The Confluence of Metalworking And Digitalization

Metalworking companies have long provided critical support to major sectors—from semiconductor and aerospace to heavy industrial and construction. “Metalworking companies are actually one of our best-fit industries,” says Wee. “A lot of our customers come from this sector.”

A key success factor, especially in Singapore, is the ability to link operations across complex production lines and serve high-tech verticals such as semiconductor manufacturing. Where once metal fabrication was primarily about machining and finishing, modern-day metalworking must cater to intricate, nanometer-scale tolerances and advanced materials.

Wee observes:

“Metalworking shops that serve the semiconductor industry need to manage extremely fine tolerances. They want the shop-floor data to flow seamlessly back into their ERP system, ensuring real-time visibility into materials usage, process parameters, and cost structures. That’s where the power of a fully integrated software platform becomes indispensable.”

Industry 4.0 And ERP Interconnectivity

Traditionally, ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems were siloed, limiting manufacturers’ ability to glean timely insights from the production floor. Today, manufacturers demand integrated connectivity from sensors, automation systems, and supply chains through to the top-level financial dashboards. As Wee puts it:

“Integration or interconnectivity used to be a major barrier to adoption of technology. But now, with Industry 4.0, open protocols, REST APIs, and platforms like our Automation Studio, manufacturers can ‘snap in’ new software tools quite easily. They no longer have to worry about the complexities of older ERP structures that were never built for real-time data collection.”

This flexibility allows high-mix, low-volume shops (common in Singapore’s precision engineering ecosystem) to rapidly scale or pivot—crucial if they are handling contract manufacturing projects across aerospace, oil and gas, or consumer electronics.

Shifting From Siloed Data To Actionable Insights

IoT devices, collaborative robots, and advanced process controls can generate an avalanche of machine data. The real challenge is separating the “signal” from the “noise” and using that data to guide decision-making.

Wee explains how Epicor’s ERP solution helps:

“The data collection on the shop floor—whether it is cycle time, machine usage, quality checks, or scheduling—feeds directly back into the ERP. Previously, teams were reluctant to adopt new technology because they feared the complexity of integration. But with modern solutions, you gain a single source of truth. And that single source of truth is what powers actionable insights.”

For metalworking companies, those insights might include better real-time scheduling (e.g., re-routing a job to another CNC machine if a lathe is nearing capacity), more accurate job costing (capturing every step in the production process), and improved traceability of materials.

Addressing Common Pain Points

Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to fund large capital investments in digital infrastructure while also grappling with workforce upskilling. “Manufacturers face multiple pressures right now,” says Wee. “At the SMF Summit, I sensed a genuine urgency around adopting the right technologies and also training their employees to handle these systems.”

In parallel, environmental and sustainability demands are intensifying. Government initiatives, such as Singapore’s commitment to net-zero by or around mid-century, challenge companies to track carbon footprints, waste management, and energy usage more closely. This data, too, is best tracked through comprehensive, integrated software.

“Sustainability, AI, interoperability—everything is converging at the same time,” Wee notes. “And the manufacturers we speak to are seeing that an advanced ERP system helps them thread all these issues together. When you have end-to-end visibility, you can build accurate audits, reduce waste, and optimize production flows.”

Global Ambitions And Local Footprints

For local Singaporean or ASEAN metalworking outfits eyeing new markets, advanced ERP solutions can accelerate expansion. When a domestic shop secures a contract from overseas, it faces the immediate need to scale planning, warehousing, and compliance reporting.

“Internationalization is also a conversation,” Wee says. “As companies branch out from Singapore, they’re often dealing with multi-site operations, multiple currencies, and complex shipping channels. An ERP system that handles compliance in various jurisdictions while offering a unified operational view can literally open doors for them.”

SMF’s Role And Forward Momentum

The Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s Manufacturing Day Summit 2025 served as a focal point for these discussions. SMEs, MNCs, and government bodies alike shared best practices and tackled urgent questions about productivity, AI, and workforce development.

Wee commends the SMF’s efforts:

“I think they have a lot of influence on manufacturers, especially in conveying the right message about where Singapore’s industrial base needs to be headed. This year’s theme is absolutely on-point because 2025 is indeed a turning point. With multiple disruptions coming together—technology, skilled labor, and sustainability—it’s critical for the entire ecosystem to be aligned.”

