The manufacturing sector is constantly evolving. In order to stay ahead of the curve, manufacturers must be aware of the latest trends and technologies. In this blog post, Jaro Education presents the top 10 trends that will dominate the manufacturing sector.
Focus on Employee Safety
In many ways, 2020 was a trying year for the manufacturing sector. The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread production shutdowns and disruptions, and many companies are still struggling to recover. However, there are also some silver linings. One is that the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of employee safety.
Here are some of the top trends when it comes to employee safety:
- Greater focus on personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Employers are also focusing on keeping their workplaces clean and sanitised.
Overall, one can expect greater transparency from manufacturers and in all sections of the supply chain.
Internet of Things (IoT) Will Dominate
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the top trends that will dominate the manufacturing management sector in the coming years. The IoT is a network of physical objects, devices, and sensors that are connected to the internet and can collect and exchange data. This data can be used to improve efficiency, optimise production, and create new business models.
The benefits of the IoT for manufacturers are vast. For example, by connecting machines and equipment to the internet, manufacturers can remotely monitor performance and diagnose problems quickly. Additionally, manufacturers can use data collected by IoT devices to improve their processes and products.
Predictive Maintenance Optimizes Production
Predictive maintenance is a technique that uses data and analytics to identify potential issues with the equipment before they occur. By catching problems early, predictive maintenance can help avoid unplanned downtime and improve production efficiency.
Predictive maintenance is made possible by the increasing availability of data and the development of new analytical tools, powered IoT. As manufacturing equipment becomes more connected, it generates large amounts of data that can be used to detect patterns and predict when problems are likely to occur.
Transition from B2B to B2C
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a major transition, as companies move from a focus on business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. Here are a few benefits of this transition:
- Increase in profit margins
- Better brand control and representation
- Better acquisition and use of consumer data
- Improved pricing control
Planning and Restructuring Post-Pandemic
Post-pandemic, the manufacturing companies that did survive, had 3 key takeaways to weather this storm. Known as the Reset, here are the 3 core tenets of this concept:
Immediate Response:
This would involve damage control and keeping people safe and doing what it takes to keep the business afloat.
Recovery:
Once the crisis has abated, the company tries to go back to its original scale. This involves budgeting, rehiring and so on.
Rejuvenation:
Observe the trends and data that emerge from recovery and apply it across the whole organisation. Also, keep the trends in mind for better handling future crises.
Integrating Apps with ERP
More and more businesses are looking to integrate their apps with their existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This trend is being driven by the need for greater data visibility and efficiency in manufacturing operations. By integrating apps with ERP, businesses can quickly and easily view real-time data on production line performance, inventory levels, and more. Additionally, this integration can help to automate tasks and processes, further increasing efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
Big Data will Continue to Boom
Big data can help manufacturers improve their operations in several ways. For instance, it can be used to track and optimise production line efficiency, identify quality issues, and predict maintenance needs. Additionally, big data can be used to develop new products and services and understand customer preferences better.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Services on the Rise
AR and VR can help companies create more immersive experiences for their customers and employees, while also reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Some of the most popular AR and VR applications in manufacturing include:
Product design:
AR and VR can be used to create immersive 3D models of products
Training:
These technologies can be used to create realistic simulations of work environments, which can be used for training purposes.
Marketing:
AR and VR can be used to create immersive experiences that allow potential customers to experience products or services before they purchase them.
3D Printing will Revolutionise Manufacturing
3D printing has the potential to revolutionise the manufacturing sector by making it possible to create products quickly and cheaply without the need for expensive tooling or moulds. This could lead to a new era of customization and personalization in manufacturing, as businesses will be able to produce products that are exactly what their customers want.
Decline in Offshoring
Offshoring has been a popular cost-saving measure for manufacturers in recent years. However, the tide is turning as more companies begin seeing the benefits of keeping production closer to home. There are many reasons for this shift, one being the pandemic. But the most important one is that it allows companies greater control over their operations.
PG Certificate Programme in Manufacturing Management & Analytics
Jaro Education, in conjunction with IIM Tiruchirappalli, has devised a programme to take valuable lessons from these key trends. Manufacturing is a vast and complex process with numerous data points. It can be challenging to make sense of all this data and take actionable decisions that will benefit an organisation in the long run. This is why this manufacturing management programme is essential, making it one of the best online management courses with certificates.
Conclusion
The manufacturing sector is always changing and evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. However, knowing what the top trends are, and enrolling in this course presented by IIM Tiruchirappalli can help you stay ahead of the curve. Follow Jaro Education for more tips and courses in manufacturing management.
