Imagine a factory where machines, robots, and sensors are all talking to each other, like nerves sending signals to a brain. Before a human notices anything, the system’s already flagged a motor that’s starting to lag and adjusted a product’s assembly in seconds. This is connected manufacturing in action.
Today’s smart factories run on connected manufacturing, using real-time data, robotics, and artificial intelligence to make decisions, self-correct, and transform how we make products.
If this sparks your curiosity, you’re already thinking in terms of the future of manufacturing. But what exactly is connected manufacturing? And what’s coming next?
Connected manufacturing links machines and software into a real-time, data-sharing network. If you’re familiar with Industry 4.0—the shift from traditional manufacturing into intelligent production—then you’ve likely have heard of connected manufacturing.
In the United States, some factories use connected manufacturing to move closer to net-zero emissions, meaning less pollution in our atmosphere. But connected manufacturing spans many industries. For example, a beauty brand in South Korea is currently testing connected kiosks to create made-to-order skincare.
Connected manufacturing links every part of a production system. Here’s how it plays out on a factory floor:
These kinds of smart factories are already operating in places like Tesla’s Gigafactories in California, where robotic systems produce electric vehicles with minimal human oversight.
Let’s fast-forward a few years and take a look at how connected manufacturing will shape industries in the coming years.
Ever heard of a “dark factory”? These ultra-smart spaces (also called “lights out” factories) run with little to no human input, so there’s no need for lights. AI handles everything from quality checks to overnight software updates. A McKinsey study predicts they’ll be much more common by 2030, especially in electronics and automotive.
Humans still matter, however. With digital twins—virtual copies of factory systems—teams can test out changes before they go live. By 2027, nearly half of industries are expected to use them. In Japan, some factories already run 30 days straight … without a single person stepping inside.
By 2030, supply chains—from logistics to customer touchpoints—are expected to work as one seamless, connected system called hyperconnected manufacturing. We’re already seeing the groundwork with digital twins and the rise of IIoT, which is set to hit 64 million devices globally by 2025.
Boeing’s smart factory in North Carolina shows what’s possible. For their 787 Dreamliners, they’ve created a system that uses robotics, cloud analytics, and even virtual reality. This hyperconnected technology cuts downtime, trims costs, and catches problems before they become expensive mistakes.
Ever run out of cloud storage trying to back up your phone? Now imagine a factory with that problem—except instead of photos, it’s real-time machine data. Industries can’t afford that delay, so they’re using intelligent computing. With private 5G networks and edge processors, factories can process data instantly, right where it’s generated, keeping everything from robot arms to conveyor belts running without issues.
Mercedes-Benz’s Factory 56 in Germany already does this. Its AI-powered, 5G-connected systems boosted production efficiency by 25%. But sustainability matters, too: At Procter & Gamble’s smart plant in Rakona, Czech Republic, automation cut energy use by 30% and slashed maintenance costs in half.
The result? Less waste, fewer delays, and a much smaller environmental footprint.
Picture a microfactory producing custom-fit prosthetics overnight based on a patient’s scan. In a few years, this may be reality.
Manufacturing is rapidly shifting from large factories to microsystems that work in real time, just in time to meet a growing demand for custom, personalized products. Intelligent machines and greener operations are moving us from a “one-size-fits-all” model to a future that’s personalized, aware, and adaptive.
Let’s recap what we’ve learned:
What if your job was to build and guide machines that can learn and adapt on their own?
Manufacturing is changing fast, and there’s room at the table for thinkers like you. A degree in industrial technology puts you at the heart of Industry 4.0 and connected manufacturing, preparing you with knowledge in AI, robotics, and systems thinking. It’ll set you apart in a quickly evolving field.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers two entirely online IT programs:
With 100% online classes, you can learn on your own schedule from anywhere. Whether you’re starting or continuing your journey, UTPB provides the tools to get you there.
The future may run on machines, but it’ll be powered by minds like yours. Start building it now. Learn more at UTPB.
