There isn’t much we haven’t seen, and we’re tenacious about getting to the root of the problem. By participating in the strategy as well as the execution, we can deliver the most appropriate technology to meet your current and future needs – regardless of vendor.This whitepaper examines why the gap between ambition and execution exists and introduces a practical 6‑step playbook for turning vision into measurable impact. Learn how to identify high-value opportunities, validate readiness, avoid common pitfalls, and scale solutions with confidence.Flexware Innovation helped educate us on the benefits of MES. We chose to implement a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) MES product with a global professional services firm. Our experience with the larger firm, and the resulting solution we have today falls short of meeting our needs. We are now partnering with Flexware for future phases of our MES design and rollouts. I am confident that we would have been much further ahead if we would have partnered with Flexware 3 years ago.” IT ManagerDiscrete ManufacturerFlexware Innovation as a Trailblazer intern is a unique and rewarding experience. Not only did Flexware take the time to introduce me to new concepts I hadn’t pursued before, such as creating a service in C# based around RFID technology, but they also care enough about their employees to help develop them personally and professionally. The professional development days were great, whether it was getting exposure to various facilities and industries Flexware works with, or sitting down with several admin level employees receiving advice from them on resumes, interviewing, or our personal LinkedIn profiles.I enjoyed working at one of Flexware’s large food and beverage manufacturing customers and working with their automation team. Going into the summer, I knew very little about high power distribution systems. However, I can now say I know the factory’s power distribution better than most of their employees. I was also able to further develop my PLC programming skills in their automation lab. It has been an amazing experience being able to work with Flexware and the client to apply what I have learned in class while also working on important projects.I really enjoyed the Trailblazer Program because it gave me the opportunity to do so much more than a typical internship. I worked on projects that mattered and developed professionally through plant tours and other fun activities such as the balloon launch.From automation to business intelligence, Flexware gave me the opportunity to explore work in many different areas. It was a summer of trying new things and learning what I want and don’t want to do. Flexware is a unique internship where you not only get work experience but also build relationships, and develop professionally. Flexware spends time to make you a better employee by teaching you essential skills such as writing a resume, conducting yourself in an interview, and making good business decisions. It is a company that cares about their people. From day one I felt like part of the team and that I was working on something helpful to the company.The Trailblazer Internship Program exposed me to so many facets of both business and engineering in industry. Flexware focuses on providing project work in areas of interest to each intern. The professional development days offer a variety of learning experiences and were one of my favorite components of the internship. The summer was filled with wonderful interactions with both FlexDogs and the other interns.My Trailblazer experience was extremely rewarding. Through working at a local sheet metal manufacturer and professional development days at Flexware with the other interns, I have grown professionally, as well gained beneficial experience in the manufacturing side of engineering.I really enjoyed my Trailblazer internship for several reasons. Firstly, I gained my skills working with Microsoft Calendar API, OAuth 2.0 Authentication mechanism, ‘Ignition’ SCADA system and ‘IQ FMEA’ framework for Failure – Mode effect analysis. Secondly, I developed my professional network and made money. Also, I made good friends. And, finally, Professional Development Days made Trailblazer Internship stand out!People were always ready and willing to help me whenever I had a question or messed something up. Additionally, I enjoyed each of the Professional Development Days, as they provided us a way to interact with the other Trailblazers and allowed us to see the environment in which others were working. Other than the company tours, I also found the life and career skills days to be valuable, and they allowed us to grow in more than just technical ways. I especially liked the resume reviews, as this helped me to improve my resume and learn more about what recruiters are looking for.The type of person I would recommend to apply for the internship is someone who really appreciates Flexware’s core values. A person who does not require much assistance or guidance to complete a given task would be successful in the Trailblazer Internship program.