The Rising Importance of Credentials Backed by State Recognition
As states look for ways to strengthen their workforce pipelines, state-approved credentialing lists create a standard around which schools can qualify for funding, which programs districts prioritize, and which skills carry weight with employers and post-secondary institutions.
For districts, the benefits are significant. Credentials that appear on a state‑approved list often provide access to targeted grants and incentive programs, including federal support through Perkins V. These funding streams help schools offset the real costs of running high‑quality technical programs like equipment, instructor training and certification fees. That funding stream gives administrators clearer financial rationale when proposing new pathways. In many states, the presence of an approved credential can be the deciding factor for whether a program moves forward.
The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) have seen their credentials gain traction as states increasingly align approved lists with employer demand. When a credential is vetted at the state level, it signals to manufacturers and other sectors that students are learning skills tied to real labor‑market needs. That validation strengthens partnerships between schools and employers and gives students a more direct line to high‑demand careers.
As more states refine their credentialing frameworks, the influence of these approved lists is likely to grow, shaping not only which programs schools offer but how students prepare for the economy they will enter.
Wisconsin Incentive Grants
Wisconsin offers one of the clearest examples of how effective this approach can be. The Career and Technical Education Incentive Grant program is a statewide effort designed to strengthen the talent pipeline in industries facing critical workforce shortages. Administered by the Department of Workforce Development in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Technical College System, the program provides financial incentives to school districts that help students earn industry‑recognized certifications aligned with high‑demand occupations.
Students can earn approved industry certifications at any point during their high school experience, and districts submit claims for incentive funding in the year those students graduate. The structure is intentionally simple: if a graduate has earned at least one certification from the state’s approved list, the district can submit for a grant. Over the last few years, it has only taken a few students earning a single SACA certification to fully cover the cost of a school’s annual SACA membership.
This flywheel effect can bring significant additional funding into a CTE program to support ongoing costs and expansion. That’s the beauty of the SACA cost structure combined with a statewide certification incentive program.
Tom Martin, Career and Life Ready Coordinator for CESA 3, commented on the program. “Being included on Wisconsin’s CTE Incentive Grant List does far more than simply recognize a credential—it fundamentally elevates its visibility, credibility, and market value across education, workforce, and industry systems.”
New SACA Micro-Credentials Recognized for Grants
SACA’s four associate level certifications have been on the CTE Incentive Grant list for more than 5 years. Beginning for the 2026-2027 school year, 17 additional SACA micro-credentials will be available as approved certifications.
They include:
- C201 – Electrical Systems
- C202 – Electrical Motor Control Systems
- C203 – Variable Frequency Drive Systems
- C204 – Motor Control Troubleshooting
- C205 – Sensor Logic Systems
- C206 – Electrical System Installation
- C207 – Programmable Controller Systems
- C208 – Programmable Logic Controller Troubleshooting
- C209 – Pneumatic Systems
- C210 – Mechanical Power Systems
- C211 – Industry 4.0 Total Productive Maintenance
- C212 – Ethernet Communications
- C213 – Smart Sensor and Identification Systems
- C214 – Smart Factory Systems
- C215 – Robot Systems Operations
- C216 – Robot Systems Integration
- C255 – Hydraulic Systems
Strategic Advantages and ROI
Many states directly tie funding to the attainment of approved credentials, ensuring that dollars flow toward programs that produce measurable, workforce‑aligned outcomes. This creates a powerful financial incentive for districts to adopt and maintain programs aligned to the approved list. When a single credential can generate hundreds or even thousands of dollars in state support, districts have a clear pathway to offset costs.
Being on a state‑approved list also carries weight with employers. These lists are typically developed with input from industry partners and informed by labor market data, meaning the credentials included are those that employers recognize, value, and trust. When a credential is vetted at the state level, it gains credibility that resonates with hiring managers and workforce boards. This validation helps ensure that students graduate with skills that are not only relevant but also aligned with real job requirements. This alignment strengthens relationships with local employers and reinforces the value of their CTE offerings.
Martin explains, “Programs are changing their scope and sequence based on community input. Our professional educators are seeking externships, shadows and other exposure points to better understand how to prepare their students for the jobs that are local, sustainable and that only need age and credentials for entry. Credentials are education’s way to say, ‘we are ready for business,’ meaning they are working extremely hard to ensure every member of the class of 26’ is ready for the world!”
Finally, state‑approved credentials provide districts with stronger justification when proposing new programs. Whether a school is seeking funding for an advanced manufacturing lab or requesting approval from a school board, being able to point to credentials on the state list strengthens the case. A district proposing a new advanced manufacturing course, for example, can demonstrate not only student outcomes but also the funding opportunities tied to those outcomes. This combination of educational value and financial sustainability makes program adoption more attainable and more compelling for decision‑makers.
