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.

Even in an era in which people are accustomed to rapid technological advancement, robots arouse unusual curiosity and strong emotion.

In 2014, a total of 11,625 heavy equipment thefts were reported to law enforcement - an increase of 1.2 percent from the 11,486 reported in 2013, according to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the National Equipment Register.

Most companies derive mobile apps from their websites, but Taco Bell has done the opposite. Building on the success of its e-commerce mobile app, the chain has revamped and renamed its website, extending the ability to order and pay via personal computers and tablets as well as enhancing the overall digital customer experience.

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.

Labor shortages coupled with an increasingly competitive landscape are driving the need for service innovation and enhanced shipper and 3PL provider relationships, according to the 20th Annual Third Party (3PL) Logistics Study from Capgemini Consulting, Penn State University, Penske Logistics and Korn/Ferry International.