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Just like that, 2021 is coming to an end. As we look back on the year, we can take note of some of the biggest trends in advanced manufacturing and the impact those changes have had on the industry. Before we turn the page on the calendar to 2022, let’s review some of the most significant changes we’ve seen since the start of the year.

The Impact of Digitization on Talent 

Over the last two years, companies have begun digitizing at a faster rate. While the use of more technology in the manufacturing space was already increasing, the pandemic made it more critical as the demand for digitized services increased. Companies embracing technology have plans for increased hiring to lessen the skills gap making employees with the right blend of technical and manufacturing skills in high demand.

Hybrid Work Between People and AI

Work-from-home became very popular due to necessity over the last year, but that has impacted manufacturing a little differently than it has other industries. With a need for in-house employees, not everyone could work remotely. But it did create a broader use of enhanced technology, such as AI, to streamline the work that needed to be done in-house to create a safer environment. Machine intelligence and human employees are now partnering to solve complex manufacturing problems.

Major Struggles with Cyber Security

With increased reliance on technology, companies are also at risk of cyberattacks. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in the U.S. in early 2021 showed how hackers could quickly gain access to internal systems and create chaos that impacted an entire portion of the southeast United States. Cyber security has to go hand in hand with increased digitization in manufacturing environments to ensure that products, processes, and profits are not at risk.

Renewed Interest in Green Manufacturing

It’s also no surprise that green manufacturing is still very much on the table. Along with the pandemic, environmental concerns have become a significant issue for many people across Canada and worldwide. Every aspect of a community, from employers to employees and even the residents, have a vested interest in safe and effective environmental protections that will decrease negative impacts on the ecosystem and increase socially responsible sustainability. More green manufacturing also means more exciting job opportunities within the community.

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