In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Todd Gilliam, North American CPG Industry Leader at Rockwell Automation, and Monté Vander Velde, Senior Project Manager with CRB Group. Both companies recently released comprehensive reports: one about the consumer packaged goods industry, and one focused on the food and beverage industry.

This conversation is a great in-depth look into industry trends. They talk about key takeaways from each report, including:

• Top challenges identified by survey respondents, such as streamlining operations, navigating their digital journey, implementing ESG initiatives and stretching limited capital budgets.
• How manufacturers are addressing the labor shortage.
• Benefits of investing in technology for CPG manufacturers.
• How AI can help with control code, data collection and response to support continuous improvement.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

• Download the Rockwell Automation State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2024: CPG Edition.
• Download the CRB 2024 Horizons Digital Age of Food Manufacturing report.
• Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) program for finding skilled workers.
• Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
• Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0aN9BNsE7d0.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

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