Manufacturing is an industry that has been undergoing a great deal of transformation in recent years. From automation to data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturers are leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in the global marketplace. At the heart of this transformation is the MT Connect Standards Organization, a non-profit consortium dedicated to developing and promoting open standards for manufacturing technology.
In a recent episode of The Startup Defense podcast, Tim Shinbara, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, spoke with host Callye Keen about the work of the MTConnect Standards Organization, the challenges facing the manufacturing industry, and the exciting possibilities for the future.
Interoperability Is Key
One of the biggest challenges facing the manufacturing industry today is interoperability. With so many different types of machinery, software, and systems in use, it can be difficult to get them all working together seamlessly. The MTConnect Standards Organization aims to address this challenge by developing open, royalty-free standards that allow different pieces of equipment to communicate with one another.
Tim Shinbara notes, "There's hardly any technologies in the manufacturing space that I think work alone, machine tools have to have a control. There's just all these things that people don't really know until they dig a little deeper. And that's part of AMT's job is to really better inform. Not just about your ecosystem in the market, but man, who's that next partner you didn't know about that you need?"
Data is King
Data is playing an increasingly important role in manufacturing. By collecting and analyzing data from various sources throughout the manufacturing process, companies can identify inefficiencies, make better decisions, and ultimately improve their bottom line. However, collecting and analyzing data is not always easy. There are a number of challenges that need to be overcome, including data quality, security, and interoperability.
According to Tim Shinbara, "Because data has such a play to advance the state of our manufacturing space, and because the interoperability of that is gonna be so important for cybersecurity and for the providence of knowing about the data, mtconnect.org and our approach to doing this is about the only way we can keep up with that demand."
Partnerships Are Key
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, partnerships are becoming increasingly important. By partnering with other companies, manufacturers can leverage each other's strengths, share resources, and achieve greater success. Tim Shinbara notes, "Partnerships through the public-private area. Not just manufacturing USA Institutes, but seeing partnerships by tech companies. These accelerators, these incubators, these folks know people and they're starting to see that in our hard tech world, if you will, in the manufacturing space."
Standards Drive Innovation
Standards are critical to driving innovation in the manufacturing industry. Without standards, companies may develop proprietary solutions that are incompatible with those of their competitors. By developing open, royalty-free standards, the MT Connect Standards Organization is driving innovation and helping to ensure that everyone in the industry has access to the same technology.
As Tim Shinbara notes, "If you are an end-user or a producer of the manufacturing technology, controls, software, equipment, anything, and you've got use cases, I wish data could do this for me and harmonize with that. Go to mtconnect.org, join our standards committee. It's free. The standard when we publish it is free. If you don't speak up about where your pain points are, other people will."
Investing in the Future
Investing in the future of manufacturing is critical to staying competitive in the global marketplace. By embracing new technologies, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing data security, companies can position themselves for success in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing.
Fostering Partnerships
One of the key themes of the conversation was the importance of partnerships in manufacturing. As Callye Keen, the host of The Startup Defense, noted, building a little consortium of who we're working with makes perfect sense. In other words, companies should seek out partnerships that enable them to access new technologies, expand their reach, and gain a competitive edge. This is especially important in the context of hard tech startups that may be struggling to find funding or navigate complex supply chains. By partnering with other companies and stakeholders in the manufacturing ecosystem, startups can gain the support and resources they need to succeed.
Integrating New Technologies
Another major theme was the importance of integrating new technologies into manufacturing processes. Ryan Kelly, the GM of the San Francisco Tech Lab, emphasized the value of integrating technologies from the mechatronic, robotic, advanced materials, metrology, and optics spaces. He noted that many of these startups are just learning about manufacturing, and that it is important to better inform them about the larger supply chain ecosystem. By integrating new technologies and fostering partnerships, companies can gain a better understanding of the larger manufacturing landscape and position themselves for success.
Data Security
Finally, the conversation touched on the importance of data security in manufacturing. Tim Shinbara, the CTO of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, emphasized the need for data interoperability and cybersecurity. He noted that data has a significant role to play in advancing the state of manufacturing and that the interoperability of data will be critical for cybersecurity and data provenance. Companies must prioritize data security and work to ensure that their systems are secure and protected against potential cyber threats.
Conclusion
Manufacturing is a critical component of the global economy, and investing in its future is essential for staying competitive. By embracing new technologies, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing data security, companies can position themselves for success in this dynamic and ever-changing landscape. The conversation on The Startup Defense highlighted the importance of these three themes and provided valuable insights for companies looking to succeed in the manufacturing space. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that those companies that are able to adapt and innovate will be the ones that come out ahead.
Interested in the entire episode with Tim Shinbara? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews him on episode 002 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Tim Shinbara
As the Chief Technology Officer for the Association for Manufacturing Technology, Tim follows trends in the technology space and works with the Economic Advisory Commission in an effort to get small businesses into the manufacturing space and out into the market.
Shinbara is a board officer and senior executive for the MTConnect Institute growing global adoption, interfacing with companion SDOs, collaborating with international governments and partners regarding the MTConnect Standard.
Tim is also a Co-founder of SkyRFID, LLC, a small business improving security and awareness of visibility and reporting for logistics and asset management.
Tim Shinbara - CTO, The Association for Manufacturing Technology
