Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesEngineering & Construction

RedTalks: Manufacturing Engineering Trends to Watch in 2021

Over the last half decade, the manufacturing industry has witnessed a slow but decisive shift toward trends such as automation, robotics and Industry 4.0 capabilities. However, the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these trends for many companies. What does this mean for business leaders today? Josh McNeely, the Vice President of Sales and…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Engineering & Construction teams put it to work with Partner & Channel Enablement.

Share

Over the last half decade, the manufacturing industry has witnessed a slow but decisive shift toward trends such as automation, robotics and Industry 4.0 capabilities. However, the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these trends for many companies.

What does this mean for business leaders today?

Josh McNeely, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RedViking, and Lexi Vargo, RedViking’s Director of Marketing, provide some insight into what manufacturing businesses can expect in 2021.

“We service different industries,” said McNeely, listing markets like automotive, off-highway, military, aerospace and new energy. “And, depending on the industry, we’ve seen a varying adoption of these trends.”

“But I would say the common theme through all manufacturing has really been around simplification, automation, smart connectivity with our devices and limiting risk.”

He and Vargo also note the growing importance of Industry 4.0 in recent industry discussions.

Essentially, Industry 4.0 is “bridging the physical assets of the industry with digital technologies,” Vargo said. “The more we can do that for a manufacturer and throughout the supply chain, the better they can compete with other companies and gain market share.”

This trend in particular is changing how companies operate in areas like hiring and supply chain management, and businesses that want to get ahead would do well to incorporate this trend into their own organization.

Of course, it’s important to understand the best way to implement this trend before jumping in headfirst. McNeely observed that most companies right now are taking a “staggered approach, a strategic approach. They’re limiting their investment and testing these technologies… Each industry is figuring that out for themselves.”

Subscribe to the RedTalks podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for the latest insights on manufacturing from RedViking leaders and other industry experts.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale

Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Engineering & Construction: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Engineering & Construction buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's expertise into articles, video, and social posts. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Engineering & Construction Insights

AI analytics, connected equipment, and insurer discounts converge on the 2026 construction jobsite

AI analytics, connected equipment, and insurer discounts converge on the 2026 construction jobsite

The construction job site in 2026 is set to leverage AI analytics and connected equipment technology offered by companies like Buildots, Procore, and John Deere. In addition, insurers are providing premium discounts to sites that utilize these monitoring tools. This convergence aims to enhance efficiency and reduce risks in construction projects.

  • 01AI analytics and connected equipment are being integrated into construction sites in 2026.
  • 02Companies such as Buildots, Procore, and John Deere lead this technological advancement.
  • 03Insurers offer premium discounts for construction sites that implement monitoring tools.

Jul 8, 2026

Industrial real estate roundup: USMCA trade risk, Long Island leasing surge, and the power-supply crunch reshaping logistics

Industrial real estate roundup: USMCA trade risk, Long Island leasing surge, and the power-supply crunch reshaping logistics

The industrial real estate sector is currently facing diverse challenges. USMCA trade uncertainties, a significant surge in leasing in Long Island, and power supply constraints are impacting logistics. These factors are collectively reshaping the landscape of industrial real estate.

  • 01USMCA trade uncertainties affect industrial real estate.
  • 02Long Island sees a 54% increase in leasing activity.
  • 03Power supply constraints are reshaping logistics operations.

Jul 8, 2026

YC's Summer 2026 cohort floods construction and proptech with AI back-office tools

YC's Summer 2026 cohort floods construction and proptech with AI back-office tools

Y Combinator's 2026 cohort has introduced several startups focused on disrupting the construction and proptech sectors. These startups primarily aim to enhance operational administration, project estimation, and maintenance workflow efficiencies. The integration of AI into back-office tools is a key theme among these new ventures.

  • 01Y Combinator introduced over a dozen construction and proptech startups.
  • 02Many startups focus on operational administration and estimation tools.
  • 03AI integration in back-office functions is a common trend.

Jul 8, 2026

Explore More Engineering & Construction Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Engineering & Construction.

Browse Engineering & Construction Hub