Manufacturing Tech Australia

Most manufacturers do not need another AI tool. They need better decisions from the ERP and data they already have. In this episode, Graeme Evans and Ian Macdonald from Epicor explain how embedded AI is helping manufacturers move ERP from a system of record to a system of action, helping them get more from the systems they already use every day. We explore practical use cases across scheduling, supply chain risk, workforce onboarding, invoice matching and predictive maintenance, and explain why the best AI often feels invisible when it is done well. In this episode, we cover: how to separate AI signal from hype in manufacturing why embedded AI inside ERP often beats standalone tools practical use cases across scheduling, supply chain risk, invoice matching and the shop floor why waiting for perfect data is a mistake and how to start small how to build trust, keep humans in the loop and get more from the systems you already own If you lead operations, technology, supply chain or continuous improvement, this episode will help you spot practical ways to reduce admin, surface issues earlier and make faster decisions without handing control to the machine. Thanks to Epicor for supporting this episode. If you want to learn more about how modern industry-specific ERP helps manufacturers gain clearer visibility and drive performance, visit epicor.com. Show notes for this episode: manufacturingtech.au/episodes/

Authentic storytelling cuts through AI-generated noise and drives real change in manufacturing teams.In this episode, Gabrielle Dolan, storytelling expert and author, shares her Story Intelligence framework and why it matters more than ever for manufacturers leading change. We cover:- Why authentic stories outperform data and slides when overcoming resistance to change- How to use storytelling to connect teams across functions and simplify complex ideas- The difference between manipulative and meaningful stories in leadership- How to uncover and use your own organisation's story to build purposeWhether you're a plant manager, operations leader, or change champion, this episode gives you a practical framework for leading through story.Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/78-story-intelligence-with-gabrielle-dolan-2/

From Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0 — agentic AI, humanoid robots, and what's already happening on factory floors today.In this episode, Nick Doyle, Head of Manufacturing at ANCA Manufacturing Solutions in Thailand, walks us through the roadmap from where manufacturers are now to where they're heading. We cover:- Why Thailand is becoming a major production hub and what that means for Australian supply chains- The evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0: agentic AI, humanoid robots, and micro factories- Real AI applications Nick's team is deploying now: press brake automation, vibe coding, and power monitoring- How university collaborations are accelerating factory innovation- What Australian manufacturers should prioritise to stay competitiveWhether you're a plant manager, operations leader, or technology buyer, this episode gives you a practical and forward-looking view of manufacturing's near future.Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/76-industry-6-0-dark-factories-and-the-future-of-manufacturing-with-nick-doyle/

Brand trust, AI democratisation, and operational stability: a live panel from Industrial Transformation 2025 Sydney.Recorded live at Industrial Transformation 2025, Shane Williams hosts Glen, Sean, and Grant for a practical panel on rapid transformation and sustainable competitiveness in Australian manufacturing. We cover:- Grant's Ignite framework for brand trust and growth in a technology-led environment- Sean's perspective on standardisation as a foundation for scalable improvement- Glen's pragmatic views on automation: where to start and what to avoid- How to democratise AI and new technologies across the plant floor, not just in the boardroom- Strategies for stabilising and improving operational performance while transformingWhether you're a plant manager, operations leader, or technology buyer, this episode gives you frameworks from practitioners who are navigating transformation in real manufacturing environments. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/65-sustainable-competitiveness-mastering-rapid-transformation-in-manufacturing-at-cemat25-sydney/

ERP-driven selling, AI-powered forecasting, and mental health in the supply chain: CeMAT 2025 Part 2 floor coverage.Recorded live at CeMAT 2025 in Sydney, Shane speaks with five innovators shaping the future of manufacturing and supply chain. We cover:- Adam Frank from SugarCRM on how sales teams can finally unlock ERP data for smarter customer engagement- Michael Kemeny from KNAPP on AeroBOT — their flexible, high-density storage solution built to scale- Megan Baker and Rebecca Angeleski from Netstock on AI-powered forecasting that reduces stockouts and frees up working capital- Christian O'Regan Buckingham from AutoGenAI on how AI is transforming the proposal and bidding process- Melissa Weller from Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds on mental health and why people are at the heart of every operation Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/63-scalable-solutions-smart-tech-and-mental-health-at-cemat-2025-insights-from-sugarcrm-knapp-netstock-autogenai-and-healthy-heads-in-trucks-and-sheds/