Looking Ahead: Transform Or Be Left Behind

Even as economic headwinds rise and global supply chains remain volatile, the consensus is that digitalization will define the winners in the manufacturing arena. Many of Epicor’s customers have realized that adopting an ERP system is not a “nice-to-have” but the backbone of future growth and competitiveness.

Wee sums it up well:

“Metalworking companies are right at the crossroads. They need to adopt technologies, upskill their workforce, and incorporate sustainability measures—all at once. That can be daunting. But with the right integrated solutions, it’s entirely achievable. And the companies that get it right now will shape the next decade of manufacturing.”

This vision resonates strongly with the objectives of APMEN, which has consistently championed advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and best practices in the metalworking ecosystem. As we continue to highlight stories of industrial innovation, it’s clear that software-driven solutions—in everything from AI-based scheduling to shop-floor IoT—are rapidly becoming the linchpin of future-ready metalworking.

Conclusion

The takeaway from our discussion with Lorraine Wee is that digital integration is not a one-time investment—it’s an iterative journey that must be embraced holistically. With open APIs, cloud capabilities, and automation platforms readily available, integration hurdles have been lowered considerably. By leveraging these modern ERP solutions, metalworking shops can gather real-time data, unify disparate operations, and position themselves for global competitiveness.

Yet this shift demands more than just tech spend; it requires upskilled talent, top-down leadership, and ecosystems of support from organizations like the SMF. The manufacturing sector is indeed at a turning point—one where technological enablement, sustainability mandates, and workforce readiness converge. Companies that harness the power of integrated ERP stand poised to evolve beyond mere metal shops to become agile, digitally driven innovators.

APMEN will continue to track these transitions, celebrating the companies that embrace digital transformation and highlighting solutions that pave the way for Industry 4.0. Keep an eye on our upcoming features for more deep dives into real-world applications, lessons learned, and success stories from the metalworking frontlines.

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As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence in 2025, the nation is gearing up for greater changes amidst an increasingly complex landscape. The manufacturing sector, the second largest contributor to Singapore’s GDP currently, will continue to be a critical driving force of the nation’s economic growth. To maintain its momentum of transformation and realise its goals of becoming a global advanced manufacturing hub, Singapore must navigate the disruptions of technologies like AI and learn to balance the intersection of technology with human potential to create a more resilient manufacturing ecosystem.

Themed “Smart Collaboration: Humanising the Future of Manufacturing in the Age of AI”, Manufacturing Day Summit 2025 showcased the transformative role of AI in manufacturing while emphasising the irreplaceable value of human creativity. Graced by Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr. Alvin Tan, the Summit saw a strong turnout of close to 1,500 attendees from the manufacturing scene as well as students from various polytechnics and tertiary institutions.

Building a Collaborative and Sustainable Manufacturing Ecosystem

Key highlights at the Summit include the launch of the MNC-SME Alliance, a transformative initiative where SMF serves as the key facilitator and orchestrator. This Alliance brings together multinational corporations, local SMEs, and crucial ecosystem partners to create a robust collaborative platform that will not only foster collaborations but actively deliver real value to both SMEs and MNCs.

With the participation of Applied Total Control Treatment Pte Ltd (ATC), Lenovo, Zebra Technologies, Continental and IBM, and ecosystem partners A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (A*STAR SIMTech), UOB and the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Innovation Leadership Programme, this alliance aims to support Singapore’s Manufacturing 2030 goals by driving innovation, enhancing supply chain competitiveness, and accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices. It will create business opportunities between MNCs and SMEs, while facilitating knowledge sharing, capability building, and co-development opportunities to prepare SMEs for global challenges in alignment with SMF’s Industry 5.0 vision.

The Innovation Leadership Programme (ILP) is a six-day public course designed to equip SMEs with practical strategies and skills to drive innovation, enhance collaboration with MNCs, and scale their operations effectively in a competitive global market.

In the same vein of collaboration, Lenovo also unveiled how they have been working with ST Logistics, one of the largest logistics and warehousing providers in Singapore, to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency through AI, automation and robotics. The joint case study exemplifies Industry 5.0 applications and will pave the way towards a smarter and more innovative manufacturing future.

