# Unraveling the Future of EMS: Trends, Economics, AI, and Digital Transformation, with Aegis Software CEO Jason Spera

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-11-27
- Length: 12m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with

## Summary

Jason Spera, CEO of Aegis Software, discusses the current state of the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry with host Philip Stoten at Productronica 2023. Spera explains how economic uncertainty is driving EMS companies to prioritize operational excellence and digital transformation over capacity expansion, particularly to address talent shortages and reshoring challenges. He details how Aegis leverages AI and its broad data ecosystem to automate decision-making, reduce training time for new workers, and integrate ESG compliance into manufacturing workflows.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with#t=8) Introduction and European Market Context
- [1:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with#t=81) Shift to Operational Excellence and Industry 4.0
- [3:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with#t=200) The Failure of In-House Software Development
- [5:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with#t=312) Addressing Talent Shortages with Digital Work Instructions
- [6:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with#t=389) AI Integration and the Data Loop
- [9:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-27-unraveling-the-future-of-ems-trends-economics-ai-and-digital-transformation-with#t=595) Learning from Discrete Manufacturing and ESG

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Aegis Software (company)
- Productronica 2023 (other)
- CFX (tool)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [276: 2026 Automation Industry Outlook, Live from the A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-02-24-276-2026-automation-industry-outlook-live-from-the-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [The Hard Truths About Reshoring American Manufacturing w/ Eddy Azad](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-04-21-the-hard-truths-about-reshoring-american-manufacturing-w-eddy-azad) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [BONUS: IMTS 2024 Preview with MakingChips, Peter Eelman, and More](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-08-30-bonus-imts-2024-preview-with-makingchips-peter-eelman-and-more) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
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- [The Acceleration of Smart Manufacturing Adoption with Plex CTO Jerry Foster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-05-10-the-acceleration-of-smart-manufacturing-adoption-with-plex-cto-jerry-foster) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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