Whether you think this is a good or a bad thing is, dare I say it, irrelevant, because it is going to happen – in fact it is happening – and there isn’t much any of us are going to be able to do about it. It’s going to forever change our industry.
The evolution of automation is maturing and innovation is becoming ever-more modular. Manufacturing is doing its best to embrace the principle of the circular economy. And while it is clear that automation, digitalisation, modularisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are the future of manufacturing, one thing remains even more certain and that is that in-person networking will remain a critical feature of our industry.
I have recently returned from the 50th anniversary edition of EMO Hannover that took place in Germany. You can read my full report on page XX. Our industry is advancing at a rapid rate.
Automation is not a new concept, but it has matured to a point whereby many manufacturers are now offering base machine tools with ever-increasing modular add-ons and accessories. According to the EMO organisers – the VDW (Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabrikenn – German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) – 50 per cent of the visitors surveyed that attended the show this year were interested in how they can use automation to boost their productivity.
Just a few short years ago you may have needed three machine tools to perform operations to arrive at your finished or nearly-finished component, now you may only need one machine tool to fulfil that. And that machine tool’s footprint on your shop floor has equally decreased in size.
Likewise with cutting tools and cutting fluids – smart sensors and AI-enabled production flow management and ERP systems are optimising your supply chain like never before without impacting the quality of the components you are manufacturing, in fact, efficiencies are demonstratively improving across the shop floor.
“The top theme at EMO 2025 was automation. Many impressive solutions were presented. They show the high pressure for greater efficiency and higher quality worldwide. The introduction of automated systems is happening much faster than many expected. This is being further fuelled by digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). We are only at the beginning of using AI in production. It will become a game changer in the coming years and will force companies to focus intensively on integration if they want to remain competitive,” said Dr. Markus Heering, Executive Director of VDW.
ERP systems are nothing new – they’re just smarter now.
While South Africa may be a small player in terms of the greater industry – I can tell you without a doubt that what we manufacture in this country is right up there with the best in the world. In fact, some of what we manufacture is the best in the world and our skills are very much sought after.
Tariffs have indeed had an impact – their long-term impact is probably yet to be properly felt and understood – but I can tell you anecdotally that companies on all sides of the pond are taking ‘haircuts’ and making a plan. That’s probably one of the best parts about my job as a journalist in this industry – I get to visit many machine shops and see many shop floors and speak to many different people involved in all aspects of our industry.
You don’t just setup a complex machining operation and supply chain with the necessary skills transfer overnight. And you don’t just reverse globalisation as if it never existed. We have a very proud manufacturing legacy in South Africa and long may it continue, whatever that evolution looks like.
Damon Crawford
Online Editor / Journalist
