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The majority of manufacturers are currently undergoing various stages of a digital transformation journey. Recent challenges impacting the sector, such as supply chain disruptions, the push towards achieving net-zero emissions and the scarcity of skilled talent have highlighted the importance for manufacturers to enhance their efficiency, agility and resilience. Navigating these challenges and driving sustainable growth.
SME’s onboard the Digital Transformation journey
Typically, the big manufacturing companies have been hot on embracing digital transformation, as they can see the many benefits to keep them ahead of their competitors. However, Small and Medium Enterprises are starting to see these benefits and the need to make changes sooner rather than later if they want to have a good chance of being in a winning position against their competitors. SME’s have realised there are affordable solutions out there and alternative options to the larger offerings which come with a larger price tag.
While other industries surge ahead with digital investments, many larger manufacturing firms are still in the early stages of implementation, grappling with complex workflows, security concerns and compliance burdens.
The benefit for an SME turning to digital transformation, it is much easier for them to adopt than for a larger company as they are more flexible, adaptable and it is simpler for them to change their current processes, which were most likely manual, to a leaner solution.
The realisation that to be able to thrive in the manufacturing industry is to adopt transformative technologies that can help grow your business to the next level. By utilising tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented reality and advanced 3D modelling. Strategically applied, these tools unlock cost savings and uncover new opportunities enhancing agility and sustainability.
Embracing Cloud Based Solutions
Cloud based solutions emerge as a game changer, offering rapid deployment and scalability. A recent IDC report reveals a significant shift towards Cloud-based manufacturing applications, with over 70% of investments in operations management and manufacturing execution systems are cloud based.
Modernising manufacturing demands a robust edge to Cloud infrastructure, recognising that data is no longer confined to data centres or servers. This architecture facilitates near zero latency, ensuring seamless data flow between edge devices, cloud applications and users worldwide. As a result, 58% of manufacturers currently leverage edge to Cloud solutions with another 30% planning adoption, in the near future.
Smart Factories becoming a reality
With a modern Cloud infrastructure in place, smart factories become a reality. Automation, monitoring, cybersecurity and analytics converge to accelerate operations, enhance efficiency and minimise faults.
Digital twins emerge as a power tool. Digital twins are a virtual representation of a physical object or system. It mimics the real-world counterpart so closely that it can be used for various purposes like simulation, testing, monitoring and maintenance. This enables real-time simulations and analysis to optimise decision making, this proves very beneficial in all industries for example in aerospace, the digital twin is of the aviation engine, with the feedback from the engine to the digital twin, the digital twin will operate in the virtual world and predict when maintenance is required, reducing aircraft downtime, increasing reliability.
A Cloud ERP Solution
A Cloud all-in-one ERP solution, is the future. Gone are the days where you need a whole room to store your server in, or forking out a chunky amount of cash every five to ten years to upgrade it. Technology is so advanced that your data can now be stored in the Cloud! Giving you a whole room back and cost savings too.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) compliments the digital transformation within the manufacturing industry, with everything in one centralised location you are creating lean processes within your company to allow opportunities for your company to grow, keep up with demand and provide fantastic service to your customers. Customer Satisfaction is the key to customer loyalty allowing your business to thrive.
An ERP Solution typically includes Accounts, CRM, MRP and inventory management plus much more. Reducing the amount of multiple data entries (and potential manual errors), all areas of the system communicate with each other, without delay. Your real-time data is available at the click of a button.
Integrating your machines with an ERP system can significantly enhance efficiency and streamline operations within your organisation. By connecting machines directly to the ERP system, you establish a seamless flow of data between production machinery and business processes. This means that data such as production rates, inventory levels, machine statuses and maintenance schedules can be automatically updated in real time within your ERP system.
View the full Kasdon Electronics case study here
Moreover, with up-to-date and accurate data from machine integration, managers and decision makers have better insights into production processes. They can make informed decisions regarding inventory management, resource allocation, production scheduling and overall business strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the manufacturing industry is undergoing a vital digital transformation, driven by the need for agility, sustainability and efficiency. While larger firms have led the charge, SME’s are now recognising the urgency to adapt. Cloud based solutions, smart factories and digital twins are reshaping operations, offering rapid deployment, scalability and real time insights. Cloud ERP systems consolidate functions, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency. Integrating machines with ERP streamlines operations further, providing valuable data for informed decision making. Embracing these technologies isn’t just advantageous. It is imperative for manufacturers to thrive in a competitive landscape, ensuring innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
ERP solutions help you streamline and optimise your processes, you will question “how did we not make the change sooner?”
If you are ready to start your digital transformation or want to find out more about how WinMan can help you please contact us.
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