The manufacturing world is at an interesting cross road. Technology is improving how companies operate, but it also has some thinking that a career in this field is a dead end. However, the industry is trying to change that opinion.

A recent article from the January 2014 issue of Metalforming Magazine profiled Manufacturing Day. The second annual nationwide event took place on October 4. The goal is to open the doors and spread the word of what manufacturing is all about and promote a career in this field to students and others. It is a great opportunity to bring in the younger generation and inform them that the industry isn't going anywhere.

Created by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), on the day members design plant tours and informational sessions to address misperceptions about manufacturing. The article features an interview with PMA President Bill Gaskin.

"Manufacturing Day is important for PMA member companies because it allows them to raise awareness in their communities about 21st century manufacturing," Gaskin said. "Our members showed off their modern facilities that utilize computers, robots and automation. We know that counteracting outdated misperceptions with the reality of today's high tech manufacturing is the best way to address challenges like the skills gap that threaten the American manufacturing sector's growth."

While automation is playing a larger role in manufacturing, there are still important roles that need to be filled by individuals who understand not only the industry but also how to manage manufacturing ERP software that is becoming a more crucial piece of overall operations.