Manufacturers have always wanted to ensure every product is perfect, and this seemingly impossible task is now within reach with digitalization in manufacturing industry.
Today, more than ever, manufacturers need to evolve if they wish to stay competitive. Furthermore, digital technology is profoundly impacting the way factories operate more autonomously today. Production and inspection processes are re-invented to foresee maintenance needs. Minimizing waste, helping people and the environment surrounds them.
In addition, the manufacturing industry is going through a digital transformation. Smart technology, data analytics, and connected devices are enabling manufacturers to dramatically increase their efficiency, productivity, and accuracy.
Digitalization is changing how products are:
- Designed
- Produced
- Used and maintained
- Transforming operations
- Processes and energy footprint of factories
- Supply chains
Besides, one of the key drivers for digitalization in manufacturing industry is the ability for manufacturers to be able to improve their responsiveness and agility through changing market conditions and customer demands. Moreover, Manufacturers can match their production cycles with demand throughout the year avoiding wastage and dissatisfied customers.
It is worth looking at the ways how digitalization in manufacturing industry is emerging. Lets check them out.
Impact of the IoT and Big Data
CMMS technology connects devices remotely, allowing them to “talk” to each other. Often referred to as the IoT. It connects factories to the Internet, enabling automation and remote monitoring. The IoT allows systems to connect with each other rather than a manual check. It essentially monitors each other’s processes.
With this connection, plants can easily collect and aggregate big data, or a mass of information concerning their systems. This information can be measured and analyzed to increase productivity and efficiency. The IoT helps manufacturers work better by getting products to consumers faster.
Robotics
With advances in robotics technology, robots are more likely to become cheaper, smarter, and more efficient. Moreover, Robots can be used for numerous manufacturing roles. It can help automate repetitive tasks, enhance accuracy, reduce errors, and help manufacturers focus on more productive areas.
Benefits of using robotics in manufacturing:
- Improve efficiency
- Robots work 24/7 for continuous production
- Highly flexible and customizable
- Cost-effective
3D Technology
3D printing is set to take the manufacturing world by storm. It is one of the advanced processes in digitalization in manufacturing industry.
3D design technology has enabled manufacturers to create detailed components quickly and economically. Moreover, 3D technology has revolutionized the industry. Smaller manufacturers have embraced 3D printing technology.
At this time, it is perfect for low volume, high-quality manufacturing of children’s toys and small electronic goods. Thanks to the wonders of 3D printing, small inventors and innovators can now become global manufacturers.
Cloud Computing
After making its presence felt in other industries, cloud computing is now causing ripples in manufacturing. From how a plant operates, integrating to supply chains, designing and making products to how your customers use the products, cloud computing is transforming virtually every facet of manufacturing. However, it is helping manufacturers reduce costs, innovate, and increase competitiveness.
IoT helps improve connectivity within a single plant, while cloud computing improves connectivity across various plants. It allows organizations to share data within seconds and reduce both costs and production times. The shared data also helps improve the product quality and reliability between plants.
Next Generation Manufacturing Employees
This one’s about people and skills during the process of digitalization in manufacturing industry.
It’s evident that as technology takes over much of repetitive work, many traditional manufacturing jobs will phase out. Also, with an increased supply chain demand, companies are automating operations to speed up production.
However, it is not that jobs will disappear from the industry. In fact, humans will still remain at the heart of the manufacturing industry. It’s just that they will need new skills.
Some of the in-demand jobs will be:
- Data analysts
- Software engineers
- Programming for IoT, robotics, and automation
- Customer service
- R&D, product development
- Sales and marketing
Moreover, as the scope of their jobs shifts away from traditional hands-on manufacturing, the workers will need to develop new skills.
Closing Thought
The companies that manage to foster the right culture around these new technologies will be the ones with a competitive advantage, improving their existing business models, creating new opportunities, while attracting and retaining new talent. This is truly a future that’s well worth digitalization in manufacturing industry.