John Shegda, CEO, KMM Group01.31.24
Medtech is evolving into an intensely competitive industry, with forward-thinking companies vying to introduce the most groundbreaking innovations. While the spotlight typically shines on these revolutionary devices, many crucial contributors who make these advancements possible often remain under the radar. Among these unsung heroes is the automation engineer—the behind-the-scenes architect of medtech manufacturing in the AI era. Combining creativity with technical expertise, these professionals play an indispensable role in steering the AI-driven evolution of medtech manufacturing. As AI and automation reshape the medtech landscape, these specialists are critical in harnessing such technologies, actualizing vital innovations in an industry that always seeks the equilibrium between progress and cost-efficiency.
Automation and AI do more than automate routine tasks. They carve a path for roles emphasizing creativity, innovation, and strategic insight—qualities often overshadowed by a cost-driven model. The true power of automation and AI lies in the human ability to refine and drive innovations using these platforms. With their expertise, automation engineers are pivotal in integrating, tailoring, and optimizing these technologies to elevate the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes. Much like the pioneers in the tech world, such as early Google or ChatGPT adopters, these engineers help unlock the full potential of new-age advancements.
In this modern era, automation engineers can assume the roles of innovators, strategists, and visionaries. Their expertise bridges traditional automation and dynamic, data-driven decision-making systems, positioning them at the intersection of medicine, manufacturing, and machine intelligence as they are tasked with creating intelligent systems essential for producing critical medtech devices. Given the pace of technological advancements, the responsibilities of automation engineers will only continue to grow. They've transformed into architects of this new digital age, ensuring systems function, adapt, predict, and optimize in real time. As medtech manufacturing continues to evolve, the role of the automation engineer has never been more crucial, demanding both deep technical ability and vast strategic foresight.
Inside these sandboxes, transformative engineering feats unfold. Engineers entrusted with autonomy see their workspace as an expansive canvas for creativity. They’re driven by the compelling question: “What here can be automated?” They can devise automation to streamline a task or amplify the efficiency of a current process. Every innovation—subtle or significant—is geared toward boosting precision and productivity. It’s a paradigm shift that goes beyond labor replacement; it’s about elevating individual roles and potential. Consider this: a production goal that once necessitated 250 hours might now be achievable in just 100, thanks to the automation capabilities discovered within the sandbox. Far from diminishing the importance of the human touch, this approach amplifies it. Team members find opportunities to pivot from routine tasks to roles that demand greater expertise, such as automating programming or managing multiple apparatuses. The outcome is dual-faceted: as operational efficiency expands, employees also chart growth in skill and value. It paints a promising vision for the future where business and personal development progress hand in hand. However, this harmony can only be achieved with a strong organizational culture that values innovation and creativity. Such a culture provides the necessary foundation, nurturing the innovative spirit that thrives within these sandboxes.
We’ve found today’s employees seek more than just functional roles; they want a career where they can grow, learn, and make an impact. An organizational culture that promotes and values innovation and continuous improvement is central to this alignment. In such an environment, organizations must construct a robust cultural framework that infuses every tier with a sense of purpose and direction.
At KMM, we’ve built our culture around critical principles, which we call our fundamentals. These are specific behaviors and beliefs that guide our work. One of these is “Paid to Think,” a testament to our commitment to intellectual freedom for the sake of innovation. It means we encourage every person in our organization—from automation engineers to administrative staff—to think creatively, challenge the norm, and develop fresh solutions. It’s about ensuring everyone is doing their job and feels a sense of purpose and motivation to constantly push boundaries and elevate standards. Further, in an environment where we’re “Paid to Think,” we’re all empowered to imagine and build a brighter future.
In an industry accelerating at an unprecedented pace, we’re challenged to be more than observers; we’re called to act boldly and with conviction on behalf of our clients. Our ambition to spearhead this movement is fueled by a seamless fusion of visionary engineers and manufacturing leaders, cutting-edge facilities, and a culture that fervently promotes innovation. Within this landscape, automation engineering emerges as a critical field, calling to those with bold visions. It beckons them to redefine the contours of medtech manufacturing, playing a pivotal role in shaping healthcare’s trajectory.
As we stand at this transformative juncture, the medtech manufacturing collective is poised not merely to adapt but to steer the industry’s evolution. Armed with multidisciplinary teams and powered by the newest technologies and strong organizational values, we march forward brimming with possibility, charting innovative pathways, and with a steadfast commitment to reshaping global medtech manufacturing.
