MSPNetworks Blog

Manufacturers have long been at the forefront of technology. Today, this trend continues, but with new, innovative tools that are designed to make business more efficient and workers more productive. This technology has helped much of the manufacturing sector despite costs continually rising, supply chain interruptions, and other variables. Let’s take a look at some of the major technology changes that have fueled manufacturers during the past few years. 

Enhanced Digitalization

Manufacturers typically take materials and turn them into consumer goods or components for other manufacturers to use in their process. Many manufacturers have begun the process of digitization; meaning that they now are using digital systems to manage their business, interact with customers, and handle all the automation that has been tabbed to make their process more efficient. Most manufacturers have been using digital technology for quite some time, but some of the shifts that make these changes innovative include the leveraging of robots to do collaborative tasks.

Cobots

Artificial intelligence fuels this trend by using machines that are colloquially called “cobots”. Over 40% of manufacturers use robots and with smarter software the “cobots” can work alongside human workers rather than outright replacing them. This means these robots are much more affordable than traditional robots that typically replace human workers.

IoT

Another digital evolution for manufacturers comes from the Internet of Things. These sensors may not be built specifically for manufacturers, but they hold considerable value for them. The biggest benefit comes in the manner of predictive maintenance. Sensors can keep track of components and maintenance schedules, which can cut down on maintenance costs by a whopping 25 percent. If you consider that downtime can cost tens of thousands of dollars an hour, the more you can do to keep systems functioning as intended the better your business will be. 

Machine Vision

Another use of AI in manufacturing is called machine vision. It lets companies automate their quality control processes on each end of their business. Basically, it allows a manufacturer to run their operations faster than they would if they relied on humans to run point over their quality control. With machine vision detection, manufacturers can increase production and maintain a level of quality they expect from their process, a win-win for any manufacturer. 

Technology can help any type of business, but if you’re a manufacturer that could benefit from innovative new digital tools, reach out to the IT experts at MSPNetworks at (516) 403-9001 today.

Manufacturing products is still a major part of the western economies; and, like other businesses, manufacturers are using information technology to fuel and manage their supply chains and business processes. We’ll take a short look at what IT manufacturers use, and how it helps them forge their business ahead.

The Production Labyrinth

The process of creating products can be quite the maze. If you make the right decisions, operations can go smoothly, but if you take the wrong turns, you could be facing a no-win situation. The use of IT can help navigate the modern manufacturer to a successful end more than it will lead them nowhere, but they need to know where to start.

For the modern manufacturer, IT begins as the supply chain starts, during the process of procurement. In order to produce the product, you plan to sell, you need to procure the resources needed to make that product. Since all these resources tend to come from separate places, and are often made by other manufacturers, getting the resources you need to keep production moving consistently is important for the effectiveness of the operation.

The most cost intensive part of running any manufacturer is the actual production end... largely because of the capital costs of purchasing the machinery needed to manufacture goods coupled with the operational costs (payroll and downtime caused by machinery malfunction and the subsequent maintenance required) add up. As a result, most manufacturers are looking to mitigate wasting capital by instituting some type of IT. With IT comes automation. Enhancements in automation make it possible for businesses to cut their production costs, making them more predictable, and creating a state of efficiency.

Distribution of the finished product is the final step for a manufacturer. If costs in this part of the business get too high, it can put a definite squeeze on the potential of the business and create major problems in its ability to offer products at a low-enough price point where retail businesses and other customers will continue to purchase their products.

Where IT Fits

Fortunately for the small to medium-sized manufacturers, there are now problem-solving technology solutions that can reduce downtime, enhance efficiency, and promote revenue growth. A few of these technologies include:

• Asset Tracking - Using sensors, every product and resource can be tracked to provide efficiency.
• Customer Relationship Management - This software helps a company streamline their customer service. It’s used to manage leads, opportunities, and customers.
• Inventory Management - Manages stock and standardizes and allows for automation in the act of replenishment.
• Supply Chain Management - This software helps a company control their entire supply chain from procurement to distribution.

Enterprise Resource Planning

Each of the processes can be implemented on its own and be of great benefit for the modern manufacturer. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution for your manufacturer’s management, there is a software called Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). An ERP solution allows for each division of a manufacturer to be managed by one single piece of software that not only works to automate parts of the business, it also allows administrators from different departments to know exactly what to expect. Outfitting your organization with an ERP promotes overall business efficiency, getting your products to market faster, creating better revenue generation and enhancing customer satisfaction.

If you are searching for a way to make your manufacturing business more effective at getting products to market, MSPNetworks has some options for you. Call our professional consultants today at (516) 403-9001 to learn more about how an ERP solution can improve your business.