Today as I am writing this, it is the morning of Manufacturing Day, October 7th 2016. My personal reaction to this day, which is described by MFGDAY as:
MFG DAY addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
has evolved greatly over the last 3 years, and especially this last year. As you know earlier this week we announced the Manufacturing Advocates Podcast where we are addressing in our own way the MFG DAY mission by sharing stories of difference makers in the US manufacturing industry.
This morning I received an Email from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) encouraging me to “Make something of” manufacturing day. One challenge they provided, and I have gladly accepted, is to share my story or photos on #MFGis. This is a hashtag being used for people to share with the world, what manufacturing is to them. So here it goes….
What #MFGis to me
First and foremost, it is an industry where my business, Managed Solutions, is dependent for customers. What is unique about this tie is that it was made by choice after 16 years of being in business providing up to that point, mostly IT services.
Manufacturing is also an industry with great people. Being exposed to these people over the years has caused me to grow to appreciate them greatly. They are now my friends, my inspiration and my co-collaborators in striving to make a difference. They write my favorite blogs. They’ve inspire me to tell their stories. They even encouraged me to step up in support of the Sacramento area manufacturers as chair elect of the Sacramento Valley SME for 2016-2017.
To be announced product prototype “Phantom”
Manufacturing is fascinating, so much so that I have discovered new passions for CNC machining, micro controllers and even software development. It is impossible for me to observe and not want to participate, I am no longer an idle participant. This has evolved to actually designing products, which you are hearing first today, for the industry. Numerous proof of concept projects with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Python, an assortment of electronics and sensors has led to working prototypes solving a unique problem. These are being deployed for testing this quarter in Northern California. The prototypes were conceptualized, built and tested in my work shop with some added Python coding help from a very talented friend.
#MFGis is my Passion
Most of my work and discretionary hours are spent working with customers in the industry, building things for eventual use in the industry or advocating on behalf of manufacturing. Manufacturing is my passion!
Game on SME, thanks for the challenge!
Joe–I totally relate to your passion and as I experiment also, I will send you some of my experiences.
Thank you Mark, I am looking forward to hearing more about your adventures in manufacturing.