John Shegda is the visionary CEO of KMM Group Ltd., with over 35 years of industry experience. His career includes the leadership of M&S Grinding since 2008, the inception of Meron Medical in 2012, and the subsequent merger that formed KMM in 2020. As a former president of the NTMA-Philadelphia-Delaware Valley Chapter, he championed the NTAP Regional Apprenticeship Program, earning him a national accolade of excellence. Shegda’s influence extends to various advisory boards, and he frequently graces national and regional stages and podcasts, sharing his insights and inspiring budding professionals.
Today’s Global Medtech Manufacturing Landscape
The global landscape of medtech manufacturing continues to evolve as increased pricing pressures, the winnowing of AVLs, and a departure from purchasing policies that favor the convenience and cost advantages of a single-source rather than more costly and risk-mitigating dual-sourcing have forced even some smaller players in the CMO space to consider the reduced labor costs and favorable tax conditions in countries like Mexico and Costa Rica. However, this shift abroad presents a dual-edged sword for domestic manufacturers. As global competition intensifies, traditional manufacturing methods are quickly becoming obsolete. Recognizing the significant implications of this evolution, innovative domestic manufacturers harness the power of state-of-the-art technologies like automation and AI to remain competitive in what is becoming a cut-throat market. This commitment extends beyond mere capital investments in hardware and software; it signifies a profound dedication to ensuring the longevity and prosperity of U.S. manufacturing.Automation and AI do more than automate routine tasks. They carve a path for roles emphasizing creativity, innovation, and strategic insight—qualities often overshadowed by a cost-driven model. The true power of automation and AI lies in the human ability to refine and drive innovations using these platforms. With their expertise, automation engineers are pivotal in integrating, tailoring, and optimizing these technologies to elevate the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes. Much like the pioneers in the tech world, such as early Google or ChatGPT adopters, these engineers help unlock the full potential of new-age advancements.
The Modern Automation Engineer
As automation and AI usher in a transformative phase for the medtech manufacturing industry, today’s automation engineers are fundamentally altering the core principles and methods of manufacturing. At this pivotal moment, these engineers don't simply understand technology for its functionalities; they envision its vast potential. Collaborating with diverse teams of manufacturing and engineering professionals, they challenge norms, push boundaries, and present solutions that rival the cost advantages of low-rate labor, yet are more sustainable being rooted in technology. As part of a dynamic team of innovative thinkers, the modern automation engineer plays a role with profound implications for shaping the future of medtech manufacturing.An Evolving Role
The rise of AI and machine learning has profoundly reshaped the day-to-day responsibilities of an automation engineer. Gone are the days when their scope was confined to designing and implementing straightforward systems, often limited to repetitive tasks using tools like programmable logic controllers. Today's infusion of AI has broadened their horizons, giving them access to a new world of technologies for boundless possibilities.In this modern era, automation engineers can assume the roles of innovators, strategists, and visionaries. Their expertise bridges traditional automation and dynamic, data-driven decision-making systems, positioning them at the intersection of medicine, manufacturing, and machine intelligence as they are tasked with creating intelligent systems essential for producing critical medtech devices. Given the pace of technological advancements, the responsibilities of automation engineers will only continue to grow. They've transformed into architects of this new digital age, ensuring systems function, adapt, predict, and optimize in real time. As medtech manufacturing continues to evolve, the role of the automation engineer has never been more crucial, demanding both deep technical ability and vast strategic foresight.
The Sandbox: Where Ideas Take Flight
Sandbox environments in cutting-edge manufacturing facilities have emerged as pivotal epicenters for innovation in automation engineering. Designed as hubs of creativity, these spaces are invaluable for grooming the next wave of automation engineers. Typically, they feature state-of-the-art equipment tailored to the evolving projects and priorities of manufacturing plants. The dynamic nature of these settings means one day, you might witness the intricate dance of a robotic arm and the next, the flurry of activity around cutting-edge sensors, linear actuators, or grippers. Such environments capture the very spirit of boundless potential.Inside these sandboxes, transformative engineering feats unfold. Engineers entrusted with autonomy see their workspace as an expansive canvas for creativity. They’re driven by the compelling question: “What here can be automated?” They can devise automation to streamline a task or amplify the efficiency of a current process. Every innovation—subtle or significant—is geared toward boosting precision and productivity. It’s a paradigm shift that goes beyond labor replacement; it’s about elevating individual roles and potential. Consider this: a production goal that once necessitated 250 hours might now be achievable in just 100, thanks to the automation capabilities discovered within the sandbox. Far from diminishing the importance of the human touch, this approach amplifies it. Team members find opportunities to pivot from routine tasks to roles that demand greater expertise, such as automating programming or managing multiple apparatuses. The outcome is dual-faceted: as operational efficiency expands, employees also chart growth in skill and value. It paints a promising vision for the future where business and personal development progress hand in hand. However, this harmony can only be achieved with a strong organizational culture that values innovation and creativity. Such a culture provides the necessary foundation, nurturing the innovative spirit that thrives within these sandboxes.
