7 Steps to Becoming a Smarter Manufacturer
Posted April 18th, 2019
The digital revolution has impacted nearly every industry, including manufacturing. “Smart” technology is becoming more common, allowing organizations to increase efficiency and lower costs.
If you want to become a smarter company, then taking the right approach is essential. Here are seven steps that can help you maximize and streamline your digital journey.
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Focus on Security
If you are going to embrace technology, then cybersecurity needs to be a primary concern. Any new tech or platform can introduce a risk, so you need to implement the right security-oriented solutions from the beginning.
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Understand What It Means
Learning what “smart technology” actually means is also a critical early step. Otherwise, your expectations may not align with reality.
To put it simply, smart technology involves devices and programs that can monitor, manage, and improve workflows and processes. All of the tech is integrated as well, creating a comprehensive view of your manufacturing approach, systems, and more.
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See the Supply Chain Big Picture
Companies throughout the country (and even the world) are embracing smart technology. As a result, your supply chain may function differently as the involved businesses update their processes and procedures.
Often, changes will work in your favor, increasing accessibility and reducing wait times. However, new implementations can cause hiccups, so it is important to keep that in mind.
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Do Your Research
While every manufacturing company is different, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from your competitors’ experience and choices. If another organization has implemented smart solutions, do some research to see how operations were impacted, if they encountered any problems, and the level of success they achieved.
Additionally, finding out which technologies are being more widely adopted can give you additional insights into their functionality and benefits. This is especially true if you have to begin small, giving you information that can help you identify priorities.
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Document Each Solution
As you add a piece of smart technology to your environment, track the addition. You also want to review your current solutions to determine whether they would qualify, giving you the ability to monitor your status as a smart organization.
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Integrate When Possible
As you add new solutions, finding opportunities to integrate them with existing systems is always wise. If you can share data access, centralize monitoring, or otherwise streamline your processes by connecting multiple systems, make sure to explore the option.
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Hire the Right Professionals
Shifting to become a smart manufacturer means you may need additional skill sets available. As you look to fill vacant positions, seek out candidates with experience with the technologies that have been added to their role or may be implemented in the future. This allows you to benefit from their experience, something that could lessen the organization’s overall learning curve and provide other employees with a resource who can guide them through the changes.
Find Your New Job with the Help of Bayside Solutions!
If you would like to learn more about smart technology in manufacturing, the team at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our technology expertise can benefit you.
