This article written by Impact Dakota CEO/President Jodie Mjoen will look at how several North Dakota-based manufacturers are using grants to leverage technology to improve productivity and fill talent gaps.

Our industry is facing a new reality: We may never have enough people in manufacturing to fill our current talent gaps and meet future demands. Another reality is that manufacturing is no longer about who is making the cheapest parts, components, and products, but who is making them the smartest. Quality, materials, timely delivery, and collaboration matter greatly in the current supply chain. 

The good news is companies are leveraging advanced manufacturing technology to address these realities. Using a sports analogy, advanced manufacturing can help you play defense and offense at the same time. You can invest in technology to address pain points in your operation by automating tasks that few want to do, such as welding, material cutting, and machine tending. You can also invest in technology to grow your capabilities and production capacity.