In its annual ranking of the most suitable locations for global manufacturing, Cushman & Wakefield concluded that the U.S. is second only to China as the most optimal spot for production. The commercial real estate services firm scored each country against 20 variables that assess operating conditions, cost and risk.

“Both China and the U.S. offer a large consumer market, ample labor supply and incentives at both the national and state level, as well as an established infrastructure network,” says Jason Tolliver, global head of research at Cushman & Wakefield. “With the rapid adoption of technology into production processes, the U.S. and its higher-cost workforce could start to be better aligned to compete with China for manufacturing jobs.”

In short, if U.S. manufacturers are to compete with the rest of the world on quality and price, they must automate. But, understanding what new technologies are available and how to apply them is a challenge. ASSEMBLY’s Factory of the Future eBook series is intended to help manufacturing professionals navigate the brave new world of Industry 4.0.

This eBook—the first of four volumes—is intended to set the stage for what’s to come.

You must learn to walk before you can run. That aphorism is as true for product assembly as it is for learning how to draw or play golf. Before manufacturers can implement advanced automation technologies, they must first master their parts and processes. This eBook will provide information to help engineers plan for investments and improve their assembly operations before deploying advanced technologies.

In subsequent volumes, we’ll explore current automation options; IT, OT and data flow in assembly; and leading-edge manufacturing technologies. We hope you’ll stick with us as we lead you on the road to the future.

Before manufacturers can implement advanced automation technologies, they must first master their parts and processes. Photo courtesy Johnson Controls