Member PowerLink Systems, provider of EV charging products and services, discusses their technology and collaboration with Automation Alley to keep members and guests powered up!

Automation Alley added 17 new members in July. Click the link below to meet them.

What happens when engineering, manufacturing and sales operate differently? Poor communication and errors can happen between departments. So, how can this be fixed? With Configit’s help, businesses can centralize all configuration rules into a single repository that feeds multiple ERP, PLM, sales and customer systems.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is radically changing the way we work and live. And while keeping up with the pace of technological change can feel overwhelming, costly and potentially insecure at times, it’s critical that manufacturers increase connectivity and adopt digital technologies to make better informed, data-driven decisions. If you are in need of some inspiration, we’ve compiled 7 inspirational quotes from Industry 4.0 influencers.

If your company had an overnight merger and suddenly grew twice its size, how would your IT department keep up? Brian Pleschourt, IT director at Sweet Harvest Foods, had to answer that question. He faced rapid growth when a larger company purchased the organization. "Instantly, we more than doubled in size, adding a California and Michigan location, combined with our two Minnesota locations," he explained.

For small businesses, a DIY mindset can help unlock the true potential of Industry 4.0, but a lack of resources and finances can hinder progress. This week on the blog, DreamLab Industries discusses how using automation, IIoT, big data and other emerging technologies can free up employees to focus on finding new markets and new ways to innovate so that humans can do what they do best--serve customers, relate to them and help them find new solutions to some of their most difficult problems.