Jay Lee, director of the Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, suggests that college graduates should have fundamental knowledge in the following areas to be successful in manufacturing automation:
• Statistics tools and skills (statistical process control, variation, design of experiments)
• Quality and Six-Sigma tools (including quality function deployment)
• Optimization and Operations Research
• Mechatronics
• Manufacturing processes
• Lean Manufacturing
• Economics
• Communication and networking technologies (including wireless)
• Logistics and life cycle systems
• Controls.
Lee says that special emphasis should be placed on problem formulation (not just problem solving), good presentation skills and the ability to write clearly. International experiences would be a plus to understand global manufacturing issues.
See the story that goes with this sidebar: Staffing for Automation
