The Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME) is a trade show that showcases modern solutions, technological advancements, and best practices in manufacturing. The event was first thought of in 2015 by Mark Ermatinger of Industrial Control. As with most industry-level exhibitions, it includes halls dedicated to specific manufacturing processes. The most popular halls are for automation, metalworking and mechanics. It typically has a pitch event for latest in innovation or the latest from the 4.0 technologies spectrum. Let us explore more about AME and its relation to DEI training.
How has the Advanced Manufacturing Expo Evolved?
The latest version is the AME held in Michigan. It was the largest with more than 300 exhibitors and 5,400 attendees. Visitors were in excess of 4,300 people. The basic profile of the 2023 AME was as follows:
In the automation hall, the inclusions were:
- Robots
- Cobots
- Laser Markers
- Safety
- Motion
- Vision
- Machine Builders
- Integrators
- Ergonomics
In the metalworking hall, the inclusions were:
- Cutting Tools
- Coatings
- Work and Tool Holding
- Metalworking Fluids
- Additive Manufacturing
- Inventory Management Solutions.
In the mechanical hall, the inclusions were:
- Bearings, Power Transmission
- Motors, Linear Motion
- Pneumatics
- Hydraulics
- Process Pumps
- Hose fittings
- Chemicals
- Lubricants
Now, let us look at the meaning of advanced manufacturing and its relation to the expo.
What is Advanced Manufacturing Expo and its Scope
Advanced manufacturing is a broad term that refers to the use of innovative technologies and processes to improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing. It includes different types of production technologies like computation, software, sensing and networking. Even additive manufacturing or 3D printing, machine learning and digital twinning are some of the other methods used in advanced manufacturing.
AME and its Scope
The AME is designed to accelerate growth in local manufacturing by:
- Assembling talented people and new technologies for every aspect of business
- Helping with individual business needs
- Serving as a gathering place for the industry
- The AME attracts vendors and attendees from across the country.
While the expo offers a lot of scope for technology and equipment showcasing, it also becomes a platform to encourage inclusivity in the workforce.
What is DEI Training and its Role in the Manufacturing Industry?
Workforce management and talent management has led to a number of training approaches. One very effective approach that has brought in great ROI for the manufacturing industry and most other industries has been DEI Training.
DEI is an acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI training – case studies, role plays, scenarios, unconscious bias and stereotypes. It helps in building historical context about awareness and religious holidays, religious sensitivity and cultural awareness.
DEI training aims to promote awareness and understanding of how people with different backgrounds can work together harmoniously. It can focus on familiarizing employees with company values; DEI initiatives giving employees a primer on issues surrounding race, gender identity, and sexual orientation
DEI Training in Manufacturing is effective in the following ways:
In the manufacturing industry can help employees:
- Recognize unconscious biases
- Understand microaggressions
- Appreciate the value of a diverse workplace
- Improve productivity, problem solving, and collaboration
DEI training should be regular and revisited often. It’s important to provide training to both frontline professionals and leadership teams.
Here are some other ways to implement DEI in the workplace:
- Create a survey for diverse employees
- Arrange focus groups and interviews with diverse employees
- Share positive feedback on your website and social channels
- Take on constructive criticism or ideas for improvement
- Create strategies to improve DEI in the workplace
Thus, DEI is necessary as it helps industry to spur innovation, supports the manufacturing industry ecosystem and deliver better business outcomes.
