Scott Achelpohl

1 week ago | smartindustry.com | Scott Achelpohl

This episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast features Thomas Wilk, chief editor of Smart Industry sister brand Plant Services, joined by Christine Nishimoto, director of asset management software at IBM, for an insightful discussion on how AI agents are reshaping data-driven asset management. Together, the pair explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving productivity, sustainability, and safety across manufacturing sectors.

1 week ago | smartindustry.com | Scott Achelpohl

Sponsored ContentFor an episode sponsored by his company, Tobii’s director of products and solutions, Keith Bartels, joins Smart Industry’s Scott Achelpohl for a conversation about how visual data is helping teams streamline onboarding of employees, reduce errors, and strengthen standard operating procedures—all without adding complexity to day-to-day work.

2 weeks ago | smartindustry.com | Scott Achelpohl

What you’ll learn:Management is significantly more assured in their understanding of quality management than frontline workers. Quality issues are going unaddressed. Nearly half of frontline operators have experienced quality issues being ignored or covered up, with a substantial portion remaining silent. Operators are less familiar with AI’s role in product quality than management believes.

2 weeks ago | smartindustry.com | Scott Achelpohl

What you'll learn:AI adoption is surging, but real-world applications—not just hype—are key to proving its value on the factory floor. Simulation is evolving from concept to core tool, enabling better design and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. Integration speed and accessible automation now cater more to small- and midsize manufacturers, not just large operations. Open architectures and interoperability are breaking down silos, allowing seamless collaboration across industrial systems.

3 weeks ago | smartindustry.com | Scott Achelpohl

What you’ll learn:70% of respondents in the U.S. stated that their organizations are impacted by a labor shortage. 49% plan to implement AI in the next two years (up slightly from 47% in 2024), with 33% already using it. The 2025 poll revealed other widespread issues such as stubborn product recalls and safety incidents in plants and their consequences, such as damage to brand reputation.