For many industrial organizations, the edge has long been treated as a fixed, isolated part of operations. But as digital transformation initiatives scale—and artificial intelligence, analytics, and cybersecurity concerns intensify—this view is rapidly becoming outdated.Erik Nordmark, Co-founder and CTO at ZEDEDA, emphasizes that today’s industrial edge must be dynamic and software-defined. In his view, the […]
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Access to the correct assets, equipment, and raw materials at the right time is vital for maintaining production schedules in a busy factory. Workers can spend up to 20% of their time searching for missing tools, leading to delays, frustration, and increased safety risks. These inefficiencies can cause significant downtime, especially in high-value manufacturing environments. […]
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Data is more than a byproduct in today’s industrial landscape—it’s the backbone of smart operations. From sensors and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to building management systems (BMS) and cloud platforms, manufacturers generate an enormous amount of data every second. But data alone doesn’t drive performance. The real value lies in how that data is structured, […]
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As manufacturers continue to navigate evolving demands, supply chain complexity, and fast-paced technological change, the need for scalable, intelligent, and resilient systems is front and center. The MESI 4.0 Summit 2025, hosted by Critical Manufacturing, offers a platform for manufacturing and technology leaders to explore how MES and Industry 4.0 technologies are being applied to meet these […]
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At the Automate Show in Detroit, Gregory Tink, Digital Transformation Consulting Director at Schneider Electric, shared a clear and actionable approach to industrial digital transformation—one that moves beyond buzzwords and into scalable, measurable progress.Start with Strategy, Not TechnologyToo many manufacturers jump straight into pilots or advanced technologies like AI and digital twins, bypassing the foundational work […]
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AI agents are rapidly transforming industries, and manufacturing is no exception. While initial applications focused on optimizing HR, finance, legal, and claims management, AI agents are now driving significant improvements in core manufacturing operations.These intelligent systems generally take two forms: Independent AI agents that operate autonomously, handling complex, end-to-end tasks with minimal human input. Collaborative […]
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In my 15 years in Industry, I haven’t seen a technology move as quickly as AI. The timeline from writing funny Haikus to showing up on the factory floor was a lot shorter than I expected.AI is exciting, but what’s hype versus what’s real? Where is it being used today? How could it be used […]
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In the age of digital transformation, data is more than a byproduct—it’s a powerful asset. But most manufacturers are sitting on untapped potential. This white paper from Critical Manufacturing explores how modern data platforms, combined with MES systems, are reshaping industrial operations—from the shop floor to executive decision-making.Readers will gain a clear understanding of how “dark data”—the 60–90% […]
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At Automate Show 2025, one key theme echoed across the exhibit halls: industrial end users in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and life sciences are under growing pressure to produce faster, smarter, and more flexibly—without adding complexity or cost. But while new tech is everywhere, the difference-makers are clear: modular design, integrated energy and automation systems, and scalable AI are unlocking measurable results across the […]
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At Automate Show 2025, one of the most compelling conversations wasn’t about new products—it was about a shift in mindset that’s quietly transforming the way industrial facilities operate: open, software-defined automation.In a discussion with Fabrice Meunier, Vice President – Industrial End User, System Integrator and Software Business, Schneider Electric, several core themes emerged around the adoption of […]
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At a time when Industry 4.0 conversations dominate industrial trade shows and boardrooms alike, many manufacturers still miss the mark. The problem isn’t the technology. It’s how it’s being approached.Jeff Winter, a well-known voice in digital manufacturing and VP of Business Strategy at Critical Manufacturing, shared insights at Hannover Messe 2025—cutting through the jargon to […]
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At Hannover Messe 2025, amid the buzz around generative AI and intelligent automation, Bernd Gross, CEO and co-founder of Cumulocity, offered a pragmatic lens into the convergence of AI and IoT—and what industrial leaders are still getting wrong.As co-founder of Cumulocity and an early architect of industrial IoT platforms, Gross has witnessed the sector’s evolution firsthand. His […]
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Virtual • Dec 10–11, 2025
Free registration now open — limited tickets!
Webinar | Sponsored by HighByte
Nov 5, 2025 • 10:00 AM ET
1-hour virtual session — Free to attend!