Wisconsin demonstrates just how effective this approach can be. By connecting its approved certification list to workforce priorities and tying it directly to financial incentives, the state has created a system where schools are encouraged and supported to offer programs that prepare students for high‑demand careers. Districts gain access to sustainable funding, students earn credentials that matter, and employers benefit from a more skilled talent pipeline.
As more states look for ways to strengthen their CTE ecosystems, Wisconsin’s example offers a clear path forward. When states elevate high‑value credentials and back them with meaningful incentives, they create conditions where schools can innovate, students can thrive, and industry can trust the skills emerging from the classroom.
Interested in having your institution become a SACA member? Check out our full member benefits for industry and education.
Looking to see what certifications your organization can utilize in training or programming? Check out our current list of credentials.
Want to learn more about the best use cases of SACA certifications across the country? Join us at the SACA National Conference August 10-11, 2026 in Menomonie, WI.
Inside the Making of a SACA Certification
What are SACA certifications and how are they developed?
In a time when technology is advancing faster than ever, it’s almost impossible to avoid conversations about Industry 4.0. As smart devices, connected systems, and data‑driven processes become the backbone of modern operations, employers need workers who can navigate this complexity with confidence.
That’s where the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) comes in. SACA certifications provide tangible proof of both intellectual knowledge and hands-on skills.
What truly sets SACA apart is how these certifications are built. They’re built by industry, for industry, through a rigorous, collaborative process that brings together leading industry experts from around the world.
I think anyone that works in industry right now feels the need for highly skilled technicians with the way manufacturing is headed with industry 4.0, the need for highly skilled and trained individuals, especially younger individuals coming right out of high school is heavily needed in the industry.”
– Ian Barnes, Sr Training Instructor, Rivian
Developing International Skill Standards
The development of a SACA certification starts with the development of skill standards. Skill standards are performance specifications that identify the knowledge and competencies an individual needs to succeed in a specific topic area. They document the skills, knowledge, and performance standards that employers require from their workers, and serve as a vehicle to communicate that information to education and training providers.
The first step of truly industry-backed certifications is forming a technical workgroup of subject matter experts from industry-leading companies. These workgroups will meet several times to develop a draft standard that is then sent out for regional validation across the United States and internationally.
These regional validation meetings pull in their local industry experts to review the standards and offer any feedback on regional specifications that may need to be addressed. The technical workgroup will meet for a final time to adjust the standards from this feedback. Once approved, the standards become published as a national industry standard that can be used by other organizations and for curriculum development.
Development of Certification Exams
Once skill standards have been approved, another technical workgroup begins the process of developing both cognitive and hands-on assessments. SACA certifications are aligned to ISO 17024, so they follow a detailed systematic process to ensure that the examinations are both valid and reliable.
Validity is the ability of the exam to measure that which it is intended to measure. Reliability is the index of how accurately the examination measures the candidate’s skills and is a necessary condition to achieve exam validity.
Industry experts serving on technical workgroups start by conducting a comprehensive job task analysis grounded in the nationally recognized skill standards. This ensures every certification reflects the real tasks, technologies, and responsibilities found in modern connected workplaces, not outdated assumptions or isolated competencies.
From there, the workgroups translate those findings into a detailed exam blueprint. This blueprint becomes the roadmap for the entire credential, outlining the knowledge, hands‑on skills, and performance expectations that must be measured.
Every item then undergoes a rigorous review and validation process. Industry and education partners evaluate each question and task to confirm accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current technologies. Once validated, the items are assembled into pilot exams and offered to members for pilot testing.
After pilot testing, SACA conducts a statistical analysis of the results to identify patterns, validate item performance, and refine the exam. This data‑driven approach allows the organization to construct multiple equivalent exam forms, ensuring fairness and consistency across testing environments. With the forms finalized, SACA establishes the passing score using industry‑accepted standard‑setting methods that reflect true job readiness.
But the process doesn’t end there. Because technology and workforce needs evolve rapidly, SACA provides ongoing test maintenance and updates to keep pace with Industry 4.0 advancements.
The Value of SACA Certifications
In today’s connected operations, the difference between knowing about a technology and knowing how to work with it is enormous. That’s why hands‑on certifications have become so valuable. They move beyond theoretical understanding and require individuals to demonstrate real skills on real equipment.
SACA’s vision is to provide certifications that significantly increase the number of individuals who possess the skills represented by these credentials. This will ensure that companies have the highly-skilled workers they need, and individuals are prepared to be successful in Smart Factory jobs.
For employers, this level of validation is indispensable. It eliminates guesswork and provides clear evidence that a candidate can step into a modern facility and contribute from day one. For educators, SACA certifications provide a standardize set of competencies validated by industry around which programs and courses can be designed.
Being built by industry experts, SACA certifications are directly made for industry needs. These experts know which technologies are being adopted, which skills are in short supply, and which tasks truly separate a job‑ready technician from someone who still needs training. Their insight keeps SACA certifications grounded in real workflows, real equipment, and real expectations, giving employers confidence that certified individuals can step into modern operations and contribute right away.