Imagine a factory where machines, robots, and sensors are all talking to each other, like nerves sending signals to a brain. Before a human notices anything, the system’s already flagged a motor that’s starting to lag and adjusted a product’s assembly in seconds. This is connected manufacturing in action. Today’s smart factories run on connected…
Imagine factories where robots handle the heavy lifting and engineers adjust machines using virtual models—all while reducing waste and pollution. This is the future of industrial technology. In this article we’ll explore how Industry 4.0 and beyond will shape the way we work, create, and innovate. Smart Factories: The Changing Face of the Industry Sector …
Imagine walking into a factory where robots handle materials and assembly lines, sensors monitor equipment, and artificial intelligence optimizes production while human workers oversee operations. As the industrial sector transitions into Industry 4.0, this scene has rapidly become a reality. Manufacturing robots now offer greater capabilities with reduced downtime, and they’re making workspaces safer and…
Imagine factories where robots handle the heavy lifting and engineers adjust machines using virtual models—all while reducing waste and pollution. This is the future of industrial technology. In this article we’ll explore how Industry 4.0 and beyond will shape the way we work, create, and innovate.
Though many still envision the manufacturing industry as fueled by assembly lines and manual labor, modern factories are now buzzing hubs where engineers design solutions, technicians troubleshoot advanced robotics, and designers innovate to create sustainable products. Industry 4.0—the digitalization of our manufacturing facilities—is rapidly changing our industrial sector. The development of smart factories includes integrating automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital connectivity.
As we move into the next era of manufacturing and production, our factories and processes will look remarkably different than they do today, transforming how goods are made, distributed, and conceptualized. Let’s explore some of the practical ways in which the landscape of industrial technology is changing.
In smart factories, machines, devices, and systems collaborate globally in real-time, fueled by big data analytics. Machines and devices communicate through the Internet of Things (IoT), and engineers use digital twins (or replicas) of equipment. Digital twins act like a virtual mirror of real equipment, letting engineers test changes safely before applying them in the real world.
AI-powered robots can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention, and they’re taking center stage in industrial environments. In coming years, robots will take over more repetitive, dangerous, or remote tasks, freeing workers to focus on supervision and creativity. This is expected to lead to a “cobot” culture: a collaboration of robots working side-by-side with humans. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are already performing heavy-duty tasks like transporting heavy goods.
Augmented reality (AR) is transforming industrial training and troubleshooting, enabling technicians to access virtual guides, real-time analytics, and remote expert assistance. Future advancements will drive global collaboration, where specialists can virtually assist technicians across continents.
Think about using augmented reality glasses to troubleshoot a factory machine: just like in a video game, but in real life. This technique reduces errors, speeds diagnostics, and minimizes downtime, saving time and costs.
Industry 5.0 is expected to build on Industry 4.0 in as soon as 15 years, with deeper collaboration between humans and machines, emphasizing fully autonomous ‘dark factories’ (or lights-out factories) where robots function independently.
Today, 3D printing can create an incredible range of items, including custom shoes, prosthetic limbs, and even parts for electric vehicles. In the years to come, it will enable rapid, customized production for any industry, while AI and IoT automate decentralized logistics, speeding production and keeping it closer to home.
Did you know that in 2024, the industrial sector made up 28% of greenhouse gas emissions? Factories of the future will tackle this environmental challenge by focusing on sustainability: using greener energy, smarter machines, and eco-friendly materials. Here’s how industrial tech is stepping up:
You’ll also see workers using AR headsets to oversee factories remotely and collaborate with machines in real time. These tech upgrades are paving the way for Industry 6.0, which could include quantum computing, advanced AI, and nanotechnology. With the right training, you can help design and run these cutting-edge systems, shaping a greener, smarter world.
Are you curious about how robots and humans will work together in the future? Or how we can make factories greener and smarter? The University of Texas Permian Basin offers flexible online programs that are perfect even for working professionals. Our programs are uniquely tailored by industry professionals with long-standing connections to the field. Choose from two flexible, entirely online industrial technology programs:
As our industries transform, skilled professionals will be essential in guiding and implementing sustainable innovations. Both of our online industrial technology programs focus on automation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring graduates are ready to shape tomorrow’s tech landscape.
Apply year-round and take the first step toward shaping the future of technology on your terms.
Imagine walking into a factory where robots handle materials and assembly lines, sensors monitor equipment, and artificial intelligence optimizes production while human workers oversee operations.
