Unlocking Predictive Maintenance and Smarter Workflows with Limble CEO Gary Specter

While optimism abounds throughout the industry, manufacturers need to redouble their efficiency efforts to maximize profits and prepare themselves for the next downturn. Wipfli's Laurie Harbour breaks the findings of the company's new report with Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb in this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now.

Most U.S. manufacturers qualify for the federal R&D tax credit. Most don't claim everything they've earned. Under IRC Section 41, companies that develop new products, improve manufacturing processes, engineer prototypes, or solve technical uncertainty on the shop floor are performing qualifying research; yet the credit remains one of the most under-utilized incentives in the U.S. tax code. In this session, a Boast R&D tax credit expert will walk manufacturers through exactly what qualifies, what expenses count, and how to calculate and maximize their claim, including critical 2026 updates every manufacturer needs to know: What changed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the restoration of immediate expensing for R&D costs under Section 174A New mandatory Form 6765 Section G reporting requirements taking effect for 2026 returns How to stack federal credits with state-level R&D incentives to increase total recovery  The documentation challenge: what the IRS expects and how to build a defensible claim from day one Boast's manufacturing customer (Boost CEO Thomas Seaman) will join the session to share a real-world perspective on their claims process, what they qualified for, and what they wished they'd known sooner. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of whether their current R&D activities qualify, what a proper claim looks like, and what steps to take before their next filing. PRESENTERS:Thomas Seaman Co-CEO/Founder Boost Manufacturing (Better Bolts & Freedom Coast Cycling) Ashley Crawford Director of Customer Delivery Boast   Paul Davenport Head of Content Boast Presented by Boast Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

A supersized automation training center, cybersecurity, PRIME-time for Michigan schools and the return of… ball screws. On this edition of Advanced Manufacturing News, the SME Media team examines the latest headline-making news.

Operational losses can cost manufacturers 20% of potential revenue and threaten to hit 34% by 2030. A new report by Schneider electric details how open, software-defined automation can establish an AI-enabled foundation to counter the trend. VP of OEM Sales Greg Magdanz provides some insights and advice.

Economist Ron Hetrick discusses Lightcast's new report and AI's impact on the job market.

Hiring, training and retaining talent in a transforming industry, AI and growing demand. Emuge-Franken recently hosted "Explore the Future of Manufacturing" at its West Boylston, Mass., facility on Manufacturing Day in October.

On this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, Limble CEO Gary Specter talks to SME Media Editor Rachael Thomas about the company's new State of Maintenance Report and the operational challenges facing modern manufacturing facilities. Specter reveals the stark realities of plant performance—including why nearly half of facilities experience more than ten hours of unplanned downtime each month.

Paul Van Metre shares some of the insights from his new book with advice on how to build a successful machine shop.

Which U.S. cities have the most market potential for the aerospace and defense industry? In a recent report, Global Location Strategies (GLS) highlights the locations positioned to lead the next generation of manufacturing—and the top spots might surprise you. GLS President and Founder Didi Caldwell shares insights from the comprehensive report, which ranks 387 U.S. metropolitan areas based on long-term competitiveness. 

The editorial team discusses the Aerospace & Defense Industry Report and features on giving production data context, high-mix/low-volume production, why smart manufacturing fails and how AI weaves islands of info into a comprehensive digital thread.