Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and CIRAS is helping Iowa companies adapt to this new era. At the inaugural Iowa Artificial Intelligence Summit for Industry, CIRAS brought together more than 130 attendees and 24 speakers in collaboration with partners, including Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, the Translational Artificial Intelligence Center, the Iowa … Continue reading Exploring the Future of AI in Iowa: AI Summit Drives Industry Adoption
Month: March 2025
ADA Enterprises Expands with Strategic Guidance from CIRAS
The Northwood-based manufacturer of plastisol-coated steel products had strong sales but recognized that future growth was constrained by limited space and workforce availability. Their plans involved investing millions in land acquisition, a substantial building expansion, and integrating robotics. To ensure success, they sought guidance from CIRAS. “Turning to CIRAS was a natural choice,” said ADA … Continue reading ADA Enterprises Expands with Strategic Guidance from CIRAS
CIRAS Assists Lindblom Services in Supporting Community
In June 2024, historic rainfall caused flash floods across northwest Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, leading to record-breaking river overflows. Homes, farmland, and companies near the West Fork of the Des Moines River faced devastating impacts. State and federal response teams, including FEMA, mobilized quickly to address the crisis. Recognizing the urgent needs of Iowa … Continue reading CIRAS Assists Lindblom Services in Supporting Community
Barron Equipment Boosts Sales through Enhanced Digital Strategy
A growing focus on digital transformation has helped Barron Equipment, a Davenport- and Des Moines-based material handling equipment company, significantly expand its reach and customer engagement. With support from CIRAS, Barron overhauled its online presence, achieving a sixfold increase in monthly leads and measurable growth in new markets. Barron specializes in industrial doors, truck equipment, … Continue reading Barron Equipment Boosts Sales through Enhanced Digital Strategy
Planning for Automation: Essential Steps for Success
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Automation addresses challenges such as workforce shortages, capacity limits, rising costs, and quality concerns. However, many companies face difficulties with implementation. Success requires careful planning, including defining your scope, building the right team, managing risks, and ensuring lasting success. Define the Scope: Focus on automating what makes the most sense. Avoid attempting to automate everything … Continue reading Planning for Automation: Essential Steps for Success