As the industrial sector transitions into Industry 4.0, this scene has rapidly become a reality. Manufacturing robots now offer greater capabilities with reduced downtime, and they’re making workspaces safer and more efficient. Let’s take a look at how robotics are transforming our industrial landscape.
The use of robots in industrial settings is hardly a new concept. The first industrial robot was the Unimate 001, sporting a six-foot robotic arm on a two-ton machine, which was installed at a General Motors plant in 1961. Fast forward to the 1970s, when the PUMA (Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly) robot was introduced. PUMA robots were able to perform much more complex tasks, like assembly and surgery–and even knew how to paint! Today, we have nearly 20 categories of robot classification.
Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, marks the transition of factories into a digitalized, automated workspace. It has revolutionized industrial environments.
Cobots
You may have heard of the term cobot, which is short for collaborative robot. These machines are designed to work alongside humans and enhance our capabilities and efficiency. They can handle repetitive, physically demanding, and sometimes impossibly precise tasks, which allows their human co-workers more time for the more complex and creative aspects of their work. Some examples of cobots working in industrial settings are:
Robots can work continuously without breaks, which vastly improves throughput and adaptability and enables companies to meet ever-increasing consumer demand.
The industrial sector was once synonymous with dangerous environments in which laborers toiled from dusk till dawn in toxic conditions, prone to numerous and even fatal injuries. Robotics have made improved safety significantly. Machines can take over dangerous, repetitive, and remote tasks, ensuring a safer environment for human workers. For example, the Semi-Automated Mason (SAM), deployed in the construction industry, has the capability to safely and efficiently lay bricks, sparing a human performing the same workload from possible injuries.
Chemical plants and nuclear facilities, notoriously dangerous and toxic environments, employ robots to perform inspections and maintenance tasks that would otherwise be perilous to humans. Drones perform aerial inspections of high structures, pipelines, and power grids to find errors and anomalies early. Autonomous robots are equipped with sensors that can pinpoint things the human eye can’t see, enabling early detection and timely interventions.
Advancements in robotics are currently driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology. As AI is increasingly integrated into robots, these systems become more intelligent and autonomous, capable of learning and adapting to new tasks.
Unplanned downtime costs Fortune Global 500 industrial companies nearly $1.5 trillion a year: about 11% of their total revenue. Fortunately, the Internet of Things (IoT) is ushering in more connected and data-driven robotic systems that can communicate with each other and their central control systems. As this technology progresses, robots can perform real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, creating a truly interconnected, resilient operation.
So, what do these advancements in robotics mean for you? As the industrial landscape evolves, industrial workers will need to acquire new skills to work effectively alongside these advanced systems. This includes skills in:
To thrive in industrial technology, understanding robotic systems is vital. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online programs to equip you with these essential skills:
These programs cover robotics, automation, and systems integration, preparing you to lead and innovate. Both are entirely online and asynchronous, so you can study at your own pace.
Position yourself at the forefront of technological advancements and champion productivity and safety in future industries. Apply to one of UTPB’s online industrial technology programs now.
Steam, electricity, and automated machines have underpinned fundamental shifts in how people live and work, and each has been the driver behind its own industrial revolution. But while their lasting impact has been substantial, none of these revolutions have been “smart.” That changed with Industry 4.0.
As the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Industry 4.0 has introduced intelligent, data-driven, adaptive technologies that have retooled factories for unprecedented efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing and transformed many of our everyday activities.
Below we’ll consider some of the most impactful Industry 4.0 innovations and demonstrate how these translate directly to tools that are making our lives easier. In addition, we’ll introduce two online industrial technology programs specifically designed for those wishing to pursue careers fueled by this bleeding-edge technology.
The cloud, the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), 3-D printing, virtual reality, and advanced analytics. These complex tools and technologies have become household words in recent years. You may not know what they’re doing—or soon will be doing—“under the hood” for you daily, but their reach and impact is significant. Consider this scenario:
You’re 30 miles from home when your phone buzzes with two alerts: one informing you that your window has been broken and another announcing that your doorbell has rung. You also realize you forgot to turn the oven off before you left. You answer the door on your phone to see and converse with your neighbor—who has come to apologize that his child’s baseball went through your window—via your doorbell camera app. You thank him and then, relieved that no one has broken into your home, switch that oven off.