Are you interested in utilizing SACA certifications for your own company’s training? Learn more about Industry Memberships here. And see 3 Reasons World-Class Manufacturers Hire Candidates with SACA Certifications.
Are you a school looking at preparing your students for a career in Industry 4.0? Learn more about Education Memberships here.
Want to learn more about the best use cases of SACA certifications across the country? Join us at the SACA National Conference August 10-11, 2026 in Menomonie, WI.
- Published in Posts, Technology
SACA Releases New Credentials for Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Battery Fundamentals
The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) is pleased to announce the release of five new credentials covering electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and battery fundamentals into pilot testing.
- C-110 Lithium-Ion Battery Fundamentals
- C-111 EV/Battery Precision Inspection
- C-112 EV/Battery Manufacturing Systems 1
- C-113 EV/Battery Maintenance Operations
- C-114 EV/Battery Manufacturing Systems 2
These credential standards cover core competencies of EV battery manufacturing, including: lithium-ion battery technology, electrical components of battery and hybrid vehicles, foundational measurement skills, manufacturing and production, preventative and predictive maintenance, and quality. Full descriptions of each credential can be found here.
As automakers, suppliers, and advanced manufacturers accelerate their transition to electrification, the demand for technicians with validated EV manufacturing and battery competencies has surged. SACA’s new certifications provide a standardized, industry‑recognized pathway for developing and verifying those skills.
Developed in collaboration with leading automotive manufacturers, the “Big Three”, workforce organizations, and industry associations, SACA’s EV Manufacturing and Battery Certifications focus on the core competencies required for safe, effective work in EV production, battery assembly, testing, and maintenance environments.
Drew Coleman, Senior Director of MichAuto, highlighted the upcoming certifications stating, “There is a solution that we’re building, that will help [educators] prepare their schools and their students for this technology.”
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. manufacturing landscape. With billions of dollars in EV and battery investments underway nationwide, these credentials provide a critical tool for workforce development programs, community colleges, high schools, and employers seeking to build talent pipelines for high‑growth electrification careers.
SACA would like to thank the following organizations for their participation in the pilot process of these micro-credentials: Alamance Community College, Guilford Technical College, Henry Ford College, Ivy Tech-Kokomo Campus, Jackson College, Lucid Motors, Mott Community College, Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative (MWTEC), Oakland Community College, Ogeechee Technical College, Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, Randolph Community College, Truckee Meadows Community College, West Georgia Technical College.
Thanks to these organizations and their expertise on the skills and competencies needed for today’s smart manufacturing workforce, SACA was able to create these new nationally recognized, occupation-driven standards.
- Published in News, Technology
New Collaborative Robot System Operations Certification Announced by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance
Collaborative robots (cobots) are rapidly reshaping modern manufacturing, blending human problem solving with robotic precision since they first gained widespread attention in 2008. As industries adopt more advanced automation, the demand for technicians who understand how to safely operate, program, and collaborate with these systems is accelerating.
A cobot is a type of automation designed to work directly alongside human operators, sharing tasks and physical space in a way traditional industrial robots can’t. Their purpose isn’t to replace people but to enhance human capability, handling repetitive, precise, or ergonomically challenging tasks while workers focus on problem‑solving, quality, and higher‑value responsibilities. This human‑robot partnership is becoming a defining feature of modern smart manufacturing.
To support this shift, the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) has developed a new certification that assesses and validates individuals’ understanding of cobot technology. These standards are being built with direct input from industry and education partners to ensure they reflect the competencies needed on today’s smart factory floor.
The Importance of Cobot Certifications
A certification in collaborative robotics is becoming increasingly valuable as industries accelerate their adoption of human‑robot teamwork. Because effective cobot integration relies on strong safety practices and a strong understanding of how robots operate, employers need assurance that workers have been trained to meet these expectations. A recognized credential signals that an individual understands the safety standards, interaction principles, and technical skills required to work productively with cobots.
It also demonstrates readiness for continuous learning as the technology evolves. In a workforce where human‑robot collaboration is quickly becoming the norm, certifications provide a trusted way for employers to identify talent that is prepared, capable, and aligned with modern automation needs.
As with all SACA certifications, the development of the Collaborative Robot System Operations 1 credential began with a technical work group to define the industry-standard competencies required for working with collaborative robot technology.
Comprised of leading global robotics manufacturers, technical experts and education leaders, the work group partnered with Vincennes University and its Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, who hosted the event.
Kimberly Wright, Director of the Center, says, “This new certification reflects the power of collaboration between education and industry. By working with SACA, Vincennes University is able to embed industry-driven credentials into our career pathways, ensuring learners are prepared for the evolving demands of collaborative robotics and advanced manufacturing.”
Collaborative Robot System Operations
The Collaborative Robot System Operations 1 credential certifies individuals to safely operate and program a collaborative robot within an industrial collaborative workspace. Skills include identifying and applying collaborative safety principles, how automation safety devices function, defining soft-limits, and employing a virtual safety fence in software. Individuals will develop foundational programming skills, including recording and touching up motion points, creating variable arrays for position recording, and using logic operations.
