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System Integration’s Key Role in Smart Manufacturing

March 14, 2023
Control System Integrator Association CEO Jose Rivera talks about the conflicting signals in manufacturing and how CSIA is aligning technology and workers.

The message in manufacturing is complicated and at times conflicting: recession fears, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions—and yet everyone is busier than ever with new orders and new projects.

Technology is delivering on its promise to streamline operations and provide greater operational insights, but many manufacturers need help in navigating the effective use of smart manufacturing technologies. Jose Rivera, the CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), talks exclusively with Machine Design about the current economic operational and challenges, how system integrators are helping to bridge the technology gap, and how the near-term future looks for his membership, and for manufacturing.

Chapter 1: Manufacturing Faces Growth Despite Economic Impacts

Rivera talks about the potential for growth in manufacturing despite economic and global conflicts: “I think these challenges are also the ones that are creating the opportunity,” he said. 

Chapter 2: Technology, Processes & People Crucial for Digital Transformation

Rivera looks at how system integrators are helping boost manufacturing effectiveness and delivering on the promise of smart manufacturing: “Digital transformation is something that helps our companies become more competitive, our economy be more resilient. So, the more support and drive we have for this initiative, the better it is for everybody, for the whole ecosystem.”

Chapter 3: CSIA Looks Ahead to Future of System Integrators

One catchphrase for this year’s CSIA Executive Conference in New Orleans on May 15-19 is, “A successful business must be bold as it tackles these changing times head on.” Jose Rivera of CSIA looks at the way system integration has changed in a post-pandemic world and how this year’s conference is preparing members to better serve the industry.

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