Driven by a passion for innovation and leadership, Megan Brewster, vice president of advanced technology at Impinj, is at the forefront of integrating revolutionary technologies, like RAIN RFID, which are transforming modern manufacturing. IMTS+ sat down with Brewster to discuss her career journey, from her early passion for innovation to leading the way in adopting cutting-edge technologies that are pushing the industry toward greater sustainability.An Early Interest in STEM“My parents always encouraged me to experiment and explore, and they gave me a lot of exposure to tinkering and building at a young age,” she shares. This ultimately led her to pursue a degree in materials science, setting her on the path to an influential role at Impinj.At the core of Brewster’s professional ethos is the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated. “It’s applicable in kindergarten, and it’s still true in the professional realm,” she says. This golden rule shapes the culture at Impinj, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that drives innovation and success.How Working at the White House Shaped Brewster’s LeadershipWhile in graduate school, Brewster received funding through government fellowships, sparking her interest in the wider impact of federal support for scientific research. “I started to wonder more broadly who is setting the innovation agenda for our country,” she explains. This curiosity led her to take a big risk – time away from industry to work in the federal government, including two years as Senior Policy Advisor for Advanced Manufacturing at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “To impact an entire nation, you must have a diversity of viewpoints,” Brewster reflects, noting that her time in government broadened her perspective and influenced her current approach to leadership and decision-making.Why RAIN RFID Adoption Is Critical to Supply ChainsBrewster sees eliminating waste in the supply chain as a key industry challenge. “Supply chains are notoriously inefficient, and there’s so much opportunity there,” she explains. The inefficiency of safety stock, which companies hold as a buffer for demand, is a particular concern. According to Brewster, by implementing advanced tracking systems like RAIN RFID, businesses can dramatically reduce this waste, saving money and carbon emissions. She believes such innovations will allow companies to manage their inventory more efficiently, ultimately driving sustainability in manufacturing.Reflecting on the rapid changes within the manufacturing sector, Brewster notes the dramatic impact of COVID-19, which significantly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies. Companies already using RAIN RFID were able to adapt seamlessly to new online business models, like Buy Online, Pick Up in Store (BOPIS). “It was definitely the biggest shift,” she says, adding that businesses that were not yet digitized faced major challenges in managing their supply chains during the pandemic. This shift revealed the importance of adopting digital solutions to maintain business continuity in turbulent times.Get More RAIN RFID InsightsBrewster strongly advocates collaboration and encourages others to contact her via LinkedIn or Impinj's website. To learn more about how RAIN RFID enables Digital Product Passports, check out our in-depth article, “Factory of the Future: Meeting the Global Demand for Product Traceability.”
From a love of tinkering to serving in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to Impinj’s VP of advanced technology, Brewster discusses her career and how RAIN RFID is advancing supply chains.
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