Jeff Winter’s Post

The future belongs to those who prepare for it today! I had the honor of contributing to the "𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐨𝐓 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒" report with IoT Analytics, particularly on a trend that's close to my heart: how generative AI is revolutionizing the manufacturing workforce for the better. Curious about what's driving the IoT world forward? You need to check out this report! 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐈𝐨𝐓 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: • Semiconductor companies invest in embedded chipset security • Industrial automation hardware becoming more intelligent with the integration of AI chipsets • The rate for generative AI solutions in manufacturing has begun • Generative AI has a positive (not negative!) impact on the manufacturing workforce • Companies are in danger of neglecting tech adoption basics in the rush to generative AI • Marketplaces are gaining in importance for technology procurement • Data fabric is emerging as an advanced evolution of data lakes • Hyperscalers pivot their edge strategies to innovate and secure their IIoT market position • Industrial vendors are strongly investing in DataOps solutions • Robots charged per hour are starting to replace manual labor due to labor shortage Big shoutout to Knud Lasse Lueth and all the sharp minds at IoT Analytics whose expertise made this report possible. I’m pumped about the future we're building with IoT! 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://lnkd.in/ep_z-MEC ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

In February 2024, AI reached a peak in Google searches, a testament to its explosive impact across industries. Its global search volume continues to outshine even pop culture icons, being searched almost five times as often as Taylor Swift. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a testament to how AI is reshaping the business world and sparking a curiosity that transcends entertainment. (Source: https://lnkd.in/eKbxTbmd) The appetite for AI knowledge is insatiable, and yet, people struggle to find answers to their questions. According to a study from MIT Technology Review and Microsoft, there is a tangible wave of optimism and ambition in the manufacturing sector to harness AI, especially in engineering, design, and factory operations. This is evidenced by the fact that 64% of manufacturers are researching or experimenting with AI, and 35% have already implemented AI use cases in production. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Given that only a fraction of manufacturing data is currently suitable for AI, there is a critical need to focus on improving data quality and integration. Tackling this will enable more effective AI applications and is a priority for 57% of manufacturers who cite poor data quality as a major barrier. 𝟐. 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬: To fully leverage AI's capabilities, manufacturers must overcome talent shortages, a significant challenge for 49% in engineering and design, and 47% in factory operations. Upskilling and strategic hiring will be key in closing this gap. 𝟑. 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: With 57% of manufacturers aiming to improve machine connectivity and two-thirds utilizing AI with IoT sensors, it's clear that integrating AI into existing systems in a scalable way is essential for maximizing benefits across operations. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://lnkd.in/eXJbBKpT ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

When I first started building a brand using LinkedIn in 2021, reaching 5,000 followers seemed like a distant dream. I remember being so impressed by those who had achieved it. That was my benchmark, my first major goal. And now, thanks to each of you, we’ve not just met that goal—we’ve soared past it to a whopping 100,000 followers! In 1,196 days, after creating 783 posts, my LinkedIn presence has grown beyond my wildest expectations. A look at my LinkedIn journey by the numbers: • 𝟒𝟕,𝟐𝟔𝟔,𝟓𝟔𝟎 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 • 𝟑𝟕𝟓,𝟖𝟒𝟖 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 • 𝟖𝟓,𝟐𝟗𝟖 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 • 𝟐𝟖,𝟓𝟒𝟏 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 These numbers represent more than just statistics; they embody the power of consistency, belief, and the impact of sharing genuine, original content. This milestone is as much yours as it is mine. Your engagement, your stories, and your successes inspire me every day. Let's continue to support and uplift each other, spreading knowledge and kindness as we go. What have I learned? From day one, my journey has been about more than just numbers. It's been about connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for growth and success. I believe wholeheartedly in paying it forward and find joy in seeing each of you shine in your own ways. That is why I created my 37-page guide that distills what I've learned over the past three years about building a personal brand leveraging LinkedIn. 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧: https://lnkd.in/eajfG4DH This guide is for anyone who shares a passion for learning and growth. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your presence, I hope it serves as a valuable resource in your journey. ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

