As 2018 comes to an end, let's revisit some of our most popular blog posts in terms of page views and social media shares. Over the past 12 months, our contributors have made you think, and, hopefully, inspired you to take action.

Cybersecurity is something no one talks about unless some big breach is uncovered, like with the Equifax hack. With so much at stake, it's time we stop being reactive and start getting proactive about our privacy, says IT professional Garrett Babinchak of Infoview Systems. Businesses -- and individuals -- need to be vigilant and prevent cyber breaches before they ever occur. This week on the blog, he shares his security guidelines to help keep you and your information protected.

Automation Alley added 8 new members in November. Click the link below to meet them.

Think global. Leverage data. Be a lifetime learner. This week on the blog, we take a look back at the 8 most valuable takeaways from Automation Alley's global Industry 4.0 conference, Integr8.

Digitized production technologies are transforming business models and changing market structures. Concepts like Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things represent a paradigm shift in business and society, generated by a growing number of increasingly connected and automated devices, machines and products. This week on the blog, Fraunhofer USA discusses its Industry 4.0 initiatives as it approaches almost a quarter century in operation.

Two years ago, Automation Alley launched its Industry 4.0 Assessment initiative in an effort to help companies with corporate strategy and direction during their digital transformations. In that time, we’ve uncovered some insightful trends from the Michigan tech and manufacturing companies we’ve assessed. During our assessments, we ask pointed questions and present back to the company what we’ve uncovered. In essence, our assessment holds up a mirror to the company. As one company put it, we clean and polish the mirror, so they see their true self.

As the advanced and connected technologies of Industry 4.0 make their way into our daily operations, companies should consider how the use of Data Science can help them explain the unknown, optimize their business and predict the future. In anticipation of Soothsayer’s Data Science panel discussion and presentation at Automation Alley’s Integr8 conference on Nov. 14, here are 12 questions to consider before embarking on a Data Science journey.

Automation Alley added 15 new members in October. Click the link below to meet them.

New Foundation Member Soothsayer Analytics builds solutions that are powered by AI and other smart algorithms, helping companies throughout the Midwest achieve data science success. See how they use their member benefits to grow their knowledge of Industry 4.0 and help other members keep up to date on industry trends.

Anthony Leo, regional sales manager at Soft Robotics, likes to solve problems in new and innovative ways. This week on the blog, Anthony tells us how Soft Robotics is helping companies win new business with their advanced gripper systems.