Edwards Deming, Shigeo Shingo, Richard Morley, Eliyahu Goldratt. These are prominent names that would have to be included in anyone's pantheon of manufacturing thought leaders from the last century. Each, in his own way, originated or significantly advanced important new ideas on which the most progressive manufacturers rely even today to run their businesses.

But who are the thought leaders in manufacturing today? Which individuals are coming up with the big ideas that will influence the next generation of manufacturers?

Recently, the editors of Managing Automation set out to answer that question. First we isolated six major trends that we expect will have big impacts on manufacturing and manufacturing technology for years to come. In the end, we decided to focus on sustainable manufacturing, software architectures, lean production, predictive maintenance, open manufacturing standards, and the digital factory.

We then set out to find the individuals who, through their thoughts, actions, and writings, are most significantly influencing each of those trends.

As you read the profiles that follow, you will notice that not every individual can be said to have originated the idea for which he or she is being recognized. Each of our seven manufacturing leaders, however, is clearly advancing these important ideas and influencing others to follow suit.

Please let us know your thoughts on our list. And let us know about others who should be considered thought leaders of the current generation. Write to us at jmoad@thomaspublishing.com.

James P. Womack

Dennis Brandl

Jay Lee

Donald Ferguson and John Shewchuk