Digital transformation, is more than just a mobile application or a site on the internet, is a new way of thinking and working, primarily on more innovative and efficient ways to remain relevant. With heightened customer expectations, increased connectivity, and technological advancements, it’s no secret that today’s manufacturing organizations are adapting to digital transformation.
Many organizations have adopted enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for the long-term benefits in a digital transformation plan. These benefits include enhanced efficiency, optimized data use, increased scope of innovation, and an overall cost reduction.
Here are the latest digital transformation trends in the manufacturing industry:
Artificial intelligence is the science of incorporating human intelligence into software. AI is a sub-field aims to enable the development of software to replicate tasks normally done by humans, specifically those tasks that normally require human intelligence such as learning and problem solving.
The biggest asset for any organization following a digital transformation plan is its data. With the enormous amount of data collected by machines, it’s vital to use algorithms to perform quick actions – something that cannot be done efficiently, quickly, and accurately by humans.
Data quantity and computing power have consequently become two significant reasons to implement artificial intelligence technologies in manufacturing organizations. It’s what makes manufacturing more productive and less wasteful.
Internet of things or IoT uses the accessibility of Broadband Internet and Wi-Fi capabilities to
connect “things” to the Internet or to each other. It is a fusion of all physical peripherals like software, sensors, electronic items, etc. with internet and machine enabling data collection and transfer. The ability to access the Internet is no longer reserved exclusively for computers, smartphones, and tablets. Things like coffeemakers, thermostats, smart TVs, vehicles, houses, Amazon Alexa… more and more products become “smart,” wi-fi enabled devices. In a way, by connecting devices to other devices, and people to devices through the Internet, the IoT acts as a bridge between the physical world and the digital world.
Similarly, the IoT has the machines on the manufacturing floor, networked via the Internet. The system collects data to drive AI and perform predictive analytics.
For the past few years, 5G has been all of the talk. But it’s finally entered the world of manufacturing. This fifth-generation mobile network is faster and more powerful, capable of handling the full integration of IoT in a smart facility. 5G’s high capacity, wireless flexibility, and low-latency performance make it a default choice to support manufacturers.
Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution, is producing an era of smart factories with connected devices, which connect with one another and make decentralized decisions. However, this transformation is not possible without 5G.
3D Printing is a cost-effective way for organizations to troubleshoot and test products. This technology helps organizations make faster and cheaper prototypes. In fact, innovations in this field have almost halved costs, while delivering twice the performance.
In the past, manufacturers would schedule routine maintenance on equipment to check for any unnoticed malfunction.
However, with today’s technology, machines are developed with internal sensors that send messages to notify workers if maintenance is required. With a real-time alert and response system, the technology of predictive maintenance catches mechanical failures even before they happen.
As technology advances and the demand of supply chain increases, many organizations are automating these processes to speed up production. This in turn, eliminates many traditional manufacturing jobs.
While traditional jobs may be phased out, new jobs will emerge. Employees will shift away from their traditional hands-on manufacturing jobs and develop new skills for new positions. Some of these new positions will include:
Because of today’s technology, manufacturers can focus on more important processes such as improving the responsiveness of ever-changing customer demands and market conditions. Customers expect a quick turn around for product orders. Reducing the time required to create, receive, schedule, and process orders, improves overall customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
To begin a digital transformation journey in the manufacturing industry it’s important to first identify the largest improvement opportunities. Remember, the main goal is to reduce time to market, increase flexibility and improve the quality of production, all leading to increased efficiency and profitability.
Are you ready to begin your digital transformation journey? Contact the ACC Software Solutions team to take the next steps in building a smart manufacturing unit that can help to improve your business process and facilitate growth.
We have a great deal of experiences in the manufacturing vertical, equipping clients with industry-specific tools that ensure a smooth process, top-notch security, and consistent reliability.
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