Jun 27, 2025
What really makes Smart Manufacturing work? It’s not just AI or automation—it’s data readiness, ecosystem thinking, and a shift from digitization to true digitalization.
In this episode of Practitioners Unplugged, our CESMII member Schneider Electric / AVEVA sat down with Jim Davis, one of the original architects of the Smart Manufacturing movement, to unpack what actually drives meaningful transformation on the plant floor. With over 40 years bridging academia, industry, and national innovation strategies, Jim brings a rare, unfiltered perspective on what works—and what doesn’t—when building a future-ready manufacturing operation.
They go deep on the difference between digitization (just converting analog to digital) and digitalization (reimagining processes with digital tools). Jim also explains why so many organizations struggle to scale data initiatives beyond one machine or pilot project. Perhaps most powerfully, he shares why AI isn't the magic solution many think it is—and how preparing AI-ready data is where true value begins. From semiconductors to supply chains, we cover real-world examples that prove smart manufacturing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive imperative.
If you're navigating Industry 4.0, leading transformation efforts, or simply curious about what the "plant of the future" really looks like, this episode is worth your time. Tune in for grounded insights, hard-won lessons, and a vision for how collaboration—not silos—will define the next industrial era.
