As the engineering industry continues to evolve, it makes sense to stay on top of new trends and how they can impact your company. From the clients you deal with to the people you hire, these trends are poised to have a quite an impact on the way engineering companies do business. Let’s take a look at the most important trends.
3D Printing
This is perhaps the most important trend in engineering and has the potential to completely revolutionize the way engineering companies do business. It is estimated that within the next decade, consumers will have greater access to 3D printers and even the materials needed to print their own parts and small tools. Over time, if this trend continues, 3D printing will definitely go mainstream.
How does this impact your business? First, if you’re not already utilizing 3D printing, now is the time to get started. You’re going to need engineers who specialize in CAD design and have the ability to quickly learn the new apps that are available, as well as the platforms that they need to use in order to effectively design. If you’re relying on creating 3D printing materials, be prepared for the industry to continually change and evolve and be open to the potential of selling this material to the general public soon.
Right now, 3D printing is just used for manufacturing parts for the automotive and aviation industry, as well as some manufacturing, but this will change. Eventually, entire vehicles may be created through the use of 3D printers.
Greater Reliance on Apps and Tablets
Today’s engineers and new graduates are relying heavily on tablets and they are using numerous engineering apps to make their lives easier. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, now is the time to start developing your own mobile apps for use within your company. Focus on apps that allow your designers to easily create as well as share 3D designs and other designs that they are creating. Your customers are also relying more heavily on this new technology and they expect you to be on the same page.
If you don’t embrace this new technology and learn to use it now, your company runs the risk of falling behind your competitors. Check to see what they are using and how they are utilizing apps and mobile interfaces to help improve their business and learn from what they are doing.
What to Look For
If you need to hire new engineers, there’s never been a better time! As engineering becomes more popular and the entire tech industry booms again, you’ll have your pic from the best talent available. However, this talent comes with a cost. Your competitors know they need to entice engineering candidates with extra benefits, like on-site dry cleaning, cafes and even “play” areas. If you want the best talent, you’re going to have to be willing to offer them something even better than your competitors.
2013 will be the year of the engineer. Are you ready to take advantage of this trend?