You enjoy peace of mind behind the wheel as you deal with these potential emergencies on your phone because you’re in an autonomously driving car that’s doing most of the work. Once you arrive home, you verbally command your oven to turn back on so you can prepare dinner and then ask Alexa to play your favorite music. A voice confirms your playlist will begin.
As you sit down to relax, your phone reminds you that you have a dentist appointment the next morning to receive a crown on one of your teeth. You’re relieved to know that the process won’t require multiple visits and weeks of waiting, the way it did for your father back in the day, who himself recently had a successful hip replacement via robotic surgery. Your dentist will create a new crown on the spot for you with an advanced 3-D printer.
Your home may already have some smart features, and smart technologies may begin to appear more often in other parts of your life. Like most people, you may not yet have a self-driving vehicle. If you have a late model car, however, there’s a good chance it may already be parking itself or steering you back into your lane when you inadvertently cross onto the shoulder of the road.
You’re experiencing these and countless other innovations in mobile apps and home-based technologies because you’re fortunate enough to live during the Industry 4.0 era! Get ready to witness more amazing strides in your personal and professional life that were not possible before Industry 4.0. (Industry 5.0, with an anticipated focus on ecology, sustainability, and people, is on the horizon and will provide even more career options.) Make sure you’re ready for new opportunities with the required expertise.
If your interest in Industry 4.0 technology is connected to your career goals, The University of Texas Permian Basin has two online, AACSB-accredited degree programs that can help you. Let’s look at what they’re about and how they can benefit you professionally:
Online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT)
Created to be your first college degree program or a second bachelor’s degree, our BSIT equips you with a practical understanding of core principles and skills crucial for managing industrial operations across any enterprise. Through our curriculum, you’ll develop the proficiency to overcome complex engineering, design, and technical complications effectively.
Get more details, including career paths and salaries related to this degree.
Online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology (BAAS-IT)
Already earned an Associate of Applied Science? Advance your education by pursuing a BAAS-IT with us. Our curriculum delivers vital management principles, optimization theory, and supply chain management, equipping you with the skills necessary to tackle industrial and technical obstacles within your organization. Elevate your expertise and resume with an optional 12-credit online undergraduate certificate in petroleum technology.
Get more details, including career paths and salaries related to this degree.
We understand that life doesn’t slow down for a university education. These industrial technology programs are available online exclusively at this UT System institution. Our flexible learning platform enables you to balance your professional and personal obligations while completing your degree. With access to our asynchronous lectures, you can complete coursework at your convenience from virtually anywhere worldwide. There are no mandatory campus visits. And our tuition rates are among the most competitive of any accredited university.
Sources:
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-are-industry-4-0-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-and-4ir
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/revolutionizing-road-safety-how-ai
https://www.forbes.com/sites/technology/article/self-driving-cars/?sh=284c10355e07
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007339.htm
https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/industrial-technology/smart-factories-how-iot-and-big-data-are-revolutionizing-industrial-operations/
The 1920s saw tremendous leaps forward in industrial operations. Spearheaded by Henry Ford, factories moved to assembly line production, facilitating the mass production of cars and all manner of consumer goods. Mechanization became widespread and electric power supplanted steam power, both markedly increasing productivity. Factory workers themselves would have to wait for workplace progress, however, as they continued to sweat away in unsanitary, often dangerous working conditions. But that too would change.
While the advances of the 1920s helped build the world we live in and provided the foundation of manufacturing standards for many decades, the 2020s promise to fundamentally change factory operations for all time. Technology, including artificial intelligence, is making operations faster, more accurate, and safer for companies and their personnel in many regions.
Here we’ll take a brief look at the ways the Internet of Thing (IOT) and big data are revolutionizing industrial operations and what it means for manufacturers.
A smart factory is a manufacturing facility that uses advanced technology, interconnected systems, and intelligent automation to improve efficiency, productivity, and flexibility in production. Internet-connected computers are used in conjunction with complex, precise, often robotic machinery to deliver these results. Smart factories are a key component of the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, wherein digital technologies are integrated into the manufacturing process.
