Digital transformation — the process of integrating digitally-based technologies into every level of your organization, both internal and external — can help manufacturers revolutionize their business processes.
Looking at today’s marketplace, it’s obvious that speeding up and streamlining of processes is essential for a healthy recovery — particularly in light of the economic downturn posed by the continuing coronavirus pandemic. Organizations that leverage digital and technology tools and strategies often realize a higher rate of growth and profitability — and a greater return on investment from their IT spending.
That is why it’s critically important for manufacturers to consider the adoption of digital tools and tech to reduce costs, boost performance, and regain financial health in the coming year.
How Digital Transformation Optimizes Manufacturing Power
With downtime costing upwards of $300,000 an hour, its no surprise that many manufacturers are focusing more closely on strategies that help keep operations running smoothly—and continuously.
These strategies include approaches such as management and connection of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for safety, cost reduction, product innovation, and enhanced performance; as well as predictive IT maintenance procedures to keep production levels high.
Other ways digital transformation can assist in a more productive — and profitable — manufacturing environment include:
- Production as Priority
Keeping the production environment running smoothly — and safely — is a critical benchmark for manufacturers interested in a competitive advantage. A digital transformation brings the power of predictive performance analytics and connectivity to minimize malfunctions and downtime and optimize output.
Analytics and feedback also spotlight lags or disconnects in the production environment, bring user and customer behavior into focus, and allow on-the-fly corrections and alterations that keep production high while minimizing disruptions.
The benefits of a streamlined production floor flow into other aspects of operations, including a positive impact to your bottom line via cost savings and an increase in efficiency.
- Customization for Better Customer Service
Digital technologies such as data-driven software and machinery can help apply customers’ individual parameters to the production line to establish more customer loyalty and trust — an important key to competitive success in today’s hypercompetitive marketplace.
When so many manufacturers work in a “one size fits all” environment, bringing a customized experience to your customer base can provide that unique selling point that sets you ahead of the competition.
- Better Product Quality
Your product is the keystone of your operation. Machine learning, algorithms, and artificial intelligence all converge to assist manufacturers in determining which protocols or procedures are wasteful or contribute to product defects.
Production tools can continuously monitor performance, generate reports that highlight inefficiencies, and predict maintenance needs and even potential failures.
- Cost Control
Using logistics and analytics to fine-tune your manufacturing process goes far beyond scaling up the production process — it also allows companies to identify areas ripe for cost reduction, improve inventory management procedures, and provide the flexibility necessary to make last-minute changes to products without impacting production.
- Predictive Insights
The ability to plan ahead is invaluable in maintaining a competitive edge. Digital transformation technologies allow manufacturers to minimize unplanned outages and extend the life of their equipment significantly through predictive maintenance.
Tests and monitoring can be conducted while production is occurring to save time and resources and provide a clear understanding of how your systems are working — and where they can be improved.
Blue Technologies — Making Digital Transformation Easier
While two out of three manufacturers have committed to accelerating their digital transformation in the coming year, organizational culture and the ability to set aside time to focus on making these changes are huge roadblocks to success.
With a competent digital partner like Blue Technologies, your company’s transition to a more efficient, digital workplace can happen faster, more smoothly, and with less disruption to your current operations.
Our Managed IT experts can assess your current infrastructure against challenges, needs, and goals to develop a comprehensive plan for digital mastery. Not only can we implement the technologies you need to make your production floor — or your accounting office — more efficient, but our team of professionals can provide ongoing guidance and maintenance to keep you abreast of developing trends.
Bring the power of power of a digital workplace to your facility. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant today and let our experts guide you to a successful digital transformation — and beyond.