Obtaining a cobot certification strengthens a student’s knowledge of advanced manufacturing systems. As facilities integrate more automation, employers need individuals who understand how to operate, program, and monitor these systems with precision and confidence. Learning cobot fundamentals gives students the technical fluency required to contribute on day one in environments where automation and human oversight are tightly interconnected.
This certification arrives at a pivotal moment for industry and education alike. As collaborative robots become standard tools on the modern factory floor, employers need a reliable way to identify individuals who can operate, program, and maintain these systems safely and effectively.
By aligning its standards with real industrial practices and emerging workforce needs, SACA gives members a clear pathway to evaluate how their current programs measure up and where they may need to evolve.
The full certification description is available to all SACA members, and we encourage institutions to review the standards closely. Doing so provides a clear picture of how existing programs can align with the certification requirements and where updates or redevelopment may be needed to fully support this emerging area of collaborative automation.
Interested in having your institution become a SACA member? Check out our full member benefits for industry and education.
- Published in News, Technology
“SACA Has Provided Me With Critical Skills”: A Conversation with Alex Topalovic
Alex Topalovic, a Project Manager at northern Indiana-based enFocus and recent Conexus Rising 30 award recipient, completed SACA C-101 and C-102 certifications in the spring of 2022 at the Ivy Tech -Elkhart/South Bend campus. We sat down with him to discuss why he chose to pursue SACA certifications and how he believes they’ve strengthened his understanding of advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML).
Topalovic is a native of Belgrade-Serbia, studied Global Management (‘19) at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and then received a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Topalovic also completed internships at the Richmond Baking Company and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, competed in supply chain competitions at ASCM Deloitte and Conexus Rolls-Royce, and co-founded Digital Leader, an IT startup / platform that helps high school teachers develop digital leadership and technology skills among their students.
Topalovic is also a recent winner of the Conexus Rising 30 award given to people under 30 years of age that are “bringing exceptional leadership and innovative thinking to bear on [advanced manufacturing and logistics] toughest challenges.” Conexus Indiana is a non-profit initiative that facilitates industry, academic, and public sector partnerships to position “the Hoosier State as the best place for advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to innovate, invest, employ and succeed.” Of the award, Topalovic said, “Conexus has allowed me to make several connections in the state and work to further bettering Indiana’s manufacturing industries.”
Currently working as a Project Manager at enFocus, Topalovic has been praised for playing a key role in actionable process improvements to “sharpen supply chain, manufacturing, R&D, and market access,” including the deployment of Transformation XP, which “helps companies improve on-time delivery, reduce stock outages, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.”
“I work for enFocus because there are many opportunities in AML in the state of Indiana,” says Topalovic, “so I help with talent development and recruitment to the state. Working with organizations like the University of Notre Dame and the Eli Lilly Endowment, Inc., we create innovative research projects to attract and retain talent in South Bend area.” Specifically, in regards to Notre Dame, Topalovic works with iNDustry Labs, the university’s platform for collaborating with local industry.
SACA Certifications
Manufacturers looking to improve efficiency and increase productivity are increasingly looking to advanced Industry 4.0 technologies to automate their operations and processes. Technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming modern manufacturing facilities, but their adoption is not without hurdles.
In the spring of 2022, Topalovic completed Gold Certifications in C-101 (March 23,2022) and C-102 (May 17, 2022) within the Ivy Tech’s Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration program. Topalovic says that his past experience with Rolls Royce and Deloitte Fiat prompted him to attain SACA certifications so that he could better understand the concepts and skills outlined in the C-101 and C-102 Credentials.
“SACA has provided me with critical skills through hands-on training, curriculum, and multimedia. I like the Silver and Gold certifications and the clear pathways through the program to achieve industry specific skills,” says Topalovic. Further, he said, “I like how the clear understanding of certification hierarchy levels, hands-on training skills, and curriculum follow the course well.”
Not only was Topalovic satisfied with his SACA experience, but he’s also said that he’s looking forward to attaining higher level SACA credentials in the future and has recommended SACA certifications. “I see several other businesses using SACA certifications. I have recommended these certifications to several co-workers.”
Topalovic particularly praised the Gold-level SACA certifications, which reinforce skills with hands-on practice and ensure that people can demonstrate practical application of the skills that they have learned: “Amatrol training equipment and materials helped with understanding course content. The equipment provided by Amatrol in Ivy Tech Training facility was of high quality and amazing how it was able to teach all the course concepts. This differs from other certifications I have taken in the past which do not have equipment to supplement course content.”
Overall, Topalovic not only has an optimistic outlook on SACA Certifications and their application, but the future of AML in the state of Indiana as a whole:
“Indiana’s business friendly practices coupled with strong emphasis from government leadership and organizations including Conexus to promote Advancing AML have led to Indiana being one of the leading manufacturing states. Indiana is a great state with great culture. The people work extremely hard and the industries surrounding Northern Indiana provide many opportunities for professionals to Advance their career in AML. Manufacturing is vital to Indiana’s economy and ranks as one of the top states in nation in relation to the percentage of state GDP. I am very proud to be a part of this!”