Factory machines, once operated entirely by human hands, can today gather and assess information and make informed decisions autonomously during the production process. Here’s how smart factories achieve this:
The manufacturing industry faces ongoing challenges to enhance efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. The IoT has emerged as a viable solution for these concerns. A network of physical objects outfitted with sensors for data collection and exchange, the IoT facilitates the optimization of manufacturing processes and decreases downtime. It also offers manufacturers opportunities to devise innovative revenue streams and business models, strengthening their competitiveness.
Big data refers to information that organizations compile and explore for insights and use in projects involving machine learning, predictive modeling, and other advanced analytics applications. Systems dedicated to processing and storing big data have become commonplace in factories, complemented by tools facilitating analytics applications. Manufacturers can harness big data to enhance their production processes, reduce waste, forecast demand, simplify supply chain management, and plot optimal delivery routes.
Learn the latest advances in the industrial world and build new expertise and credentials that you can use to advance your career in a related field. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers two AACSB-accredited degree programs—available online exclusively at this UT system institution—designed to help you do both:
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT)
Our BSIT empowers you with a functional understanding of fundamental concepts and abilities essential for overseeing industrial operations in any organization. Throughout our program, you’ll acquire the expertise to address intricate engineering, design, and technical challenges.
See a program overview, potential career paths and salaries, and requirements here.
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology (BAAS-IT)
If you’ve already earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, continue your education with us and earn a BAAS in Industrial Technology. Our program will provide you with a practical understanding of essential management principles, optimization theory, supply chain management, and the competencies required to address industrial and technical challenges within your organization. Enhance your knowledge and resume with an optional 12-credit online undergraduate certificate in petroleum technology.
See a program overview, potential career paths and salaries, and requirements here.
You have a life outside your university education. Our online learning format can enable you to keep your professional and personal commitments while earning your degree. You can log in to your UTPB online program from just about anywhere in the world and access our asynchronous lectures to complete assignments on your own schedule. We don’t require any campus visits. You’ll still be able to connect with faculty and classmates—even in real time—using a variety of online communication tools.
Ready to apply? Start here.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/automotive-industry/Ford-and-the-assembly-line
https://www.techtarget.com/searcherp/definition/smart-factory
https://tulip.co/glossary/what-is-a-smart-factory-and-what-it-means-for-you/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/09/28/how-iot-is-transforming-the-manufacturing-industry/?sh=7b8a781975d7
https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/big-data
If you’re seeking an online bachelor’s degree in industrial technology, you’ll find options such as Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology. Unless you understand the differences between these similarly named online programs, how can you decide which one might be best for you? The University of Texas Permian Basin offers both programs and, for the majority of this discussion, we’ll focus on what our own programs have to offer.
The qualities that differentiate these online programs from one another can be divided into several categories. Let’s examine what these degrees look like in the wider education world before exploring UT Permian Basin’s features and benefits.
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology programs are generally aimed at preparing you for specialized roles and career paths within the industrial technology industry. With an applied focus, this degree is particularly well-suited for anyone seeking immediate entry into specialized positions or individuals interested in pursuing industrial technology management or leadership roles.
Many Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and diverse foundation in the field of information technology, offering you exposure to various areas within the discipline. This breadth of knowledge allows for greater flexibility in career choices.
UT Permian Basin’s industrial technology bachelor’s degree programs empower you to gear your studies toward a broader or more specialized direction through your choice of courses, including optional add-ons.
If you plan to apply to our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology program, you must complete or be in the process of completing an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS degree). This requirement does not apply to Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology applicants, which makes UT Permian Basin’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program a good option for first-time college students and transfer students.
Our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology has a capstone that enables you to choose between an industrial technology senior project and an internship from which you can gain hands-on industry experience. Our Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology does not have a capstone element.
With our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology, you can hone your management expertise while minoring in the discipline by completing several management-focused courses. This option is not available with our Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program.
Our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology program offers the option to add a 12-credit undergraduate certificate in petroleum technology to your degree, enabling you to graduate with two credentials in about the same amount of time it takes to earn the degree alone.
No matter which program you end up choosing, you’ll find them identical in some key respects:
We invite you to review our undergraduate industrial technology degree program descriptions, courses, and requirements in greater detail for yourself now:
Whichever program you ultimately choose, we wish you well on your educational and professional journeys!
