Change is constant and adapting to change is necessary to transform. The same is true for the manufacturing industry. Whether it is the great recession or the sudden outbreak of the pandemic, the only thing that has helped manufacturing giants to outperform their competition was to be prepared well in advance.
And since we have moved into a digital age where everything is associated with technology, it becomes crucial to reassess your manufacturing business and feed on changing landscape. It may involve the use of software that can streamline operations or project management apps made to improve productivity.
Since we at BugRaptors, have worked on so many projects from the manufacturing industry while expanding our Quality Assurance Services, we would like to highlight the emerging technology trends that can make way for Industry 4.0.
As the whole idea of Industry 4.0 is based on dynamic operations and interconnected technology, this blog will underline the most significant tech trends that need immediate attention of the Manufacturing industry leaders along with QA support.
Let’s begin.
The Need For Improved IT Architecture
Though the traditional way of manufacturing was entirely based on man-involved machine operations, the present-day manufacturing industry is all about technology. From the use of software that simplifies production to the use of advanced architecture, everything has taken a boost.
But when it comes to middle markets and small manufacturers, most of them lack IT infrastructure that can support the fourth industrial revolution. Since it is only the technology that can make way for digital transformation goals, manufacturers in 2022 need to rethink their investments made in it. It can be defined as a flexible, interconnected, and easy to scale IT architecture that can aid data-driven operations in the long term while providing essential support to businesses.
Data-Driven Business Framework
When we talk about the tech trends that are likely to hit the manufacturing industry, the data-driven business framework is another important factor that makes the difference. Since manufacturing operations involve large volumes of data coming from assembly lines, machines, smart sensors, robots, etc. it is vital that manufacturers should take advantage of all the information available. Also, with more and more manufacturing organizations aiming to integrate connected technology into their business, a well-defined data strategy could help hit the bullseye in the long term.
Moreover, the use of AI and ML technology in the data-driven business model requires procuring predictive insights related to the work process, decision outcomes, and risk assessment reports. And therefore, manufacturers can pertain to the data-driven framework in order to yield sustainable business growth, quality, and competitive performance.
Cyber Security
Since the manufacturing industry is getting its breakthrough with technology entering the operations, stemming innovation and collaboration into long-hauled traditional manufacturing practices need keen attention to risk areas. As manufacturing units contain critical business information, missing the mark may cause cybercriminals to find lose access to data that can cause compromises.
Wondering how you can strengthen your cyber security model? It's all about aligning with top trends....
In other words, manufacturers leaning on technology need to involve third-party service providers or cybersecurity testing services to help protect their digital ecosystem. It must include a focus on machines, supply chain data, and other critical information that is more of a business asset and can help yield competitive advantage.
The Future Of Factories
When we talk about mid-level and small manufacturers, the industry has witnessed a hesitancy in making investments that can be called Industry 4.0. However, the increased exposure to technology and wide range of options have made it cost-effective to analyze data and improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
Therefore, the future of the manufacturing industry is likely to aim at assistance from quality assurance companies allowing technology to multiply the throughput. Besides, the introspection made on manufacturing technology is even likely to create a shift in supply-demand charts for added productivity. Also, the manufacturers leading towards digital transformation goals are likely to make the factories of the future to be the new normal and make success a thing of today.
Supply Chains Revamped
Making supply chains a cost-efficient aspect of the manufacturing process has always stayed to be one of the major priorities of the manufacturers. However, the recent pandemic and the risk in trade were two of the few things that did not make it to the vulnerability list. But as things tend to turn a little normal after 2020, the previous year made only those manufacturers outshine who focused on technology and agility in the supply chain.
In other words, manufacturers who need to sustain and grow in the future have to take advantage of technology in creating a connected supply chain network. Now, this can either be done by fetching data from the supply chain process and gaining insights to disrupt the existing sales and revenue statistics.
Advanced Workforce Management
Since technology is making its way into the manufacturing units of the future, organizations have to experience a huge impact on the workforce. Whether it is the use of big data, IoT devices, or robotics, the modern workforce has to make way for technology and adapt to change. Since the maximum portion of the manufacturing industry runs on legacy practices, the workforce has to cultivate new skills.
These skills should include an understanding of technology as well as learning to use it for fastening the process for better decision making. However, making such a move needs manufacturers to reassess their business strategies and training process, allowing a smoother shift of the industry.
Sustainability & Governance Reforms
Over the years, the tech revolution has shifted towards a sustainable tech revolution. And more importantly, the idea of green technology is not only limited to sustainability reforms but also made its way to governance.
This is why the manufacturing industry is now incorporating sustainability objectives into its strategy and operations allowing ESG (Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance) issues in the framework. The vision with sustainable tech in manufacturing is all about generating long-term value for all. Also, adding the ESG model into the operational strategies can help in driving profitability and cut the risks involved by allowing business executives to gauge performance. Besides, the metrics developed from the reports could be tracked.
The Crux
The manufacturing industry has changed a lot during the past two decades. Especially, the intervention of technology into the industry business landscape proved to be the most significant reason behind the growth and profitability. As long as it is concerned with the future of manufacturing, the smart factories, the software-based operations, are quickly changing the factory floors.
All in all, the connected way to manufacturing seems highly reliable as far as the future is concerned. The technology is not only aiding the existing operations but opening new use cases to scale up the production lines for the right execution and visionary success. However, pursuing all such goals requires quality access to computational power along with technologies like cloud, AI, robots, cobots, and most importantly quality assurance services that can help all of these integrate with perfection.
And if you are planning to upscale your industrial deployment with validated and functional software and hardware technology, we can help you drive all our proficiency to raise digital business models through our quality assurance solutions.
For more information, reach us at info@bugraptors.com