To learn more about SACA, please download our brochure or read an interview with our Executive Director, Jim Wall.
- Published in News, Technology
Do Your Students Have the Skills They Need to Succeed in the Workplace of Today and Tomorrow?
How do you shop today? Today’s consumers probably don’t give it much thought, but the ways in which we learn about, shop for, purchase, and ultimately receive the products we want and need has undergone a seismic shift in the last few decades.
Once upon a time, people might have learned about a product by seeing it on a store shelf or in a paper catalog. Today, catalogs tend to be hard to find and many people accomplish most of their shopping without ever entering a brick-and-mortar store.
Instead, the Internet offers instant gratification at your fingertips. A quick search, a few clicks or taps, and all sorts of things you never knew you needed will appear on your doorstep in just a day or two. In fact, the rise of e-commerce has shifted the landscape of the modern workplace, replacing retail jobs with new opportunities in warehouses and fulfillment centers.
These modern jobs continue to evolve as employers grapple with a shortage of skilled workers and the implementation of advanced automation technologies. Today’s instructors responsible for preparing the next generation of workers must take a hard look at whether or not their students have the skills they need to succeed in the workplace of today and tomorrow.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the opportunities available in the modern e-commerce workplace, the effect of advanced automation technologies, the skills future workers will need, and how the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) can help instructors ensure they’re setting up their students for success.
The Future of Work is Here
Today’s students will find that the modern world of e-commerce offers a wealth of opportunities, mostly with companies that have become household names. While working in a warehouse or fulfillment center might not sound like it’s on the cutting edge, many students will be surprised to learn what exciting career paths these places offer.
If you think about it, a lot has to happen for you to pick up your phone, order a product via an app, and have that product delivered to your home in a matter of only a day or two. The logistics underlying the modern supply chain are both impressive and challenging.
In an Industry Today article, author Carl Schweihs puts it this way:
“It’s no secret that technology is changing the way warehouses work. From robots and cobots that can do repetitive work to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and internet-connected devices that improve the ability to produce products, track productivity and identify maintenance needs, automation is no longer the future – it is the present. More warehouse leaders look to integrate technology into their operations each day. A 2021 survey of manufacturers by industrial staffing firms Staff Management | SMX and SIMOS Solutions showed that more than half were looking to automate parts of the facility in the next five years, with one-quarter planning to implement new technology as soon as possible.”
With continuing problems finding enough skilled workers to fill all of the open positions, it’s no wonder that companies are looking to advanced automation technologies to keep up with the pace of progress. Some people believe this means robots will take all the jobs in the future, but experts disagree.
Robots: It’s Not Us vs. Them
When you hear about companies implementing advanced automation technologies, it can be easy to jump to the conclusion that human workers are losing their jobs and being replaced by machines. However, according to Schweihs, “[t]he idea that robots will ultimately end up replacing people is a false dichotomy that simply isn’t backed up by data.”
In fact, Schweihs believes that “[t]he future of warehouse work won’t be people versus machines, but people and machines.” As advanced automation technologies take over repetitive, dangerous work, human workers will be tasked with more complex tasks that will ultimately provide greater job satisfaction.
In his article, he notes that “adding technology shouldn’t mean removing jobs. Instead of focusing on what robots can do, companies need to think about what their people can do – and how they can make the most impact by working with new technologies.”
What we will see as companies implement these new technologies is a shift in the types of jobs humans will do, as well as the skills they will need to do those jobs. Schweihs notes:
“In the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2020 report, 43% of businesses surveyed planned to move toward technology that will replace jobs, but the report showed that those moves could create up to 97 million new roles…Technology will be essential, but so will people. The only difference is that they will no longer be doing only step-by-step work to move a product from one end of the warehouse to another.”
Future Workers Need Different Skills
The workplace of the future – and in many cases, the present – will require workers with different skills than they’ve previously needed. Schweihs sees a future in which workers “will be skilled in both working with technology and in more intricate processes and functions.”
“From expertise in systems and processes to complex tasks, companies need people who can make decisions and perform work that technology can’t handle. And because no automated system can be online 100 percent of the time, actual humans will be there to pick up the slack,” insists Schweihs.
Schweihs believes “the jobs of the future will continue to evolve into more complex work that will improve both output and productivity. Future warehouse jobs will be a mix of complex tasks assisted by technology, existing roles supplemented by technology, and new jobs that will help with output and production.” One thing is clear: in the warehouses and fulfillment centers of the present and future, connected systems skills will be more important than ever.
Unfortunately, many instructors feel overwhelmed with the prospect of preparing their students with these new skills their students will need to succeed in the future workplace. What skills should they teach, and how will their students prove to prospective employers that they possess the skills that will let them hit the ground running? The answer to these questions can be found in the smart automation certifications offered by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance.