Have questions? Reach out to us!
Ready to apply? Get started here.
Technology is a primary driver of commerce and government today, keeping operations running smoothly for countless organizations worldwide. The University of Texas Permian Basin offers technology-focused online degree and certificate programs that can help you develop greater career expertise and professional potential. Created and taught by some of the top minds in their respective fields, these leading-edge programs can help give you an advantage when seeking new positions or advancement within your current organization. There’s a range of options for all levels of educational and professional experience.
Our undergraduate industrial technology program gives you a focused education in industrial technology complemented by a broad foundation in essential general education topics including math, English, geology, and history. It’s a degree that can help launch you into the professional world.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology
Our Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program empowers you with the expertise to manage industrial operations within any type of organization. You’ll discover how to recognize and remedy complicated technical, design, and engineering issues; establish health, safety, and environmentally responsible initiatives; and develop a firm grasp of project life cycles.
This program can benefit you in careers including:
View this program’s admission requirements.
We designed our certificate programs to help you develop new career skills and add new professional credentials to your resume quickly. Programs start at just 12 credits.
GIS and Geospatial Certificate
This certificate program grew out of a decades-long partnership between The University of Texas Permian Basin and the GIS and geospatial industries. We used our insider’s perspective to develop a curriculum around the latest technologies and methods in these fields. The resulting 12-credit graduate certificate program is an exploration of GPS applications, cartography, mapping, and other associated subjects.
This program can benefit you in careers including:
View this program’s admission requirements.
Technology is at the core of UT Permian Basin’s online degree and certificate programs. All of the courses, lectures, and communication tools are internet-based, enabling you to access them from your laptop or mobile device. No campus visits are required. This flexible format allows you to learn on your own schedule from virtually any location in the world while maintaining your existing professional or personal obligations. As with all our programs, the curriculum for each of the programs above is top-notch, based on the latest innovations, and taught by renowned academics and industry professionals. You won’t find a more convenient way to earn respected education credentials. A technology-focused degree or certificate program may be all that stands between you and a truly rewarding career. Apply today.
The manufacturing sector has long relied on technology for the efficient production of goods. One obvious example is cars, which are largely built with the aid of robotic technology, though human beings are often still a necessary component of the manufacturing process. Even Elon Musk, creator of the fully electric Tesla, had to admit that his idea for a completely automated manufacturing process wasn’t feasible and that human workers were “underrated.” While studies reveal that a mere 1.3% of companies have incorporated robotics into their operations, technology will continue to evolve and drive industry.
With this in mind, let’s take a brief look at some technological trends. While some of the developments outlined below have been underway for years, the use of these technologies and processes in more sophisticated forms is expected to grow in coming years.
A smart manufacturing facility utilizes “different combinations of modern technologies to create a hyperflexible, self-adapting manufacturing capability.” The benefits of facilities of this type include the integration of data analytics into processes and interlinked machines and systems that share information between one another. Highly detailed data, including information on the performance of the machinery and overall product quality, is now often derived from sensors that are integrated into the equipment, either at initial manufacturing or later during retrofitting.
An integral aspect of the smart facility is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The IIoT “uses the power of smart machines and real-time analytics to take advantage of the data that ‘dumb machines’ have produced in industrial settings for years.” Intelligent equipment is generally better able to collect and analyze data on the fly than human beings, making for more efficient operations. It also allows for greater control over supply chains, sustainable processes, and other facets of manufacturing.
Prevailing attitudes toward green operations have led many organizations worldwide to implement sustainable practices in increasing numbers, from setting science-based carbon emission limits to using recycled materials for product packaging.
Though 3D printing was in use before COVID-19, the pandemic caused major issues in global supply chains, creating the need for medical equipment and related components to be created locally and efficiently. Whether or not this shift will last remains to be seen, but the use of 3D printing has enabled companies to produce more environmentally friendly goods of higher quality.
The robots that assemble cars can complete specified tasks repeatedly, but they don’t adapt well when new conditions or parts are introduced into the process. Artificial intelligence may enable a robot to recognize that an object is not supposed to be on an assembly line and remove it, for example. AI is also being used to predict when machinery will need servicing. Predictive maintenance, as it’s called, enables a company to plan ahead for any repairs that their equipment may need, minimizing costly downtime. The overall goal is greater efficiency.
