New Digital Transformation Playbook for Manufacturers Developed by Purdue MEP with National Partners

For many small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), the path to digital transformation can seem complex and uncertain. To provide a clear roadmap, Purdue MEP is proud to announce the culmination of a significant collaborative grant project aimed at empowering SMMs on their technology adoption journey.

This initiative, developed in collaboration with MxD, CONNSTEP, and Catalyst Connection, has produced a comprehensive manufacturing playbook featuring 18 insightful videos and three real-world case studies.

The Digital Manufacturing Playbook is designed to demystify digital transformation by breaking it down into a logical, step-by-step process. It guides manufacturers through the entire project lifecycle: from initial technology assessments and building a business case to managing change, deploying the solution, and optimizing the new process for continuous improvement.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners for their invaluable collaboration and shared vision in bringing this essential resource to the manufacturing community.

Below is a detailed overview of each video in the playbook, outlining the key topics and insights covered.

#	Manufacturing Playbook Title and Link	Video Description
1	Digital Manufacturing Playbook Introduction	This introductory video sets the stage for the entire playbook. It explains the purpose of the project: to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) with a clear and accessible guide to digital transformation. The video highlights the collaboration between project partners, Purdue MEP, MxD, CONNSTEP, and Catalyst Connection, and outlines how the following case studies will provide practical, real-world examples to help manufacturers adopt new technologies and improve their operations.
2	Cobots in Action: Enhancing Efficiency and Workforce Flexibility  - Case Study 1	This case study explores the implementation of collaborative robots (cobots) to address labor shortages for repetitive tasks. It showcases how Centurian Arms, a manufacturer located in Indiana, successfully integrated a cobot for machine tending, leading to increased productivity, improved consistency, and the ability to reallocate skilled workers to more value-added roles. This video emphasizes the flexibility, safety, and user-friendly nature of cobots as an accessible entry point into automation for SMMs.
3	Unlocking Operational Visibility with IoT: A Manufacturing Success Story – Case Study 2	Learn how Beta Shim, a manufacturer in Connecticut,  implemented an Internet of Things (IoT) system to gain real-time visibility into their operations. By connecting machines with sensors and edge devices, they were able to collect crucial production data. This case study demonstrates how this data was used to create live dashboards for monitoring machine uptime, performance, and quality, enabling data-driven decisions to reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
4	Track & Trace Systems for Manufacturers: Boosting Quality and Compliance – Case Study 3	Building on data collection, this case study focuses on using technology for comprehensive production monitoring and traceability. It demonstrates how a system was implemented at Mancini’s Bakery in Pennsylvania to track parts and assemblies throughout the entire manufacturing process. This video provides full product genealogy, which is critical for quality control, compliance, and rapid root cause analysis, ultimately reducing waste and improving customer trust.
5	Technology Readiness for Manufacturers: Building a Roadmap to Success	Before investing in new technology, it's critical to understand your starting point. This video explains the process and value of a Technology Readiness Assessment. It covers how to evaluate a facility's current state across people, processes, and technology to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. The assessment helps create a strategic roadmap, ensuring that technology investments are aligned with business goals and have a higher probability of success.
6	Project Planning Essentials: Writing a Clear Requirements Document	A well-defined plan is key to success. This video guides manufacturers on how to create a detailed Project Requirements Document. It explains the importance of clearly defining the project's scope, goals, technical specifications, and success metrics before engaging with vendors. A strong requirements document ensures all stakeholders are aligned and provides a clear benchmark for evaluating proposals and measuring project outcomes.
7	Evaluating Technology Options: A Strategic Guide for Manufacturers	With a clear plan, the next step is choosing the right tools. This video provides a framework for evaluating different technology options and vendors. It covers how to conduct thorough research, request demos, and compare solutions based on the project requirements document. Key considerations include not just the initial cost, but also the total cost of ownership (TCO), scalability, integration capabilities, and vendor support to ensure a successful long-term partnership.
8	In-House vs. Third-Party Tech Implementation: Making the Right Choice	A critical decision for manufacturers when implementing new technology is whether to develop and implement a technology solution using internal resources or to partner with an external third-party integrator. This video weighs the pros and cons of each approach, covering factors like internal skillset and bandwidth, project complexity, long-term maintenance, and speed of implementation. Manufacturers will be able to make a strategic choice that best fits their capabilities and project goals.
