LaRoux K. Gillespie, Dr. Eng., FSME, CMfgE, PE President
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
SMESpeaks T
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers 2012: The Year of Excellence
his has been an exceptional year for SME. Using proven commercial modules in a cloud-computing environ- ment, we changed 25 years of computing practice and coding, which took monumental effort on behalf of our staff. We found that years of special coding for financial systems required exceptional effort to convert documented results into the new system. The new system provides even higher levels of security, and will reduce computing costs in spite of ever- increasing requirements.
Our efforts to update and modernize our Tool & Manu- facturing Engineers Handbook (TMEH) data are under way and involve many volunteers in the peer-reviewed process. In addition, our endeavors to instantaneously provide you with exactly what you want from our massive inventory of technical knowledge is progressing, although it will be next year before we make that broadly available. While “instantaneously” may slightly exaggerate delivering tailored books and videos to you, “delivered in a few hours” does not stretch what we can and will do. Any subject, any combination of existing resources, any way you want it! We are not quite finished, but our path to the finish line is clear. In September, SME released a new white paper entitled,
“Workforce Imperative: A Manufacturing Education Strategy” during a press conference in Chicago, and instantly received national coverage on Fox Business as well as in newspapers, magazines and other video coverage. The fact that national news interviewed SME for information about manufacturing is a clear sign of the impact the Society has and is continu- ing to foster. The SME Strategic Plan 2017 was completed this year after
extensive study and review. It expands SME’s role in manufac- turing, while maintaining all the venues and ideals of our past. You will find SME mentioned much more frequently in the
press as a result of the thrusts focused on this year. ME Media, which is an expanded version of Manufacturing Engineering magazine publishing, was launched this year with an impres- sive array of digital offerings that go far beyond the magazine itself. This is a major enhancement to SME offerings. Our Journal of Manufacturing Processes published its largest-ever issue this year, and its growth in readership and publications is a testament to the expanding interest in pro- cess improvements and variety.
The Society is working with the US Department of Defense to define approaches for our returning veterans to obtain the training needed to rebuild the manufacturing economy. While the details are not yet defined, SME is proud to be part of helping veterans get the training they need, which will provide them with a lifetime of good jobs in manufacturing. Furthermore, we are partnering with the National Addi- tive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII, Youngstown, OH). This consortium is a partnership between dozens of companies, universities and nonprofit organizations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to increase the successful transition of additive manufacturing technology to manufactur- ing enterprises within the United States. SME is a world leader in this area. SME’s focus on outstanding high school programs featur- ing manufacturing is generating national recognition. These programs are truly exceptional, not only for teaching manu- facturing, but for their emphasis on student achievement and involvement. Students are excited, involved and excellent examples of success and drive.
Perhaps the most notable impact we have had this year is how local industry and SME chapters have banded together to work with the SME Education Foundation’s (SME-EF’s) PRIME schools to provide mentors, helpers, recognition and competi-