While digital technologies undoubtedly enhance the manufacturing process, their computer-based nature makes them vulnerable to hackers. Recent efforts to make supply chains more secure from cyber security attacks include the recent establishment of guidelines by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
UT Permian Basin’s AACSB-accredited College of Business can help you stay ahead of the trends in industrial technology while you hone vital expertise you can apply toward your career. Our online bachelor’s degree programs in industrial technology provide a broad foundation in general education topics that every individual needs for success and help you develop skills tailored to your specific industrial technology discipline. Choose from:
Gain a working knowledge of how to manage industrial operations for almost any organization. Read more about this online program now.
Build the skillset to manage industrial and technical issues for just about any organization, with expertise in essential management concepts, supply chain management, optimization theory, and more. Read more about this online program now.
To expand your industrial technology knowledge and credentials to the petroleum industry, consider adding a 12-credit online undergraduate certificate in petroleum technology to this Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology program without extending the time to complete your degree.
With their technological focus, it’s only fitting that all these programs are delivered in a 100% online asynchronous format. The advantages to learning online are significant: You can complete your coursework from virtually any location—from Athens, Georgia to Athens, Greece—on your own schedule. Earning a respected university degree need never interfere with your personal and professional responsibilities! Program courses are based on the same curriculum and are taught by the same doctoral-level professors who teach them at the UTPB campus.
Master tomorrow’s industrial technology skills and tools online. Apply to one of our online programs today.
Industrial technology is easy enough to define: a field of study devoted to improving the productivity, profitability, and safety of industrial processes through the application of engineering and manufacturing technology. Types of industrial technology include chemical, mechanical, and electrical processes that aid in production.
The role of an industrial technologist, however, is far more difficult to pin down. Industrial technologists occupy a variety of positions across the manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare industries, among others. To further define industrial technology, we’ll be taking a closer look at industrial technologists and the role they play in improving industrial processes.
We’ll also explore how a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate certificate from The University of Texas Permian Basin can instill you with the skills needed to advance your career. Proper credentials and training are instrumental for advancement, especially for professionals with a broad skill set like industrial technologists.
In the manufacturing industry, industrial technologists have the unique challenge of managing processes and people. As such, they require a comprehensive education that can empower them with the technical skills of an engineer and the leadership skills of an operations manager. The ability to rely on the support of an effective team is essential, especially in an industry known for budget, time, and resource constraints.
UT Permian Basin students have the option of pursuing an online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology or an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology. Entirely asynchronous, both programs prepare students for decision-making roles in their organization. Both courses serve a slightly different purpose, however.
UT Permian Basin’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology is designed with aspiring and current professionals in mind. By contrast, our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology program provides individuals with an Associate of Applied Science degree with a direct path to a bachelor’s degree and can be tailored for professionals looking to advance their careers in the energy industry. Foundational manufacturing technologies covered in both programs include processes for fabricating metals, separating plastics, and conditioning composite materials.
Technology is transforming the delivery of essential services in the healthcare industry. Thanks to advancements like electronic health records, medical professionals have unprecedented access to knowledge that can assist them in promoting health, preventing disease, and caring for individuals and families. This industry is known for pushing boundaries in the name of increasing access to health services and improving their quality. Industrial technologists, with their aptitude for improving processes, are right at home in the healthcare field. Potential careers include:
UT Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership provides professionals with the skills needed to ensure effective delivery of services and overcome budget, time, and resource constraints in healthcare organizations. Designed for working professionals with an Associate of Applied Science, our online program prepares students for leadership roles, where their decision-making and problem-solving abilities will be frequently called upon. Potential careers include:
The Permian Basin is one of the world’s top-producing oil fields. Production, which declined in 2020 due to COVID-19, is now ramping up, and the number of hydraulic fracturing jobs now exceeds those from March of 2020. The math, science, and engineering skills that make industrial technologists so valued in other fields make them indispensable in the petroleum industry, which is why UT Permian Basin developed a graduate certificate to help individuals capitalize on the oil boom.