9	Don’t Let Outdated Systems Hold You Back: Infrastructure Tips for Manufacturers	New technology cannot run on an outdated foundation. It is crucial to assess and potentially upgrade existing infrastructure when you deploy new technology for your manufacturing operations. This video covers key areas such as network capacity and security, server and data storage solutions (cloud vs. on-premise), and the physical power and space requirements for new equipment. Proper infrastructure planning is essential to support new systems and prevent performance bottlenecks or project delays.
10	Baseline Metrics for ROI: How to Track Project Impact Accurately	To prove a project's value, you must know your starting point. This video explains how to measure and document baseline performance before implementing new technology. It covers identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) like cycle time, scrap rate, and OEE, and establishing a reliable data collection process. This baseline is essential for accurately calculating the return on investment (ROI) and quantifying the project's success.
11	How to Build a Business Case for Manufacturing Technology Projects	Learn how to tie everything together into a compelling business case to secure project approval and funding. This video explains how to use baseline data and vendor quotes to calculate the project's total cost, anticipated savings, and ROI. It also covers articulating intangible benefits such as improved quality, increased flexibility, and enhanced employee morale to present a holistic view of the project's value to leadership.
12	Technology Investment ROI: Calculating Profitability and Payback Timeline	Dive into the specific financial calculations needed to justify an investment, including ROI and the payback period. This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the project's total cost and expected financial gains to calculate these crucial metrics. Understanding and clearly presenting ROI and payback provides leadership with a simple, powerful financial narrative, showing not only IF, but WHEN a technology investment will become profitable.
13	Safety Risk Assessment: Safely Preparing for Technology Integration	Integrating new technology must be done safely. This can effectively be done by conducting a thorough Safety Risk Assessment before new equipment is installed. This video outlines the process of identifying potential hazards, assessing the severity and probability of risks, and implementing control measures to mitigate those hazards. Proactive safety planning prior to integrating new technology ensures a safer workplace, maintains OSHA compliance, and prevents costly incidents and downtime.
14	The People Side of Technology Projects: A Guide to Effective Change Management	The process of implementing technology requires cultural alignment. As manufacturers adopt new technology, it's essential to remember the "people side" of change and apply strategies for effective change management. This video outlines a practical, step-by-step approach to managing change when implementing new manufacturing technologies. It covers the importance of clear communication, leadership buy-in, and employee involvement throughout the process. By addressing concerns, providing proper training, and creating a supportive environment, manufacturers can overcome resistance and ensure new technology is adopted successfully.
15	Selecting Technology Solution Providers: Tips for Small Manufacturers	Selecting the right technology solution provider to install a new technology at your manufacturing facility is a critical decision that can significantly impact your company's efficiency, productivity, and long-term success. This video discusses the various types of providers, from equipment vendors to full-service system integrators. It offers tips on where to find potential partners and criteria for vetting them, emphasizing the value of leveraging trusted resources like the MEP National Network to connect with providers who have a proven track record of success with SMMs.
16	Ready to Buy? Tips for Purchasing and Financing New Technology for Manufacturers	Once a decision is made on a new technology for your manufacturing operation, this video covers the critical steps of purchasing and financing. Follow this practical advice on negotiating contracts with vendors, understanding terms and conditions, and managing the procurement process. This video explores various financing avenues available to SMMs, including traditional loans, equipment leasing, and potential grants, helping companies structure a financial plan that aligns with their budget and cash flow.
17	Ready, Set, Deploy: How to Launch New Tech to Ensure Success	It's time to focus on the execution phase of the project plan: the actual deployment of new technology in your manufacturing operations. This video covers best practices for project management of the deployment process, including establishing timelines, coordinating with vendors and internal teams, and managing the installation and integration process. It also stresses the importance of a structured, phased rollout to minimize disruption to ongoing operations and ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
18	Post-Implementation Success: Monitoring and Refining Your Tech Investment	The work isn't over after deployment. Technology implementation for a manufacturer is the beginning of a continuous improvement journey. This video explains how to monitor the new process against the initial KPIs, gather feedback from operators, and make ongoing adjustments to optimize performance. This commitment to refinement ensures that the technology delivers maximum value over the long term and fosters a culture of innovation.

 

Writer: Jon Reneberg, 317-275-6810, jreneber@purdue.edu