human worker, and the number of workers that your current technology platform requires to get the work done.
Does the proposed innovative technology provide enough of a productivity gain, viewed as the result of the elimination of worker headcount, to justify acquiring the technology? This is the main reason for the ROI (return on investment) assessment for many companies.
Peggy Smedley Show:
Are Data Centers Sustainable?
Episode 931 | 8.5.25 | Segment 2
Peggy Smedley and Al Ortega, James R. Birle endowed chair professor of energy technology, Villanova University and director of the National Science Foundation Center for Energy Smart Electronic Systems, talk about data centers, cooling systems, and sustainability issues within the data centers. He talks about the amount of power data centers use, saying in 2025 an equipment rack consumes about 100 kilowatts.
They also discuss:
How data center consumption compares to consumption in a typical U.S. home.
Cooling systems such as liquid cooling.
The things we need to do to make data centers feasible.
Peggy Smedley Show:
What’s Next for AI in Construction
Episode 931 | 8.5.25 | Segment 3
Peggy Smedley and Brian Kassalen, principal and construction industry leader, Baker Tilly, talk about AI (artificial intelligence) in construction. He says construction contractors have been slow to adopt technologies, but you can’t have a conversation today with a contractor without having some conversation about AI.
They also discuss:
Historical labor challenges in construction and how AI can help contractors protect margins.
How machine learning, digital twins, and predictive analytics can help.
How AI can help with bidding and negotiation.
What’s Trending
Success Stories: AI and Brainwaves
While AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming fields like oncology and cardiology through personalized care, AI in mental health has not taken off quite as fast.
Flow Neuroscience is aiming to change that. The company has developed a new AI and EEG (electroencephalogram)-powered model that analyzes brainwave data during neurostimulation. This approach enables clinicians to predict how a patient will respond to treatment before therapy even begins, offering a faster path to effective care.
Looking to sponsor an upcoming segment of The Peggy Smedley Show? Check out the exciting topics planned for the coming months and send your ideas to [email protected].
September: What's Next for Manufacturing?
October: How to Secure Your Data