The Organizational Culture Imperative
It’s not just the technologies and systems that drive progress in medtech manufacturing—it’s the mindset and values of the people using them that truly drive innovation.We’ve found today’s employees seek more than just functional roles; they want a career where they can grow, learn, and make an impact. An organizational culture that promotes and values innovation and continuous improvement is central to this alignment. In such an environment, organizations must construct a robust cultural framework that infuses every tier with a sense of purpose and direction.
At KMM, we’ve built our culture around critical principles, which we call our fundamentals. These are specific behaviors and beliefs that guide our work. One of these is “Paid to Think,” a testament to our commitment to intellectual freedom for the sake of innovation. It means we encourage every person in our organization—from automation engineers to administrative staff—to think creatively, challenge the norm, and develop fresh solutions. It’s about ensuring everyone is doing their job and feels a sense of purpose and motivation to constantly push boundaries and elevate standards. Further, in an environment where we’re “Paid to Think,” we’re all empowered to imagine and build a brighter future.
Crafting the Blueprint
While an organization’s culture lays the foundation for innovation, the intrinsic qualities of an automation engineer further sets the stage for success. For those drawn to this evolving career or businesses seeking the industry’s best, understanding these key attributes is essential.Innovative Spirit & Creative Insight
Beyond their commendable technical skill, outstanding automation engineers bring a spark of creativity. Thinking unconventionally is vital in an industry marked by rapid technological leaps and complex manufacturing challenges. Their innate innovative spirit prompts them to perceive beyond constraints, conjuring inventive solutions that redefine possibilities. They perceive challenges as opportunities to assert imaginative solutions, propelling the medtech sector to new horizons.Agility & Continuous Learning
In the fast-paced medtech world, stagnation is not an option. Top-tier automation engineers are characterized by their adaptability and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. They don’t merely rest on established educational platforms; they proactively delve into the latest trends, tools, and technologies. This commitment ensures they’re always at the industry’s forefront, poised to harness and integrate emerging innovations.Comprehensive System Understanding
Within the intricate realm of medtech, success often boils down to an engineer’s proficiency in comprehending intertwined systems. Exceptional automation engineers adopt a holistic approach, recognizing how distinct elements fuse within a broader network. This overarching vision allows them to predict and mitigate potential domino effects, guaranteeing their solutions are efficient in isolation and synergize within the extensive medtech manufacturing matrix.Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Teamwork
In medtech manufacturing, no solution emerges in isolation. Exceptional automation engineers understand the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. They are adept at working alongside professionals in various departments, from production to quality control. This team-oriented mindset allows them to pool diverse expertise, ensuring comprehensive solutions that account for the full spectrum of challenges in medtech. By fostering open communication and embracing the insights of colleagues from different backgrounds, they ensure solutions are innovative and precise.Looking Ahead
The journey of the medtech manufacturing industry reveals a tale of relentless innovation and resilience, from breakthroughs achieved in experimental settings to the deep-rooted values of a dynamic organizational culture. As we reflect on past achievements, our focus remains on the promises of tomorrow. This synergy between state-of-the-art technology and the indomitable human spirit sets the stage for emerging medtech manufacturing discoveries.In an industry accelerating at an unprecedented pace, we’re challenged to be more than observers; we’re called to act boldly and with conviction on behalf of our clients. Our ambition to spearhead this movement is fueled by a seamless fusion of visionary engineers and manufacturing leaders, cutting-edge facilities, and a culture that fervently promotes innovation. Within this landscape, automation engineering emerges as a critical field, calling to those with bold visions. It beckons them to redefine the contours of medtech manufacturing, playing a pivotal role in shaping healthcare’s trajectory.
As we stand at this transformative juncture, the medtech manufacturing collective is poised not merely to adapt but to steer the industry’s evolution. Armed with multidisciplinary teams and powered by the newest technologies and strong organizational values, we march forward brimming with possibility, charting innovative pathways, and with a steadfast commitment to reshaping global medtech manufacturing.
John Shegda is the visionary CEO of KMM Group Ltd., with over 35 years of industry experience. His career includes the leadership of M&S Grinding since 2008, the inception of Meron Medical in 2012, and the subsequent merger that formed KMM in 2020. As a former president of the NTMA-Philadelphia-Delaware Valley Chapter, he championed the NTAP Regional Apprenticeship Program, earning him a national accolade of excellence. Shegda’s influence extends to various advisory boards, and he frequently graces national and regional stages and podcasts, sharing his insights and inspiring budding professionals.