In Northeast Ohio, more than 80% of manufacturers we surveyed said they are interested in adopting smart technologies, but fewer than 20% have actually taken steps to implement them.
That gap isn't caused by lack of effort, it's caused by uncertainty. Taking the first step is difficult, especially knowing the high price—both in money and resources—of implementing something new.
The challenge isn't knowing that technology could help; it's knowing which technology will actually solve your specific problems and deliver measurable results.
Here's what I've learned after years of working with manufacturers: most technology implementations that fall short aren't about poor equipment, they're about misalignment. When technology doesn't deliver the expected impact, it's often because the specific problem wasn't clearly defined upfront.
You know your business better than anyone, your processes, your people, your unique challenges. While bringing in outside expertise to help evaluate solutions makes sense, the real opportunity identification needs to come from within your organization.
When someone tells me to "walk around for an hour and tell me what you think," I understand the sentiment, but I also know we're starting from the wrong place. You're the expert on what's happening in your operation. My job is to help you connect those insights to the right technology solutions.
When your team has clarity about what you're trying to solve, then you're building from a solid foundation.
Start with answering these questions with your team:
The more clearly you can define the problem, the more confidently you can evaluate potential solutions.
Not every technical solution fits your needs, no matter how impressive it looks in a demo. Having a structured evaluation process helps ensure you're making informed decisions rather than getting caught up in the latest trends.
Here's an approach that consistently works:
When you approach evaluation systematically, like the engineering problem it actually is, you make decisions that deliver lasting value.
The most successful technology implementations I've seen don't start with buying tools, they start with buying outcomes.
Technology works best when it's a direct response to a strategic priority, not a standalone project.
Here's how to align technology with your goals:
When your technology plan aligns with your business plan, it delivers lasting value.
For small and medium-sized manufacturers, technology investments represent significant commitments of time and resources. You don't have the luxury of making costly mistakes, which makes the upfront planning even more critical.
The good news? You can fund your improvements with projects that provide incremental ROI. You don't need to overhaul your entire operation overnight. The most effective path forward is often a phased, data-informed approach that builds confidence and capability as you go.
When you take the time to clearly define the problem, involve the people closest to the work, and stay focused on what really matters to your business, you make better choices. The goal isn't to buy the newest tools, it's to make your operations run better, faster, and with less waste.
Joe Work is a Senior Growth Advisor who leads MAGNET's Industry 4.0 & Advanced Technology consulting area. He helps manufacturers move to the next level with technologies like IIoT, robotics deployment, machine monitoring, digital twin, and more.
You don't have to figure it all out on your own. MAGNET's Smart Manufacturing Assessment offers a comprehensive evaluation that:
The president of Rimeco Products, John Ribic, Jr., recommends the assessment because, "MAGNET has a process for identifying your current state of digitization and ideas for how to implement new technology to improve digitization throughout your company."
For a limited time, MAGNET is offering the Smart Manufacturing Assessment for just $500 (normally a $2,000 value) to qualifying Northeast Ohio manufacturers.
It's a focused opportunity to bring your leadership team together and reach consensus on the technology that matches your goals and capacity. This is your chance to:
Schedule your Smart Manufacturing Assessment now and let's take the guesswork out of modernization, together.