In March, US industrial production plunged nearly five and a half percent. This collapse in demand is unprecedented in modern times, representing the sector’s worst performance since 1946. However, within every crisis is a seed of opportunity — and in manufacturing, that opportunity lies with technology. 

While no software can create demand out of thin air, it can help companies spot the early signs of renewed activity and give manufacturers a chance to ready themselves and their supply partners for recovery. In this episode, Chris Henry connects with Adam Alfano, the Senior Area Vice President for Salesforce’s manufacturing vertical, to discuss the state of manufacturing today, its immediate future, and its longer-term outlook.

During their conversation, the pair consider:

2:21 — The immediate impact of Covid-19 and government stimulus efforts on the manufacturing industry 

5:15 — Which operational aspects of manufacturing stand to benefit from the remote work boom

7:14 — How Manufacturing Cloud can help manufacturers forecast returning demand and repair their broken supply chains

13:30 — How Salesforce implementation partners like Gerent can help manufacturers address their immediate operational needs and prepare for a brighter future

Episode Guest:

Adam Alfano

Senior Area Vice President for Manufacturing, Salesforce

Adam Alfano is a corporate leader with over 13 years of cloud computing experience. He is a capable business strategist with extensive expertise in building teams, instituting new offices, and launching new verticals. His professional specialties include but are not limited to: supply chain management, SaaS, business development, marketing management, customer management, manufacturing processes, and negotiation.