Webinar Recordings
LEAN FUELS INNOVATION: Lean Principles for AI and Automation
Whether you’re running manual processes or managing smart machines, this webinar will help you combine the power of automation with the proven strength of lean for sustainable results.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Small Wins, Big Shifts: Using AI to Boost Productivity Without Disruption
Build momentum in your digital transformation with targeted AI solutions that offer immediate value, without turning your business upside down. Start small. See results fast.
Webinar Recordings
BUILDING TALENT PIPELINES: The Power of Internship Programs
Join us for an upcoming webinar where we’ll explore how internships can become a strategic part of your talent pipeline.
Blogs
Lean Thinking in the Age of AI: Why the Future of Manufacturing Still Needs the Basics
As manufacturers embrace AI and automation, lean thinking remains essential to ensure technology amplifies efficiency, not errors, and people stay empowered to solve problems at the source.
Success Stories
Transforming Operations through Trusted Digital Partnerships
IMEC and Softweb Solutions are helping Illinois manufacturers modernize with measurable results: like a 40% faster onboarding process at Midwest Packaging and a 30% shorter sales cycle at Hennig.
News
How Illinois manufacturers turn automation into a jobs engine
Upskilled workers, improved efficiency come with continuous improvements.
Blogs
Manufacturers Speak… Supply Chain
A survey of Illinois manufacturers shows rising costs and delays are straining even U.S.-based supply chains, spotlighting the urgent need for resilience strategies.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Make Onshoring Great Again: Handbook
The Make Onshoring Great Again: Handbook gives manufacturers the tools to reshore operations, strengthen supply chains, and create U.S. jobs. Learn how to assess costs, access funding, and connect with trusted American suppliers.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
IMEC Insights: AI for Illinois Manufacturers
Discover insights into AI adoption and how peers are testing AI, building policies, and preparing for long-term integration.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Fix Your Data First: The Hidden Barrier to AI in Manufacturing
Your ERP isn’t broken, your data is. Duplicate part numbers, outdated lead times, and inventory errors are quietly draining profits. Learn how to clean up the 20% of data causing 80% of the headaches; so you can cut waste, speed delivery, and prepare for AI.
Blogs
The Importance of Properly Trained Hiring Managers and Supervisors in Manufacturing: Mastering the Interview
Proper interview training for hiring managers and supervisors is essential to building a skilled, diverse, and high-performing manufacturing workforce by improving hiring accuracy, reducing bias, and lowering turnover.
Webinar Recordings
MANUFACTURING EXPORT READINESS: Getting Your Products to Global Markets
In this practical and informative webinar, we’ll help you assess your company’s export readiness and walk you through the key steps to launching successfully in global markets.
Blogs
AI-Powered Quality Control: How to Catch Defects Before Your Customers Do
Learn how manufacturers can use AI quality control systems, like computer vision and dimensional checks. Start small, see big results with practical pilot projects.
Blogs
From Downtime to Uptime: Using AI for Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing
AI-powered predictive maintenance helps manufacturers reduce their unplanned downtime. Learn more about implementation for small and mid-sized manufacturers.
Blogs
The Future of Manufacturing: Holding on to Heart in an AI-Driven World
As AI reshapes manufacturing, the companies that will lead are those that embrace innovation without losing sight of their greatest asset, the people and values that drive meaningful progress.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Driving the Manufacturing Renaissance
Discover how Illinois can lead the next manufacturing era: insights, strategies, and opportunities await.
Discover Reliable Suppliers and Strengthen Your Supply Chain
Our cutting-edge supply chain center is designed to connect Illinois manufacturers with suppliers across the United States. Tailored specifically to support the Buy America Initiative, this initiative fosters local sourcing and empowers manufacturers to access a diverse network of reliable suppliers.
Career Pathways in Manufacturing
We created Career Pathways in Manufacturing to strengthen workforce and economic competitiveness, securing a resilient economy for the future.