Embracing Change in Modern Manufacturing
Manufacturers today face mounting pressure from global supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and ever-rising customer expectations. According to Margaret Gulick, Principal at intelliShift LLC, the key to thriving in this challenging environment lies in embracing automation and digital transformation to build agile, resilient operations.
Building Resilience Through Continuous Improvement
Gulick highlights that resilience isn’t built by reacting to crises—it’s developed through proactive transformation. “We’ve all got to find ways to improve how we work, drive efficiency, and create resiliency,” she explained. This forward-thinking mindset enables organizations to prevent disruptions before they occur.
Quick Wins Over Big Bang Projects
Gone are the days of 18-month transformation projects that deliver results too late. Gulick advises manufacturers to seek “quick wins” that bring measurable value within six to eight weeks. By starting small, proving success, and scaling steadily, companies can achieve sustainable and relevant progress in their digital journey.
Data-Driven Decision Making and Smart Automation
Understanding where problems lie begins with data. Gulick recommends starting with bottlenecks, recurring quality issues, or safety risks. Through targeted pilots in mature areas of the business, companies can combine data insights with automation to prove value quickly and build momentum for larger-scale adoption.
The Power of People and Strategic Alignment
Technology alone is not the answer. Gulick stresses that success in automation depends on aligning strategy, workforce training, and change management. “Our toolkit now is unbelievable,” she noted, emphasizing that strategic alignment—not just tech adoption—is what drives measurable outcomes.
Creating a Culture of Problem Solving and Growth
At the heart of manufacturing transformation are people. Gulick believes companies must foster a culture that prioritizes problem-solving, embraces change, and encourages scaling successful initiatives. By creating a system where people and processes work in sync, manufacturers can achieve smarter, safer, and more competitive operations.
Practical Insights for a Smarter Future
Gulick invites professionals in manufacturing and operations to explore practical, actionable ways to make their factories more intelligent and resilient. Her message is clear: transformation is inevitable, but success depends on how quickly and strategically organizations can turn data and automation into measurable value.