The Impact of AI on Talent in Manufacturing and Distribution
Around 11.7% of roles in manufacturing and distribution are at high or very high risk of becoming obsolete in the new age of job automation. Main Line Talent Group identifies five ways industry leaders can help prepare and adapt to new technology and blend with their talent strategy.
AI & Automation Displacement
In 2025, SHRM reported that 12.6% of U.S. jobs—nearly 19.2 million—face high automation displacement risk. The number sounds dramatic, but the reality is more nuanced: technology isn’t replacing workers en masse; it’s reshaping how work gets done.
For manufacturing and distribution, automation is already part of the fabric. Robotics, predictive maintenance, and ERP systems are transforming job functions, not eliminating them. The real opportunity lies in upskilling—developing employees who can adapt, learn, and lead through technological change. The companies that thrive won’t be those that automate the fastest, but those that empower their people to evolve with the tools.
AI’s Impact on Blue Collar & Back Office Workers
SHRM’s 2025 data reveals which U.S. jobs face the highest automation risk. Learn how manufacturers can turn automation exposure into opportunity through reskilling and workforce strategy.
Preferred vs Required: How to Write Job Descriptions That Attract Better Talent
Required qualifications are non-negotiable. Without them, a job seeker literally cannot perform the job’s essential duties safely or effectively. Preferred qualifications are enhancers. They help an employee ramp up faster or perform more effectively, but they’re not mission-critical for day one.
5 Ways to Filter Candidate Applications Faster
Struggling to filter hundreds of irrelevant resumes? Learn five practical ways to cut through the noise - from writing sharper job descriptions and using pre-screening forms to leveraging your ATS, building verified talent pools, and partnering with specialized recruiters who understand manufacturing and ERP hiring.
6 Tips for Epicor Customers: Gene Marks' Strategy for Navigating Tariffs
At the 2025 Epicor Insights Conference, renowned columnist and consulting leader, Gene Marks, urged attendees to plan for longer-term disruptions with trade wars and provided some tips for businesses to stay afloat and even profit during these uncertain times. Here are six of Gene’s recommendations.
2025 ERP Events & Conferences
Whether you are exploring new ERP technologies or are looking to network with other industry leaders, check out Main Line Talent Groups comprehensive list of 2025 ERP events in North America.
Best Practices to Recruit Epicor ERP Talent: Steps to Take as an IT or Human Resources Leader
Recruiting Epicor ERP talent requires a thoughtful and targeted approach, starting with goal alignment and a thorough talent assessment. Achieving ERP-related objectives oftentimes calls for a sophisticated, blended talent strategy that combines recruiting Epicor professionals directly and outsourcing tasks to consultants. For assistance in recruiting Epicor ERP talent, consider working with a recruitment agency that specializes in ERP systems to streamline the hiring process and access a larger pool of qualified candidates. Main Line Talent Group offers direct-hire recruitment services and Epicor ERP contractors for Epicor customers and service providers across North America.
5 Epicor Related Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
Finding qualified candidates for your IT, Operations, or Accounting teams who have a working knowledge of Epicor can be challenging. Whether your internal team is sourcing candidates or you’re working with a trusted, ERP-specific recruitment company like Main Line Talent Group, it’s important to know who you’re hiring. Explore give simple interview questioned to qualify your Epicor candidates.
6 Stages of the Employee Life Cycle: Tips for Employers to Optimize Talent
To successfully manage and optimize talent in an organization, HR and business leaders must prepare and strategize for all six stages of the employee lifecycle. From the day a prospective employee interacts with your brand for the first time, to the day they are onboarded, to the day of separation, organizations must have a cohesive strategy for managing their talent. The following is a review of each of the six stages of the employee life cycle and some tips and resources you may want to consider.
Navigating PTO: When to Request Vacation Time with a New Employer
Main Line Talent Group recently conducted a poll directed at hiring managers and HR policymakers. The results highlight the ambiguity surrounding this topic: 31% of respondents said it depends, 31% felt it was appropriate at any time, 29% recommended waiting 90 days, and 9% suggested after one month. The results show a clear lack of a universal standard, making it crucial for new hires and supervisors to communicate effectively and with transparency.
HRIS Optimization and Business Strategy Alignment
HR objectives and corporate objectives should be one in the same. One strategy should not be formulated without input from the other. This strategic alignment needs to happen at all levels of the organization and across all key areas of the business. Ultimately, a sound HR strategy and competent HRIS system will improve the capabilities of the organization, thus propelling it to achieve organizational success. The organizational strategy and objectives are going to drive a lot of the decision-making for which HRIS system is selected and how it operates.
When to Develop Talent vs. Acquire It: A Guide for Businesses
One critical decision every organization will face as it grows is whether to develop talent within the organization or acquire new talent externally. Both strategies have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach often aligns with business and HR goals, timelines, and the skill set of your current workforce. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important decision.
The Role of Learning & Development in Digital Transformation
Explore the evolving landscape of technology in business strategy. Learn how HR practices drive value creation through employee development and skill alignment. Discover the urgent need to bridge the technical skills gap for sustainable growth.
What is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 is the term commonly used to describe the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and across the manufacturing industry, we are seeing the integration of new technologies to produce higher-quality products at reduced costs.
Welcome Aboard Talent on Tracks
Travel with us through the transformative landscape of talent solutions and HR insights with, "Talent on Tracks." Similar to a company's digital transformation journey, with numerous stops on the route to success, our blog serves as your map to valuable insights, trends, and expertise in the world of talent.