When did you join SME and why? I’ve been involved with SME since the late 1980s while working as a research engineer at Ford. Initially, my involvement centered around global manufacturing research, including participation in NAMRC and other technical conferences. Early in my career, I found the local SME chapter engaging, particularly enjoying plant tours organized by the SME Ann Arbor Chapter. Witnessing the varied approaches different companies took to common manufacturing challenges was enlightening. The camaraderie among manufacturing professionals and the opportunity to learn from their experiences further motivated my involvement. SME also serves as a valuable resource for manufacturing insights. While the internet offers general information, SME's library provides in-depth resources that are crucial for my work. What do you do at Steelcase? I work with a team of engineers and computer scientists developing, deploying, and utilizing an IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) infrastructure that serves our 12 Steelcase manufacturing plants. The IIoT team works with manufacturing engineers all over the world helping them measure shop-floor performance using state-of-the-art tools and technologies for capturing, analyzing and visualizing shop-floor data. This data is used to improve process efficiency, maintain high quality standards, and ensure our customers get exactly what they want when they need it. Can you provide an overview of IIoT infrastructure? Technology has advanced significantly in the past two decades, making industrial operations more efficient and cost-effective. These advancements include microprocessors, advanced sensors, the internet, big data storage and manipulation, as well as data analysis and visualization tools. Engaging with IIoT requires diverse skill sets, and as AI continues to evolve, it has the potential to enhance IIoT capabilities further. SME members interested in IIoT should stay current with these technologies. What made you interested in manufacturing as a career? As a high school student, I was fascinated by math and physics. In college, I developed a strong interest in the practical application of math, particularly statistics, calculus, and differential equations. This led me to switch my major from math to mechanical engineering. I found particular enjoyment in engineering classes focused on control systems, automation, and optimization. Manufacturing presented intriguing challenges in systems integration, automation, and optimization that captivated me. Do you have a mentor who has helped you along your career journey? I've been fortunate to receive guidance from several influential figures. Professor Galip Ulsoy from the University of Michigan, Kazou Mori from Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and Sam Mancuso, Vice President of Manufacturing Engineering at Steelcase, have all played pivotal roles in shaping both my career and personal life. What would you say to a student studying manufacturing? Manufacturing is integral to a broader ecosystem that includes innovation, product and process design, sales, marketing, production, distribution, and support. There are countless opportunities within companies that manufacture the products they sell. Personally, I've had the privilege to contribute to the development, design, and manufacturing of components in industries like automotive and furniture. Working in manufacturing not only brings a sense of pride but also contributes to the economic well-being of communities and countries. Steve Jones is an operations consultant in IIoT at Steelcase, an office, hospital and classroom furniture manufacturer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Member Since 2016
