Trends & Forecasts

A Pragmatic Approach to Adopting Industry 4.0

In a previous article on VALVE, we queried if results were matching the hype for manufacturers adopting the Industrial Internet of Things—also known as Industry 4.0. For those who have dedicated sufficient resources to making it a success, the technology has made it easier and faster to develop, manufacture and even sell products.

However, many manufacturers, including those who make valves, actuators and controls, have hesitated to embrace the IIoT. Deloitte did several studies over 2017 and found that 45% of the surveyed executives feel that the biggest issue in beginning a digital pilot is an overall roadmap. They don’t know where to start, where to invest and when to do it. In that same Deloitte survey, 92% of CEOs responding believed that their organizations are not correctly structured to operate in this new environment and only 11% of survey correspondents believed their current talent pool can compete in the space being created by the IIoT.¹

Key Distribution Trends for 2018

As the new year matures, businesses have their 2018 marketing plans and budgets in place. But markets change quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye out for factors that can impact business over the next 12 to 18 months.

One business that is changing rapidly is that of industrial distribution. “It’s tough being a distributor today,” said George Swartz, president of Fortna Sales, during a recent webinar held in conjunction with Industrial Distribution. “Warehousing networks, procurement issues, retaining customers, transportation… all of these impact the business day in and day out.”

VALVE Magazine: Readers' Choice 2017

Happy New Year to our VALVE Magazine readers and contributors. Thanks to you, VALVE continues to provide valuable information on technical matters, standards updates and best business practices as our content is created exclusively for and by our readers.

Hopefully you’ve read many of the features offered over the past year, but if you’ve run short of time, here is a great opportunity to catch up on the best of the best. Enjoy these, our Readers’ Choice 2017 articles, from both the print edition and from features created specifically for the web.

Construction and Mining: Is 2018 The Year for Growth?

While there is a degree of optimism in the mining industry that hasn’t been seen for some years, much uncertainty still exists in this sector. As for construction, the forecast is mixed, with opportunities for growth if you know which segment is growing, and when to bid on projects.

Adapt and Thrive, Say Annual Meeting Speakers

The theme of adapting to change was set very early for the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) and Valve Repair Council (VRC) 79th Annual Meeting. Originally set for mid-September, the event date was changed thanks to Hurricane Irma. However, VMA and VRC members are an adaptable group, and when the dates were re-set for Oct. 11-13, most attendees were able to adjust their schedules. At the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, FL, Shawn Rhodes (pictured) offered a powerful start to the three-day event with his presentation on Using Change Management to Drive Excellence.