Industrial production was transformed by steam power in the nineteenth century, electricity in the early twentieth century, and automation in the 1970s. These waves of technological advancement did not reduce overall employment, however. Although the number of manufacturing jobs decreased, new jobs emerged and the demand for new skills grew. Today, another workforce transformation is on the horizon as manufacturing experiences a fourth wave of technological advancement: the rise of new digital industrial technologies that are collectively known as Industry 4.0.

Attention, supply management professionals: Is there a young (30 or under) "rising star" at your company who is making a big impact? ThomasNet and the Institute for Supply Management are inviting the industry to recognize these achievers as "30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars." The nomination deadline for the second annual recognition program is Oct. 30, 2015.

As trucks have become more advanced, transportations companies are increasingly in need of technicians with computer skills. But truck operators say negative perceptions of the industry are making it difficult to compete for tech-savvy talent.

The presence of a chief supply chain officer indicates a certain amount of intelligence around the boardroom.