SACA Certifications Outline Clear Pathways for Student Success
As Schweihs notes in his article, “[t]he jobs of the future are coming, but it pays to get started now…The warehouse of the future is not simply a dark cavern full of machines. It will be a lively place with workers using the knowledge and skills they learn…to ensure that any technology added to the workflow is working well and serving everyone’s needs.”
The Smart Automation Certification Alliance sits at the forefront of the effort to certify students who demonstrate the required knowledge and hands-on smart automation skills employers so desperately need. SACA provides a wide variety of certifications that ensure future workers have the connected systems skills employers require.
To learn more about advanced automation certifications and how SACA can help educational institutions begin the task of bridging the Industry 4.0 skills gap, instructors should contact SACA for more information. The process begins by forging partnerships with local industries to determine the types of jobs they need to fill and what skills those roles require.
With a solid industry-education partnership forming the foundation of your effort to create new career pathways for your students, you can then choose the right credentials to validate the skills employers are seeking. Fortunately, you don’t have to recreate the wheel.
SACA offers many credentials to facilitate career pathways to successful new careers for students. For example, here are just a few of the subject matter areas in which SACA offers credentials: electrical, motor control, programmable controllers, mechanical, pneumatics, hydraulics, automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, robotics, electronic sensors, smart factory operations, process control, Ethernet communications, networking, data analytics, and predictive maintenance.
- Published in News
Identifying specialists within the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Supply chain issues persist within the global manufacturing industry. Although nimble companies have found ways to navigate the issues brought about by COVID19, experts still anticipate concerns continuing through 2022, caused by the lingering effects of the pandemic and other global events.
One of the most pervasive issues stems from the reality that domestic manufacturing relies heavily on components made in other countries. While efforts are being made to mend this, in particular attempts to re-instate the component manufacturing industry in the US, it’s clear that this industry will reemerge in a different way with a focus on mechanization and automation.
The foundation of a long term strategy to mitigate these problems in the future will involve leveraging the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which presents a groundbreaking opportunity for data capture at each step of a manufacturing process.
This extensive study by Inmarsat indicates that many manufacturing companies are either already using or anticipate using IIoT to enhance their productivity. A smart factory can track all elements of the production chain and communicate information and even anticipations within the network.
In addition to valuably capturing data, a smart-automation chain can perform pre-emptive actions based on the needs of the incoming workload; for example submitting a work-order for components required on the production line, utilizing a company’s secure industrial WLAN.
Unlike residential (or office) WiFi, an industrial system transfers small amounts of data, and as such requires a small amount of power but must remain uninterrupted. Knowledge of the specificities of these systems is essential to optimize an efficient order-to-customer pipeline.
Because of innovations like re-programmable robots and even rent-a-bot companies emerging, there is much less danger of expensive built-in obsolescence and more opportunity for network, automation and programming specialists within manufacturing companies.
Companies searching for highly-skilled workers to ease their supply chain disruptions want to make sure that potential employees actually have the skills to excel without significant additional training. That’s why industry-standard certifications are important for supply chain workers. They provide employers with evidence that a worker has the knowledge and hands-on skills to work with today’s advanced technologies.
Industrytoday.com states that ‘new developments in automation are allowing small manufacturers to meet demand while helping with American competitiveness’. Today’s workers need more advanced technical and technological skills than ever before. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough workers with these skills to fill the many roles available today, creating what is known throughout industry as the “skills gap.” Modern businesses must ensure that their workers have up-to-date, relevant accredited skills. How can companies be sure that their employees are at the correct skill-level?
The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) focuses on connected-systems skills and leads the effort to certify students and workers who demonstrate the required knowledge and hands-on smart automation skills employers so desperately need. SACA professional development opportunities provide extensive training courses to equip teachers to promote Industry 4.0 certifications. These professional development opportunities are offered throughout the year at regional centers. Courses last 3-5 days each. Upon successful completion of each course, teachers will be certified in the process of examining students for a given credential and administrating a certification preparation course.
To learn more about Industry 4.0 certifications and how SACA can help both educational institutions and industry employers begin the task of bridging the Industry 4.0 skills gap, contact SACA for more information.
Header Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash
- Published in News
Can Smart Manufacturing Transform the Food Industry?
What types of products do you buy online? Today, the answer to that question for many people is just about anything and everything. Things haven’t always been that way, though.
In the earliest days of e-commerce, consumers got their feet wet in the online marketplace purchasing products that were known quantities that could be shipped safely and cheaply. More personal items, such as clothing and shoes, retained a foothold in brick-and-mortar stores where customers could try things on to ensure a good fit.