UT Permian Basin’s online undergraduate certificate in petroleum technology provides professionals with a deeper understanding of the technology used in the petroleum industry. For example, our online course Drilling Technology covers the principles and technologies of mud, air, and gas drilling, among other topics. This certificate can be added to a student’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Industrial Technology further distinguishing graduates from their peers.
What is industrial technology? It’s the improvement of industrial processes, but it’s more than that. It’s a way for you to open the door to new career possibilities. Rather than remain tied to one career or one industry, you can become a more well-rounded professional capable of thriving in a variety of fields.
UT Permian Basin offers several online degree options designed with professionals like you in mind. Courses are 100% online and asynchronous, which will allow you to progress through the program at your own pace. Virtual classrooms are led by industry experts with years of experience, and under their tutelage, your knowledge will expand in the areas of creativity and problem solving, oral and written communication, and engineering and manufacturing principles.
Interested in developing your technical and managerial skills? Apply to one of UT Permian Basin’s online industrial technology programs and develop a skill set sought after in a variety of industries.
“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born—that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.” — Warren Bennis
What is a healthcare leader? This term can refer to many different types of roles: administrators, directors, managers, etc. What each of these has in common is an individual who’s in charge of important services that directly or indirectly help improve patients’ health and overall quality of life.
To become a healthcare leader, you have to be driven by a passion for helping people. You have to know how to make the right decisions, sometimes under stressful conditions, and turn those decisions into effective actions using the resources that are available to you. You have to be able to delegate responsibilities and mentor others. You must be able to think outside the box when it comes time to solve problems. Previous work experience in healthcare is also essential because few people enter this field in a leadership role.
As you work toward a leadership position in healthcare, you’ll need to develop the qualities required of a leader in practically any profession, including:
You may already possess some of these qualities. If so, you’ll still benefit from finding ways to strengthen and hone them.
In addition to personal development, you of course need to have formal credentials in healthcare leadership that show you’ve been educated by a credible source. This typically means earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Let’s take a look at why the coming years may be favorable for those pursuing a healthcare leadership career, then review two online degree programs that can help you build the qualifications you’ll need for a leadership role in the field.
If you’re passionate about becoming a healthcare leader, now is a good time to begin that journey. Healthcare is growing in a number of different areas, and there’s a high demand for trained professionals to fill new roles, some of which offer salaries up to six figures.
Here is just a sampling of the in-demand healthcare roles that a bachelor’s degree program can help prepare you for:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the predicted job outlook for medical and health services managers through 2029 boasts a tremendous 32% growth rate—much faster than the average for all occupations. Median annual pay, as of 2020, is $104,280.
O*NET (Occupational Information Network) reports that jobs for project management specialists between 2019 and 2029 will grow by 5 to 7%—faster than average for all occupations. Median yearly pay, as of 2020, is $77,420.
BLS projections show that employment for administrative services and facilities managers will grow by 6%—faster than the average rate for all occupations—through 2029. Median pay, as of 2020, is $98,890 per year.
The University of Texas Permian Basin is doing its part to nurture tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. Our AACSB-accredited College of Business offers two online bachelor’s degree programs that will help you develop effective healthcare leadership skills:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Learn demonstrated ways to implement BBA business fundamentals in a healthcare context through courses focused on financial management among healthcare providers, patient services, and the legal and regulatory environments of the healthcare industry.
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership
In this program, you’ll learn proven strategies for complex problem-solving, project management and forecasting, and overcoming common limitations in the workplace regarding budget, time, and resources that every healthcare leader needs to know.
Most courses for both of our healthcare management/leadership degree programs last just eight weeks, and all are delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format. You can complete coursework on your own schedule, 24/7, from anywhere in the world while tending to ongoing work and family responsibilities. You’ll learn the same curriculum from the same renowned faculty who teach the programs on campus at UT Permian Basin, with added flexibility.
Hone your leadership skills for a rewarding career in healthcare. You’ll find the foundation you need in one of UT Permian Basin’s online healthcare management and healthcare leadership bachelor’s degree programs.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2012/10/16/quotes-on-leadership/?sh=5037370c2feb
https://nurse.org/healthcare/how-to-become-a-healthcare-administrator-executive/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/leadership-skills
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimberlyfries/2018/02/08/8-essential-qualities-that-define-great-leadership/?sh=43e380b93b63