For all of the improvements introduced by robotic devices and systems at manufacturers from metal shops to electronics factories over the last 40 years, a huge number of tasks are still performed by human hands that clearly could be handled more dependably by machines. But costs of manual labor versus a new robotics system, and the persistent complexity of many of them, have held back many manufacturers.
Until now, perhaps. “Industrial robots are on the verge of revolutionizing manufacturing,” PwC recently reported. “As they become smarter, faster and cheaper, they’re being called upon to do more. They’re taking on more ‘human’ capabilities and traits such as sensing, dexterity, memory and trainability. As a result, they’re taking on more jobs—such as picking and packaging, testing or inspecting products, or assembling minute electronics.
“Also, a new generation of ‘collaborative’ robots ushers in an era of shepherding robots out of their cages and literally hand-in-hand with human workers who train them through physical demonstration.”
In fact, adds Boston Consulting Group, “Many industries are reaching an inflection point at which, for the first time, an attractive return on investment is possible for replacing manual labor with machines on a wide scale.”
Because of these trends, the firm said, by 2025, the share of tasks performed by robots will rise from a global average of around 10% to about 25% across all manufacturing industries, in turn boosting manufacturing productivity by up to 30%. That will cut labor costs by 33% in South Korea and by 18% to 25% in the U.S., China, Germany and Japan.
Manufacturing CEOs will perform with varying degrees of effectiveness in this transitional era. BCG recommended they “adopt a holistic approach to the robotics transition,” and take the following actions.
1. Understand the global landscape. Each national market will see trends in robotics advance at different speeds because of performance considerations, prices, the flexibility of labor rules and the future availability of workers.
2. Benchmark the competition. If robotics adoption is expected to increase rapidly in their industry, BCG said, CEOs should “assume the total cost of systems will fall” for their company—and for their competitors.
3. Stay technologically current. Will new robotics applications really be able to handle some of the unique demands of your industry? When and at what cost? Manufacturing CEOs must understand improvements in robotics prices and performance to determine when and if to strike.
4. Prepare the workforce. The availability of skilled labor will become a more important factor in the decision about where to locate production. Tasks that still require manual labor will become more complex, BCG said, and the ability of local workforces to master new skills will become more critical. Programming and automation talent will become more important.
5. Prepare the organization. Companies should start preparing now for the age of robotics even if the economics don’t yet favor major capital investment.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