Fast forward to today and it’s easy to see how drastically e-commerce has changed the retail landscape. Some people now purchase all of their goods exclusively online. There are still certain areas, though, where e-commerce has been slow to gain traction. For example, the food industry has yet to replace a trip to the grocery store with an online experience…until recently.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed much about how we live our lives, including that once-simple trip to the grocery store. Now, more and more people are doing their grocery shopping online or via a smartphone app and having their groceries delivered directly to their car at the store.
As a result, the food industry finds itself in need of a transformation to respond to changing realities driven by consumer demand. Experts believe that transformation will come through a variety of new smart manufacturing technologies.
Consumer Demand Driving Changes
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, no one fully understood the ways in which our lives would change over the course of the coming months. Routine, everyday tasks, such as shopping for groceries, were suddenly fraught with the potential for exposure to the deadly virus.
Retail grocers were faced with simultaneously managing intense supply chain disruptions that left many shelves bare and customers who wanted as little contact with other shoppers as possible. The solution for many was to pair online shopping (often via an app) with curbside delivery.
Shopping for food online was a new experience for most customers. It didn’t take long, however, for most people to figure out that they could compare prices across various stores just like they would for any other online purchase.
The effect of these changes on the food industry has been significant. As author Katy Askew notes in a recent FoodNavigator article, the food industry is being forced “to rapidly adapt their processes and products to keep up with changing markets” resulting from “elevated consumer expectations.”
Smart Manufacturing to the Rescue
How can food and beverage companies keep up with these rapid changes? Askew spoke with Andrew Smith, Regional Segment Leader – Process & Packaging OEMs at Rockwell Automation, which recently became a Platinum Member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).
According to Smith, “To remain competitive, food and beverage manufacturing systems must optimize productivity and perform at the highest standard. This requires comprehensive and continuous operations improvement.” Increasingly, the food industry is turning to smart manufacturing to achieve those goals.
Smith believes in the potential of smart manufacturing:
“Connected, information-enabled manufacturing – or smart manufacturing – can make all the difference. New technologies are helping food and beverage manufacturers better understand and use their food processing operations. Smart manufacturing can help improve asset utilization, increase yield, drive workforce productivity, optimize resource management, and mitigate security risks.”
Not convinced yet? Smith points to Hillshire Brands as a prime example of what smart manufacturing can do. After the company began using a manufacturing intelligence system at a Texas plant, “the food manufacturer reduced inedible product and waste goals to 0.8% – saving about 5.5 million corn dogs per year.”
Technologies Changing the Game
The impact of smart technologies is not lost on the average person today. Whether it’s the smartphone in your hand or the smart thermostat keeping your home the perfect temperature, nearly every aspect of life has been impacted by advances in technology
Modern manufacturers are no exception, including food and beverage companies. According to Smith, “New developments in technology are redefining food and beverage manufacturing. By combining the Internet of Things, wireless and mobile technologies, data analytics, and network infrastructure, companies can access and act on the data from their operations before a potential problem arises.”
Askew notes in her article that Smith identified five advanced technologies he believes will drive greater adoption of smart manufacturing technologies in the food industry:
Flexible Manufacturing
Flexible manufacturing focuses on how quickly a company can adapt to change. As Matt Graves and Rachel Wilson explain in an article on the Rockwell Automation blog, “It’s about creating a seamless flow from need to delivery. True flexibility empowers manufacturers to stay in tune with their market, by replacing rigid and static operating models with levels of control and responsiveness never previously thought possible.”
When it comes to integrating new technologies, though, the authors stress that companies must not forget about the people using those technologies:
“When it comes to embracing Industry 4.0, integration between departments is key. While new technology can bring data and systems together, getting your people to communicate/collaborate is just as important – and absolutely essential if you want to gain the maximum return on investment.”
Augmented Reality
As Askew notes in her article, “Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to view and interact with real-world environments through computer generated superimposed images. It enables workers to perform better and avoid safety and compliance risks by providing easy access to the information they need online.”
In smart manufacturing, companies use AR to help technicians troubleshoot problems in real time. For example, maintenance personnel can use an AR app on a smartphone or tablet to zero in on exactly what component of a machine may be malfunctioning and develop a solution more quickly, thereby reducing equipment downtime.
Predictive Maintenance
The heart of smart manufacturing is the collection, processing, analysis, and application of the tremendous amounts of data (sometimes called “big data”) generated by the production process. According to Askew, companies will use “powerful machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics software to offer predictive and prescriptive maintenance.”
Practically, this means that machines equipped with smart sensors can monitor their own performance. Technicians will receive alerts from machines when maintenance needs are imminent, allowing them to maintain and repair equipment before breakdowns occur, thereby reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Edge Computing
A Rockwell Automation article explains edge computing in this way:
“Edge computing combines a machine’s control and computing hardware into one platform, either with a controller that has a built-in computer or with a computing module that sits on the same rack as the controller. With this two-in-one approach, you can put all your machine’s digital content — such as custom code, the controller’s human-machine interface (HMI) application and any third-party software programs — right where the controller resides, rather than in another location. This creates inherent benefits for end users, including space savings and access to data right at its source. But it also creates new opportunities for you to build entirely new solutions for production applications.”
