The MEP Resource Team was honored to present at the 2025 Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Their presentation, “Industry 5.0 – The Integration of People and Technology,” emphasized a transformative shift in manufacturing: one that places people at the center of technological advancement.
The team outlined how their approach helps companies adopt Industry 5.0 (I5.0)—a people-focused, tech-enabled manufacturing model that integrates innovation with workforce empowerment.
Three Core Components of Industry 5.0 Presented by the MEP Resource Team
1. Open Data Architecture Systems
The team discussed how open and interoperable systems foster seamless communication among machines, software platforms, and human interfaces. This connectivity supports smarter, more responsive, and efficient operations.
2. MEP-Optimized Workforce Development Systems
Focusing on workforce readiness, the presentation demonstrated how structured, data-informed employee development prepares individuals to succeed in increasingly complex, tech-driven environments.
3. The Sawhney Model
This innovative model provides a framework for aligning organizational strategy, technology adoption, and employee engagement. It ensures that people remain at the forefront of continuous improvement and innovation.
Dr. Ashley Stowe closed the session by showcasing practical applications of these approaches at the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center, offering real-world examples of successful integration between people and technology.
Broader Industry Insights from the Conference
In addition to presenting, the MEP Resource Team engaged with faculty, graduate students, and industry professionals across various industrial engineering disciplines. A notable keynote came from David Reid, Director of Industrial Engineering at Chick-fil-A, who shared their approach to Industry 5.0. Reid emphasized how a commitment to caring for people can serve as the foundation for engineering leadership, lean systems, and scalable innovation.
Supporting Tennessee Manufacturers in the Era of Industry 5.0
The MEP Resource Team is energized to bring these actionable insights back to Tennessee’s manufacturing sector. Their focus remains on helping companies align industrial engineering best practices with human-centered design, sustainable processes, and long-term impact.
For more information or to connect with the team, contact:
Enrique Macias
enrique.macias@tennessee.edu