Modern Manufacturing Lesson

Introduction

Manufacturing is the process of converting raw material to a finished product. Products are designed, materials specified, and manufacturing processing selected. The full process of manufacturing is extremely broad in scope and requires the resources of individuals in the areas of business, engineering, technology, and production. Manufacturing systems have evolved for improved product quality, efficiency, and profitability.

Explore

Since its inception, manufacturing has evolved from cottage industries to mass production and moving assembly line. Manufacturing processes and technologies continue to evolve based upon the needs and wants of the customer, product demand, materials, and developing technologies. The manufacturing processes we see today do not stay constant but will continue adapting to changes in the aforementioned factors of customer, product demand, materials, and technologies.

Society’s desires for products drives the marketplace to develop manufacturing technologies and high tech materials in order to economically produce the desired product for the public. For example, consider market demand for sports shoes. Up until the 1960s sports shoes were specialized and mostly were just worn for sporting occasions such as tennis, running and basketball. However, in the 1970s American society was changing and more became accepting for regular wearing of casual attire and types of shoes like sneakers for nonathletic environments. As jogging became very popular during the 70s more people became familiar with the comfort of appropriate running footwear. Also pop culture was influenced by professional athletes and entertainers promoting the everyday use of name brand sports shoes. Therefore, the demand for comfortable sports shoes increased. Manufacturers responded by researching designs, materials and manufacturing solutions. Estimates are that around 2 billion pairs of athletic shoes are currently sold each year in the United States.

Manufacturers have to stay abreast of current practices and evolving trends for creation and production of products. This lesson will address many of the systems and trends in contemporary manufacturing.

See this video to understand the Lean manufacturing philosophy of modern manufacturing.

Watch this video to learn production of an item through rapid prototyping.

Careers in Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing is very complex and a significant part of the world’s economy. It requires individuals with different skills and knowledge to drive the processes of product creation and distribution. Manufacturing jobs are varied and offer many opportunities. As you can see from the graphic to the right, Distribution of manufacturing employment by occupational group, May 2013, employment in manufacturing is primarily production jobs but includes significant technical, business, and administrative functions.

Job functions in manufacturing are extremely varied. Watch each of these videos to gain an understanding of career options in manufacturing.

Challenge

Take Away

What areas of manufacturing are expected to grow in Georgia?

Projections through 2024 show growth in high-technology Industries. Specific areas of growth are in Aerospace Product & Parts Manufacturing, Communications equipment manufacturing, and Computer & Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing.

Other areas of manufacturing growth include: Chemical Products, Instrumentation for Navigation, Electrical Equipment, and other Transportation Equipment.

Source: Georgia Department of Labor, Workforce Statistics & Economic Research

Georgia Workforce Trends, Analysis of Long-term Employment Projections to 2024

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