According to Askew, “Edge computing will complement existing cloud infrastructure by enabling real-time data processing where work is done (for example, motors, pumps, generators, or other sensors). Implementing integrated analytics from the edge to the cloud will help these companies maximize the value of investments in digital systems.”
Digital Twin/Digital Thread
In addition to augmented reality apps, companies are also using advanced digital tools to assist with troubleshooting, such as digital twins and the Digital Thread. According to Askew, a digital twin is “the collection of data created in software representing a real-life system. Machines, controllers, processes, workflow, and any other aspect of a system can be represented digitally, without any interruption to ongoing activities.”
Similar to a digital twin, the Digital Thread “creates a virtual representation of how data travels within a company. The Digital Thread enables supervisory enhancements throughout the supply chain, including delivery of work instructions to operators, quality control sampling, and automated activation of components and materials from vendors, suppliers, and partners”
What can these technologies do for the food industry? Askew paints an interesting view of a future that’s probably a lot closer than we think:
“In the near future, we will see that by interconnecting business systems through the Digital Thread, companies will practically start up new production lines. Using the digital twins, manufacturers will run machines virtually before parts are ordered, discover control issues before support personnel review them, predict future performance challenges and opportunities, simulate line changes to stay keep up with changing customer demands, and will train new staff in non-stop systems of activity.”
SACA Certifications Validate Industry 4.0 Skills
Employees in the food and beverage industry would do well to complement their current skillset with advanced Industry 4.0 skills that will help them change and grow with advances in technology. For those workers wanting to specialize in Industry 4.0 technologies, the certifications offered by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance are a great place to start. SACA offers industry-standard certifications that focus on “connected systems” skills. To learn more about the different types of SACA certifications, visit SACA online.
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Indiana Governor’s New Initiative Offers Free SACA Silver Certifications for Hoosiers
During Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s June 5, 2020 press conference, a new state initiative was announced that will offer 10,000 free credentials to Indiana residents that have been dislocated from their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) is one of the organizations offering credentials to displaced Hoosier at no cost. SACA’s certifications are task-based and nationally recognized in preparing individuals for rewarding careers working with advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.It’s no secret the immense role that Industry 4.0 is expected to play in the future of industrial manufacturing.
These courses can be taken online and feature virtual simulation of industrial applications, which make them ideal for preparing users for the workplace. The online delivery also allows users to practice social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Ivy Tech will coordinate enrollment of new students while Amatrol and Aidex will help to promote this opportunity to displaced Indiana residents seeking a new career path. Amatrol will also provide free access to its Learning Management System (LMS) for students enrolled in this program.
When a student completes one of the six courses, they will be eligible to sit for the associated SACA Silver Credential. SACA Silver Credentials are completed solely online while Gold Credentials involve hands-on skill demonstrations. Students are eligible to earn all six SACA Silver credentials.
People interested in these opportunities can visit YourNextStepIN.org, which is part of Indiana’s Rapid Recovery for a Better Future initiative. Lubbers said, ““Visitors to the site can talk to a real person to answer questions and help them determine the right path forward and the training options that will help them achieve their goals. These partners and tools help to connect Hoosiers to opportunities — some that already exist — and we will continue to build on these connectors in the weeks and months ahead.”
The free courses and associated SACA Credentials are as follows:
Production Operations Technician
- Certified Industry 4.0 Associate I (C-101): Students will study Industry 4.0 concepts, safety, quality, technical drawings, machine operation and maintenance, and hand tools.
- Certified Industry 4.0 Associate II (C-102): Students will study manufacturing systems performance, mechanical and fluid power systems, programmable controller systems, CNC and additive manufacturing, system communications, and mechatronics.
Multi-Skill Maintenance Technician
- Electrical Systems 1 (C-201): Students will study electrical system safety, electrical schematics and diagram, taking electrical measurements using a digital mustimeter (DMM), combination circuits, electrical circuit troubleshooting, and inductive and capacitive circuit analysis.
- Electric Motor Control Systems 1 (C-202): Students will study electric motor safety, ladder logic schematics, how to properly ground connections, transformer selection and installation, how to connect and operate a 3-phase motor, and how to connect and operate a variety of electric motor circuits including manual motor, 2/3 wire magnetic motor starter, reversing motor control, hands-off-auto motor control, and basic timer control.
- Motor Control Troubleshooting 1 (C-204): Students will study how to troubleshoot motor control components, use a clamp-on ammeter to measure motor current, and troubleshoot a variety of motor control circuits and an AC VFD motor control system.
- Pneumatic Systems 1 (C-209): Students will study pneumatic system safety procedures, pneumatic schematics interpretation, how to connect and adjust pneumatic supply lines, how to start up and shut down a reciprocating air compressor, how to connect and operate basic pneumatic circuits, how to monitor system operation, pressure and force, and how to perform basic system servicing.
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The Importance of a Smart Automation Certification
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