From additive manufacturing to MES, OEE, and design-to-ERP integration: AMW 2025 Part 2 covers the digital backbone of Australian manufacturing. Recorded live at Australian Manufacturing Week 2025, Shane speaks with eight innovators showcasing how software, data, and production tools are helping Australian manufacturers stay competitive. We hear from: - Matt Schimmelbusch from Emona on the full 3D printing spectrum — FDM to industrial metal and carbon fibre - Bob Bentley from Core Additive on cost-effective pellet-based additive manufacturing for production - Mark from Central Innovation on cloud PDM, DriveWorks, and design-to-ERP connectivity - Bruce Pollock from Aspect PT on real-time MES and OEE insights bridging ERP and the shop floor - Gernot Keckeis from CAD-IT Australia on the Tulip no-code platform for frontline digital work instructions - Keanan Granland from Monash Innovation Labs on student-driven industrial R&D - Sebastien Bouthillette from 3DLogistiX on a 3D digital twin WMS for smarter pick, pack, and ship - Amit, Sean and Lenny from Hexagon on end-to-end quality control and reverse engineering Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/57-australian-manufacturing-week-2025-part-2-digital-design-3d-printing-smart-software-on-show/

Purpose-built UAVs, military AI, simulation training, and Australian rockets: the best of Avalon Airshow 2025 Part 2. In this episode, Shane and Paul speak with four standout Australian companies pushing the boundaries of defence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. We cover: Andrew Davies from Taz Drone Solutions on purpose-built UAVs designed for dangerous mining, defence, and fire management missions Alex Reynolds from BLACK6 on integrated learning environments combining simulation, AI, and data analytics to transform training outcomes Shane Rapmund from Athena AI on military-grade computer vision tools that reduce operator overload in complex surveillance and battlefield environments David Jervis from Gilmour Space on launching Australia into orbit with locally designed and manufactured rockets Whether you're interested in Australian defence manufacturing, drone innovation, or sovereign space capability, this episode showcases homegrown innovation at its best. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/53-avalon-airshow-part-2-aerospace-innovation-with-taz-drone-solutions-black6-athena-ai-and-gilmour-space/

Bosch BAMS helps startups and SMEs take ideas from prototype to scalable production — here's how robotics, digital twins, and design-for-manufacture make it happen. In this episode, Brad Trewin, Innovation Lead at Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS), walks through how Bosch is empowering Australian startups and SMEs to scale manufacturing capability. We cover: How BAMS has helped companies like RayGen (solar arrays) and 3RT (sustainable wood products) scale production Why early collaboration between designers and manufacturers unlocks cost efficiency and innovation The role of digital twins, AI, and augmented reality in optimising production for startups Design-for-manufacture principles that prevent costly rework and redesign during scale-up How scalable automation can be introduced progressively without disrupting existing operations Whether you're a startup founder, product developer, or operations leader, this episode gives you a practical view of how to bridge the gap between idea and industrial-scale production. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/45-bridging-ideas-to-reality-scaling-startups-with-bradley-trewin-at-bosch-australia-manufacturing-solutions-bams/

From a domestic market of 25 million to a global opportunity of 7 billion — AMGC's Managing Director shares the vision for Australian manufacturing. Recorded live from the AMGC's Manufacturing Matters breakfast event, Shane speaks with leaders shaping Australia's manufacturing policy and strategy. We cover: Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of AMGC, on the strategic opportunity for Australian manufacturers to compete and win globally Kelly Godeau, COO of AMGC, on the operational priorities and collaboration frameworks the organisation is driving Bernie Quinn from Premcar on what collaboration looks like in practice for Australian automotive and engineering manufacturers How the Manufacturing Matters events are helping manufacturers connect with policymakers and strategic partners Whether you're a manufacturer, policy maker, or industry leader thinking about how Australian manufacturing can grow beyond the domestic market, this episode gives you a compelling strategic perspective. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/18-live-from-the-victorian-manufacturing-showcase-vms2023/

Sustainability and profitability aren't opposites in manufacturing — John Rieusset from ABB shows how Aussie manufacturers are achieving both. In this episode, John Rieusset from ABB, an engineering and technology company with over 130 years of global experience, shares how Australian manufacturers are using sustainable automation technologies to reduce costs while improving environmental performance. We cover: Real-world examples of manufacturers who have integrated sustainable technologies and seen strong financial returns The specific technologies ABB is deploying that reduce energy consumption and waste in manufacturing operations How to build the business case for sustainable automation when the upfront cost is a barrier The unique implementation challenges when overlaying sustainability technology onto existing plant infrastructure Strategic and practical guidance for manufacturers navigating the green transition Whether you're a plant manager, sustainability lead, or operations director, this episode gives you a commercially-grounded perspective on making sustainable manufacturing work for your business. Show notes and links for this episode: https://www.manufacturingtech.au/episode/7-profitable-sustainability-how-aussie-manufacturers-are-turning-green-into-gold-with-john-rieusset/