According to the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐈𝐎 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲 by Foundry, 𝟕𝟓% of CIOs find it challenging to strike the right balance between these two critical areas. This difficulty is notably higher in sectors such as education (𝟖𝟐%) and manufacturing (𝟕𝟖%), and less so in retail (𝟓𝟒%). (Source: https://lnkd.in/ebsed9i7) 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬: The increasing emphasis on digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the need for innovation. In 2024, 𝟐𝟖% of CIOs reported that their primary CEO-driven objective was to lead digital business initiatives, a significant increase from the previous year. This push towards innovation often competes with the imperative to maintain operational excellence, including upgrading IT and data security and enhancing IT-business collaboration. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: The tension between innovation and operational excellence can lead to a misallocation of resources if not managed correctly. It can result in either stifling innovation due to overemphasis on day-to-day operations or risking operational integrity by over-prioritizing disruptive technological advancements. For instance, sectors with a high focus on operational challenges, such as education and healthcare, particularly emphasize IT security and business alignment over aggressive innovation. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐬: • 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚: Get used to it! CIOs should advocate for an IT strategy that equally prioritizes operational excellence and innovation. This involves not only leading digital transformation projects, but also ensuring that these innovations deliver tangible business outcomes without compromising the operational integrity of the organization. • 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Strengthening the collaboration between IT and other business units remains a top priority. CIOs should work closely with business leaders to ensure that technological initiatives are well-aligned with business goals, thereby enhancing the overall strategic impact of IT. • 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: To manage the dynamic demands of both innovation and operational tasks effectively, CIOs should adopt a flexible resource allocation model. This model would allow the IT department to shift resources quickly between innovation-driven projects and core IT functions, depending on the business priorities at any given time. ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

Remember the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller from the '80s? Imagine an old NES controller, but when you look inside, it’s equipped with the latest tech—a modern twist on retro gaming gear. This contrast captures the essence of how simple designs can hide complex functionalities, similar to today's cutting-edge technology. Originally, the NES controller simplified gaming with just four buttons and a D-pad, revolutionizing the industry and setting the stage for the sophisticated yet user-friendly controllers like those of the Xbox and PS5. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: This is very much like the smart factories in today’s Industry 4.0 landscape. On the surface, these facilities may appear straightforward, streamlined to perform tasks with remarkable efficiency. However, beneath that simplicity lies a complex web of interconnected technologies: IoT devices, sophisticated AI algorithms, and advanced robotics - all working together in a delicate balance to optimize production and reduce downtime. Have you ever watched a smart factory in action? It's seriously impressive - everything running so smoothly and efficiently. But what you don't see is the massive amount of work that went into making it look that easy. It's not just a handful of technologies thrown together; we're talking about hundreds to thousands of devices, systems, platforms, and applications, all meticulously designed, orchestrated, and integrated to sync perfectly with the business's goals. This synergy enhances your capabilities, empowering employees to be able to continually drive efficiency improvements and innovation. And just like you can't just "buy" a smart factory off the shelf, Nintendo couldn't just pick a generic controller for their system. They had to build one from scratch, specifically tailored to provide the best gaming experience. Building a smart factory is similar. It's custom every time—designed to fit your company's needs like a glove. Sure, there are plenty of off-the-shelf devices, systems, and software that can be utilized. But integrating them into a setup that works uniquely for your operation? That will—and should—always be custom. Make sure to collaborate with partners who truly understand that. 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞: https://lnkd.in/eYhcDZQV ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

