Methodology: Every two weeks we collect most relevant posts on LinkedIn for selected topics and create an overall summary only based on these posts. If you´re interested in the single posts behind, you can find them here: https://linktr.ee/thomasallgeyer. Have a great read!
Shopfloor Execution & MES
• Siemens Opcenter IPL emphasized JIT execution, real-time visibility, and linkage to digital twin for tighter shopfloor control
• A Warmflow deployment of Plex reported improved real-time visibility, lower stock holding, and stronger operator empowerment
• SAP Digital Manufacturing was positioned for intelligent enterprise integration across manufacturing functions
• Battery manufacturing guidance focused on a digital thread connecting parameters, sensors, inspections, and scrap analytics for yield improvement
IIoT Connectivity & Edge
• MQTT combined with MES connectivity was promoted to unify equipment data flows for faster decisions
• Enterprise 5G IoT was reported progressing from pilots to production with cost and efficiency gains
• Connectivity narratives tied unified data access to shorter response times and reduced variability
• Edge-aligned approaches emphasized practical integrations over greenfield replacements
Virtual Manufacturing & Digital Twin
• Automotive programs highlighted virtual engineering to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety before launch
• Siemens software was cited for virtual pharmaceutical factory design and optimization to de-risk scale-up
• Digital twin appeared alongside execution tooling to close gaps between planning and production performance
• Mixed new and existing factory footprints reinforced the need for integrated virtual planning
AI & Analytics in Manufacturing
• Small and mid-sized manufacturers were encouraged to adopt AI-enhanced solutions with clear ROI framing
• POSCO DX used AWS Generative AI to automate PLC card drawing creation, compressing engineering time to minutes
• Georgia-Pacific applied AWS AI to preserve operator knowledge, raise productivity, and minimize downtime risk
• AI use cases targeted process optimization and sustainability improvements without adding physical resources
Sustainability & Energy Management
• Rockwell Automation showcased energy savings and emissions reduction through smart manufacturing practices
• A Hungarian flagship smart factory emphasized sustainability, including SF6-free technologies aligned to Europe’s transition
• AI-driven power demand challenges were balanced with AI tools that improve efficiency and resilience
• Automotive players reinforced sustainability as an integrated manufacturing objective
Strategy, Organization & Change
• Modular thinking was positioned as essential for adaptable intelligent manufacturing architectures
• The hidden factory lens exposed rework and shadow processes that mask systemic inefficiency
• Authentic leadership and human-centered culture were stressed as prerequisites for engagement and innovation
• Successful change was framed as removing frictions and tailoring models to manufacturing constraints
Ecosystem, Partnerships & Events
• AJ Hurst and Axon Power showcased Schneider Electric EcoStruxure deployments as referenceable smart factory outcomes
• FANUC America adopted Onshape to strengthen collaboration and accelerate digital engineering workflows
• PTC Codebeamer and Windchill supported variant management, end-to-end traceability, and automation for complex CTO environments
• Industry forums including NAM, Advanced Manufacturing Expo, and Automation Fair signaled near-term solution roadmaps and adoption readiness
Automotive Manufacturing
• Ford announced a multi-billion dollar manufacturing investment with an updated assembly system and product redesign for manufacturability
• The Middle East automotive sector was profiled accelerating digital excellence to raise competitiveness
• Digital transformation in automotive emphasized efficiency, sustainability, and safety outcomes
• Automakers and suppliers linked sustainability goals directly to production practices
Regional & Policy Signals
• US manufacturing revitalization themes were reinforced through executive messaging and industry convenings
• India was characterized as approaching an Industry 4.0 inflection with digital adoption poised to scale
• German discourse connected factory architecture and industrial culture to long-term innovation capacity
• TRUMPF Smart Factory updates provided practical insight into project execution and capability building
Want to see the posts voices behind this summary?
This week’s roundup (CW 31/ 32) brings you the Best of LinkedIn on Smart Manufacturing:
→ 60 handpicked posts that cut through the noise
→ 37 fresh voices worth following
→ 1 deep dive you don’t want to miss