NIST Engineer Presents at Women in Manufacturing Summit

In October 2024, NIST Researcher Rosemary Astheimer presented at the 2024 Women in Manufacturing Summit in Boston, Massachusetts. The Summit, attended by over 2,100 women, serves as a platform for advancing the roles and impact of women in the intersecting fields of manufacturing and technology. This year’s conference focused on digital transformation, exploring its promises and challenges for manufacturing leaders.

Astheimer’s presentation tackled one of the pressing issues of the manufacturing sector: leveraging a digital product definition to enhance data utilization without burdening the workforce with complex system interdependencies. While many manufacturers collect massive amounts of data, Astheimer noted that human contextualization is still heavily relied upon for data interpretation and insight. She explained how standards, such as ISO 10303, provide a structured format for capturing data which reduces human error and simplifies data flow across various systems, ultimately freeing workers to engage in higher-value, more meaningful tasks.

ISO 10303, also known as the “Standard for the Exchange of Product model data” or STEP, has been evolving for more than 25 years to support automation in manufacturing and it has been widely adopted. The standard “language” that STEP defines enables seamless communication, eliminating the need for manual data re-entry, minimizing errors, and boosting efficiency. “While it may seem daunting to adopt such standards,” Astheimer shared, “the benefits of ISO 10303 are substantial, and companies don’t need to solve every problem all at once to see a positive impact. Even incremental implementation can drive significant productivity gains.”

Astheimer also addressed the vital aspect of workforce acceptance of digital transformation. Many employees view automation as a potential threat to job security. She underscored that digital transformation does not equate to fewer jobs; it enhances employees' roles to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing industry. With systems and standards streamlining operational processes, workers can engage in more complex problem-solving and decision-making roles, advancing their careers and directly contributing to organizational goals.

Astheimer’s presentation left attendees with practical insights and approaches to begin implementing digital transformation. Starting with manageable goals, even small projects, will help demonstrate value without overwhelming available resources. Investing in training and upskilling employees to use digital tools can empower the workforce and ease concerns over job displacement. The benefits of reduced bottlenecks and improved responsiveness can be measured to demonstrate the value of using a digital approach.

The Women in Manufacturing Summit underscores the critical role of leaders in shaping the future of manufacturing. Astheimer’s work on data standards highlights how structured, systematic approaches to technology drive progress, and workforce empowerment speaks directly to the Summit's mission of supporting women’s leadership and innovation in manufacturing.