I hope you’re all revved up for our upcoming Connected Worker Conference at the Westin Galleria in Houston. I am excited to lead the efforts as the chair for both the invite-only executive boardroom on the 23rd and the full event day on the 24th! This year, I'm back at the helm for my second tour and I've cranked up everything from stats and trends to the level of fun – including brushing up on some new industry 4.0 dad jokes 😎 But on top of that, you will see me give 1 keynote, 2 sets of opening and closing remarks, and I’ll be moderating 7 panels packed with insights. Get ready for a powerhouse event where you’ll get to mix and mingle with leading executives and cutting-edge solution providers. We’re diving into everything from AR/VR in training to AI-driven innovation and smart cybersecurity, ensuring you leave with a solid strategy for digital transformation in your operations. Can't wait to see everyone there and create some magic together in Houston! 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨: https://lnkd.in/eGyrMm8z ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

The 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞 is a mathematical phenomenon that proves that if you need to reach a destination in the quickest possible time, the path you take doesn’t necessarily have to be straight. This seemingly counterintuitive idea was first proposed by Johann Bernoulli in 1696 and has been studied extensively ever since. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? The same principle applies when it comes to navigating your company’s digital transformation journey - the fastest route is rarely direct or follows a linear path. This is especially true when you are in a race to beat the competition! Make sure you have a clear understanding of your current state (Point A) and where you what to go (Point B), so you can develop the fastest and best way to get there. Having the right "mass" (the right solution, strategy, and resources) and "momentum" (leadership buy-in and cultural readiness), will allow you to leverage “gravity” to accelerate early and faster out of the gate. At the same time, you should always look for ways to reduce any "friction" along the way that may slow you down 😀 Full video on the Brachistochrone Curve: https://lnkd.in/etC7bFeq ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

If people within a company have different definitions of digital transformation, how can the transformation be successful? According to GetSmarter, we don't all agree on what it means! Something so seemingly simple as a clear definition can have profound impacts: 1. 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: Different definitions can lead to different visions and expectations. For instance, one team may view digital transformation as moving all operations online, while another team may see it as simply automating specific tasks. This could result in goals that are not properly aligned, causing confusion and potentially leading to initiatives that work against each other instead of for each other. 2. 𝐈𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬: If there is no shared understanding of what digital transformation entails, resources might not be allocated effectively. Some teams might be over-resourced based on their interpretation of what is needed, while others might be under-resourced. 3. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬: Without a common language or understanding, it can be difficult to effectively communicate plans, progress, and challenges. 4. 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: Different interpretations could lead to different approaches to implementing changes, leading to inconsistency, confusion, and potentially suboptimal results. 5. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: If employees do not understand or agree with the organization's digital transformation goals, their engagement and buy-in could decrease. This could affect morale, productivity, and ultimately the success of the transformation initiative. So, what does digital transformation mean to you? 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞: https://lnkd.in/eDhA2hYk ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

Just completed my 'AI in Manufacturing' workshop at the MX.0 Southeast conference. Standing room only😎 I always enjoy sharing my industry stats, trends, and best practices to help inspire companies to innovate in new ways with AI! ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!

It's moments like these that remind me of the saying, "The greatest gift is to be a small part of someone else's journey.“ It's one thing to know your stuff is out there getting views, but to see it live, to see it helping others tell their story, that's a whole other level. My thoughts aren't just mine anymore; they're part of a bigger conversation, and that's something special. After a friend sent me this picture taken at the Smart Manufacturing Roadshow in Indiana, I reached out to Bryan Rushton (the presenter), and asked him about it. He said “Your content is a continual resource for those both new to digital transformation, and resonates greatly with those of us who live and breathe it every day! We constantly refer people to you for the clear, concise, insightful, and entertaining thought leadership he provides.” Man… that hits deep! It's humbling, and it fires me up to keep going, keep sharing, keep learning. Big shoutout to everyone who's ever found a nugget of value in what I say. You're the heartbeat of this whole thing. Thank you for making all the hard work feel like the best kind of journey. Let's keep pushing boundaries together. Here’s to more roadshows, more shared stories, and more impact. Cheers to the journey! 😀 ******************************************** • Follow #JeffWinterInsights to stay current on Industry 4.0 and other cool tech trends • Ring the 🔔 for notifications!