What are the latest technologies and tools for enhancing your engineering processes and products?

1 Cloud computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet. Cloud computing offers many benefits for engineering managers, such as scalability, flexibility, security, cost-effectiveness, and collaboration. You can use cloud computing to access and manage your engineering data and applications from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. You can also use cloud computing to run simulations, tests, and experiments faster and cheaper than on-premise solutions. Some of the popular cloud computing platforms for engineering are AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud.

2 Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision making, and problem solving. AI can help engineering managers to automate and optimize various aspects of their engineering processes and products, such as design, analysis, testing, quality control, and maintenance. You can use AI to generate and evaluate multiple design options, identify and fix errors, predict and prevent failures, and enhance customer satisfaction. Some of the tools and frameworks that you can use to implement AI in your engineering projects are TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn, and OpenAI.

3 Internet of things

Internet of things (IoT) is the network of physical objects, such as devices, vehicles, machines, sensors, and appliances, that are connected to the internet and can communicate and exchange data. IoT can help engineering managers to create and deliver smart, connected, and innovative products and services that can improve the functionality, efficiency, and user experience of their customers. You can use IoT to collect and analyze data from your products and systems, monitor and control their performance and behavior, and provide feedback and updates. Some of the tools and platforms that you can use to develop and manage IoT solutions are Arduino, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, Node-RED, and AWS IoT.

4 Agile methodology

Agile methodology is an approach to software development that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, customer feedback, and iterative delivery. Agile methodology can help engineering managers to adapt to changing requirements, deliver value faster and more frequently, and improve the quality and reliability of their software products. You can use agile methodology to organize and coordinate your engineering teams, plan and prioritize your tasks and features, track and measure your progress and results, and communicate and collaborate with your stakeholders. Some of the tools and frameworks that you can use to apply agile methodology in your engineering projects are Scrum, Kanban, Jira, Trello, and Slack.

6 Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a simulated and immersive environment that can be experienced through a headset or a screen. VR can help engineering managers to enhance their engineering processes and products by providing a realistic and interactive way of visualizing, exploring, and testing their designs, models, and systems. You can use VR to create and modify your engineering prototypes, simulate and evaluate your engineering scenarios, train and educate your engineering staff, and engage and impress your customers. Some of the tools and platforms that you can use to create and use VR in your engineering projects are Unity, Unreal Engine, Oculus, HTC Vive, and Google Cardboard.