Implementing Technology for Your Shop Floor… And Beyond
We have all been hearing about manufacturing industry trends like automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing for nearly a decade now. But what do these technology buzzwords truly mean for small to mid-size manufacturers (SMMs)? Is it realistic for manufacturers of any size to harness the power of this technology today? Our answer is yes.
From automobiles to high-tech and general manufacturing, companies like General Motors (GM), General Electric (GE), Hewlett-Packard (HP), and Paper Machinery Corporation (PMC) represent a wide variety of industrial manufacturing capabilities dominating the industrial technology space. With these companies’ decades of experience and research in establishing best practices in the industry, they are charting a course for other manufacturers to follow and benefit from them.
So, what are the industry leaders’ latest manufacturing developments that smaller companies can incorporate into their business processes?
Over the past year, we’ve witnessed how resilient the manufacturing sector is. Now, as we look to the future, we know that companies looking to sustain or grow are focusing on streamlining and integrating the following technology systems: Automation + Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) + 3D Printing
Automation
The shop floor of tomorrow will be highly automated, both in the machinery that produces the products on the floor and in the business processes that yield the results.
Robotics is an automation technology that is here to stay. There was a time when we only saw big companies like GM and Ford using robots to assemble cars because the technology was so cost-prohibitive. The automotive industry is the largest user of industrial robots; robotics is no longer considered a luxury in manufacturing. It can be a competitive advantage across all sectors. As the science in robotics continues to advance, the technology becomes more affordable and more accessible.
Forward-thinking corporate leaders are calculating how the next generation of robotics will affect their workforce, operations, business models, and competitive advantages while preparing for the latest technology like collaborative and customized robotics. According to a November 2020 Reportlinker report, industrial robotics is the top robotics segment and is expected to grow from $76.6 billion in 2020 to $176.8 billion by 2025, a compound annual growth rate of 18.2 percent.
It is imperative for managers to embrace technological advances that lead to improved productivity so they can maintain a competitive edge in their industry. However, automation technology for companies is not limited to robotics. It is the pairing of mechanisms like robots, conveyors, and machinery with processes and practices. This includes smart software systems like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and intelligent software modules that work in tandem with ERP systems to enhance their performance. Additionally, it includes business process automation, which saves time, does away with costly and time-consuming paper processes, and improving visibility for managers throughout the entire organization. As each department becomes part of the greater automated process, the organization as a whole will become more automated, faster, and more efficient.
The combination of machine and software process automation will lead your business to higher production, greater efficiency, reduced errors, reduced labor costs, improved visibility, enhanced decision making, a more streamlined flow throughout the entire organization, and greater profits.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) + 3D Printing
It has been widely reported that over the last decade, GE has invested more than $1 billion in IoT and has coined the phrase, “The Industrial Internet of Things.” Today’s workers are more connected than ever – but are all the digital solutions really working for them? As we look to the future of IIoT, Forbes predicts that the focus will be on better integration, utilization, and rapid adoption of applications will be the focus moving forward.
Many manufacturing leaders who previously piecemealed solutions together now need to shift their immediate focus onto interconnecting all their organizational data and systems, creating organizational agility and the ability to keep up with the rapid demand for information.
Not only is information in demand, but we all know in 2020, the manufacturing supply chain was pushed to the ultimate test as it was disrupted globally. The most well-equipped manufacturers to handle these ongoing supply chain challenges are those who have already adopted 3D Printing technology into their standard business practices. According to a recent BusinessWire report, “the global Industrial 3D Printing Market was valued at USD 11.58 Billion in 2019 and is expected to reach over USD 46.17 Billion by 2026. The demand for Industrial 3D Printing Market is increasing significantly due to extensive uses in customized manufacturing solutions in aerospace, automotive, and other manufacturing industry.”
Through 3D Printing technology, manufacturers of any size are able to get better access to the parts they need, when they need them.
So, what can SMMs adopt from manufacturers like GM, GE, HP & Paper Machinery Corporation?
- With automation in both machine and business processes, you will find an increase in efficiency, productivity, and profits – as well as a savings in labor costs and time
- The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is demanding better integration and systems visibility
- 3D Printing is here to stay and allows the supply chain to be better managed by creating, testing, and producing part components faster and with greater customization
All three of these practices are more cost-effective than ever to incorporate into the operations of SMMs. You don’t have to be GM, GE, or HP to reap the rewards of technology. Manufacturers that embrace these practices stand to benefit and grow, while those that pass on streamlined technology will be left behind.
Looking to implement these best practices?
The Lake Companies has been working with discrete manufacturers of all sizes for nearly four decades to optimize their existing resources. We’d be happy to discuss your specific technology needs and organizational goals further. Our entire team is here to help – connect with us here or email marketing@lakeco.com.
