Industry 4.0, the new wood industry approach to running lean and profitably, will find its first major North American presentation during the education sessions at the WMS 2015 how in Toronto. U.S. woodworking business owners will also hear the scoop on small-shop robotics, enterprise programming, Batch One production, as well as live demonstrations of technology first seen at LIGNA 2015. The Toronto Woodworking Machinery & Supplies Expo, Nov. 5-7, will be accompanied by a mix of paid and free on-the-floor sessions.

Here is a preview of education sessions being offered at WMS 2015:

Industry 4.0: Strategy for Automation

Manufacturers are entering a "Fourth Industrial Revolution," fueled by the need to regain manufacturing share lost to low-wage-cost regions in Asia and South America. Europe, and particularly Germany, is driving the development in a unique combination of industry and government funding. This Fourth Industrial Revolution is already underway and while it is a fast and disruptive change for most, some industries like the woodworking industry might have a more of an evolutionary change. Only one thing is certain; this major change will come and there is no going back! Gmeiner heads Lignum Consulting's Toronto office, opened in 2004, and which specializes in the implementation of Industry 4.0 strategies - including logistics, data systems, human resources, and production technology -  for cabinetmaking, furniture production and other wood industry segments. Presented by Sepp Gmeiner, Lignum Consulting

Robotic Assist for Mid-Sized Plants
Like humans, robots are adapting to Batch One-production workcells. Attendees at this session will hear case studies suggesting the implementation of robotic automation is practical for any sized plant, with presentations by users and Canada's leading experts on robotics in wood manufacturing.

Producing Furniture and Case Goods On Demand I
Visionary Samir Shah founded 4 AXYZ (pronounced "Four Axes") to develop technology to produce wood products through "additive" manufacturing, which also simplifies the process for integrating electronics into furniture. An architect, designer, entrepreneur and consultant to the woodworking industry, Shah has 27 years of experience in various aspects of business, design, manufacturing and machine technology used by the woodworking industry. Shah and his team envisions a global network for on-demand production of furniture. He'll provide an update on his progress. - Presented by Samir Shah
 

Producing Furniture and Case Goods On Demand I
Massuni was launched by Verso Furniture in 2000. Based in Toronto and headed by Jeff Wilson, the company is in beta for its "mass customization" furniture production program. The factory is 60 miles north of Toronto. Significantly, eight of its 18 member start-up team are software developers - not wood crafters. The program will present the approach Massuni is taking, including development of a furniture configurator that allows specifications set by customers online to be fed to production operations. Presented by Jeff Wilson

Finishing: Automating Sanding & Preparation
As individualized orders for furniture and cabinetry transform the marketplace, Batch One production is a must. How this impacts sanding and finishing operations, and the technology that can make it happen need for it, will be presented. 

Workforce Development & Women in Wood Careers
As business picks up, the shortage of labor is a rising challenge. The Wood Manufacturing Council has launched “Women in Non-Traditional Trades” program to tap a potential resource. In a 2014 test program in Moncton, NB, ten women who completed the training, with nine joining firms in the area. An update on the program will be presented at the Wood Machinery & Supplies Show in Toronto, Nov. 5-7 at the International Centre. Presented by Rchard Lippmann

Go Global! Exporting Wood Products
Recognizing the strategic importance of timber processing and wood manufacturing to the national economy, Canada provides support for woodworking companies that want to export. Many already do, and we'll hear both from experts and exporters. Presented by Gregory Trippenbach

CNC solutions for Compact Woodshops
Craftsmanship and CNC are fully compatible, but some traditional shops fear they might not have the floor space for automating routers and shpers. We'll look at the growing numbers of CNC solutions for smaller business settings.

Software: Nesting & Design
Along with automating machining comes adoption of software programs. We'll look at the relationship between making designs that are compatible with CNC machining, including some inventive projects that create furniture from a single sheet of panel. 

3D Visualization and Design Software
To drive automated woodworking machinery, more complex software applications were required. It's a natural step to present 3D images not just to programmers and equipment operators, but to send them upstream where furniture and cabinetry buyers can see realistic images of the end product. Presented by Peter Mate
 

Finding Business With Houzz
Your business's online reputation precedes you, and through Houzz, you can shape what prospective customers and designers see. We'll look at how to leverage Houzz to grow more sales. 

Association Membership: What’s in It for Me
WMS 2015 partner associations will explain on the WMS Expo Stage the important role they play in setting industry standards, working with certified professionals in architecture and design, and how peer-to-peer business relationships can be mutually beneficial.

What’s Your Problem: Finishing Roundtable
The perennially popular get-together brings experts from finishing and sanding suppliers and woodworking business professionals for to address practical issues and troubleshoot real-life finishing issues. 

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