The report spotlights the disruptive technologies manufacturers should invest in and explains the benefits of factory connectivity. It also looks at ways to close the skills gap and offers advice on integrating a traditional workforce with the new generation of digital natives. It is comprised of survey responses, case studies and interviews with stakeholders across the manufacturing industry, including Caterpillar, BMW and Weetabix, as well as specialist technology providers, such as Microsoft and Columbus.

Columbuswill release further industry resources later this year to help organisations gauge the impact of the fourth industrial revolution and prepare them for future trends in manufacturing. This will include a webinar scheduled for 8th May to address the next steps of investing in disruptive technologies with insight from manufacturing giant, Mazak, and Microsoft’s global industry director for manufacturing, Colin Masson. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4FAGRiBHTkmjy1cGVIyE2A