“The future of manufacturing is not about replacing humans with machines, but about creating a powerful synergy between human ingenuity and AI capabilities,” expressed Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation. “Through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing, we are building a smarter and more resilient manufacturing ecosystem that empowers our workforce, drives innovation, and strengthens Singapore’s position as a global manufacturing hub. This collaborative approach is essential as we look towards the next 60 years and beyond.”

At the Summit, HP, Huawei, Lenovo, Schneider Electric and Zebra Technologies were also accorded Honorary Gold certifications under the Green Excellence for Manufacturing (GEM) Mark programme, part of SMF’s Chief-Sustainability-Officer-as-a-Service (CSOaaS) initiative. This prestigious certification recognises organisations that have achieved advanced sustainability levels and demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable operations. These companies have consistently excelled in sustainability reporting and continually enhanced their sustainability practices, setting a benchmark for others to follow. As a key part of SMF’s efforts to promote green manufacturing, the CSOaaS programme, launched at last year’s Manufacturing Day Summit, empowers SMEs with the tools and guidance necessary to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations, fostering a more sustainable future for the manufacturing industry.

Nurturing a Future-Ready Manufacturing Workforce

In addition, the Manufacturing Day Summit shone a spotlight on the significance of developing a skilled and future-ready manufacturing workforce that will support SG60’s manufacturing ambitions.

SMF launched its Learning and Development Solutions as a Service (L&DSaaS) to address the critical need for a skilled, adaptable workforce in SMEs. By offering tailored training workshops, leadership development, and advanced digital learning platforms, the L&DSaaS provides an avenue to build resilient businesses that thrive in competitive markets through strengthening workforce capabilities, driving innovation, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

The SMF Centre for Corporate Learning (SMF-CCL) also announced that SMF-CCL and Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE) are working on an initiative to empower enterprises to lead a sustainable future amid the climate crisis. Leveraging Duke CE’s global leadership expertise, the collaboration will culminate in an e-learning platform with curated sustainability programmes to equip organisations with the knowledge to tackle complex manufacturing and supply chain challenges, foster innovation and drive sustainable, scalable impact for long-term success.

The L&DSaaS and partnership with Duke CE will target 100 companies and benefit approximately 2,500 employees.

To further support the growth and development of manufacturing SMEs, SMF and NTUC U SME also inked an MOU to create awareness of training available for SMEs to transform their workforce. With SMEs representing 99% of all businesses in Singapore,  SMF and U SME want to encourage SMEs to adopt new technologies; support workers’ training and development; and facilitate harmonious labour-management relations. These will help SMEs become more innovative and productive, and ensure that their workers enjoy better wages, welfare and work prospects sustainably.

Beyond upskilling the existing workforce, SMF is also focused on nurturing the next generation of manufacturing talents. The association inked an MoU with Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Flexspeed Technology Pte. Ltd., which aims to enhance workforce development in Singapore’s manufacturing sector. The five-year collaboration, supported by FANUC, will promote upskilling and technology adoption of robotics automation through customised training programmes, workplace learning initiatives, and technology development projects.

“Sustainability and talent development are twin pillars of a resilient and forward-looking manufacturing sector,” said Dennis Mark, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Manufacturing Federation. “We hope that initiatives and collaborations like these will not only drive innovation and environmental responsibility but also ensure the industry is well-equipped with the talent and capabilities needed to grow Singapore into an advanced manufacturing hub.”

Gearing Up for Singapore’s Next Stage of Manufacturing Growth

A key panel at the Manufacturing Day Summit involving Enterprise Singapore, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Singapore Business Federation, Tai Sin Electric Pte Ltd and UOB dived into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The panel explored how this transformative initiative is redefining cross-border collaboration and innovation, and marked the first major dialogue following the government’s recent announcements on JS-SEZ during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.

With the successful conclusion of the JS-SEZ panel, SMF plans to kickstart more of such future engagements with its members by working closely with Enterprise Singapore to facilitate conversations and support members as they internationalise and grow.

After the conclusion of the Manufacturing Day Summit, members of SMF will be working closely with industry players to continue the momentum for Singapore’s manufacturing transformation. This includes organising facility visits to Schneider, Zebra Technologies, A*STAR and ATC to gain deeper insights into the evolving manufacturing landscape and the possibilities of industry 5.0 applications, inspiring innovative ideas and advancements for Singapore.

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