No matter what industry you’re in, you can always expect changes. Every few years, schools switch out books, and parenting experts come up with the next big thing. It’s safe to say if you don’t stay up to date and keep researching the trends in your industry, you could easily get left behind after a few years.

Manufacturing is no different, and some significant trends are coming up on the horizon. It’s not just that new CNC lathe for sale or that now everything is going to be controlled by our robot overlords, but there are plenty of new trends to be on the lookout for.

Even More Automation

Manufacturing has been at the forefront of Trump’s trade war with China, and many experts are forecasting a decrease in jobs over the next few years. Manufacturing has been a harsh industry to be in, and while it seemed that gains were being made, there are dangerous signs out on the horizon.

While many places need to keep the doors open, they are often turning to automation to do so. AI plays a big part every year, as it offers quicker and more efficient solutions to overall manufacturing goals.

Efficiency is Key

Efficiency can be taken in a lot of different directions, but for right now, we’re going to be focusing on manufacturing floor efficiency.

Many manufacturers are looking to take advantage of the space they have to make the most of it. The objective is to maximize every square inch available for the overall use of the company.

Finding these machines and tools isn’t always easy, and finding the ideal CNC lathe for sale is still a tough task, even for the most diligent of researchers. But with more and more people moving to efficient workspaces, it’s wise to follow suit.

Maximizing Energy

It’s not just space and organization that needs to be maximized, but energy. It’s hard to venture anywhere these days without being encouraged to recycle, turn off the lights, or make sure the water isn’t always running.

Manufacturers are looking at how to maximize the waste they have, either by reusing it or disposing of it properly.

Plus, energy optimization is a way to make sure you’re lowering your overall energy bill while also doing your part to go green. If nothing else, a green policy helps your bottom line while also providing some high PR. Nowadays, everyone is looking at a company’s environmental practices.

The Internet

Yes, the internet is all around us and connects everything we do, but prepare for it to be an even bigger deal this upcoming year.

Manufacturers have long been using IoT, also known as the Internet of Things. You can roll up most trends into the IoT.

At its core, IoT is just what it sounds like: it’s the internet on certain things. Those things happen to be automation devices, machinery, and loads of different appliances. By having everything connected to the internet and one significant brain trust, those things will just run smoother.

That means there will be improved safety, more efficient scheduling, cleaner energy, and much more. Investment in IoT has exploded in the last few years and is something we believe will only increase as we step forward into the new decade.