2020 has undeniably been a game-changer as we have witnessed business innovations happening at breakneck speeds.
This makes it critical for businesses to adapt to any upcoming business trends to overcome industry challenges and keep their business going under any circumstances.
Manufacturers reeling from the pandemic’s effects are quickly adopting innovative business trends to find their footing again.
Read ahead to see the 2021 manufacturing trends you must follow to facilitate your manufacturing business.
1. Digital Connectivity
Manufacturing has had a massive hit due to the pandemic with closed facilities and rigid communication, resulting in 94% of Fortune 1000 companies facing supply chain disruptions.
As a result, digital connectivity is at the forefront of the 2021 manufacturing trends. Businesses are increasingly relying on the Internet of Things to connect and digitize their production processes to avoid more disruptions.
You can use tools that enable digitization of:
- Inventory
- Operations
- Equipment
- Employees
- Customers
With the rapid growth of the Internet of Things, manufacturing devices are easily connected and enable better communication.
2. Predictive Maintenance
Equipment failures are pretty common in manufacturing operations, and these are costly and hazardous to handle.
With greater use of smart machines, it is easier to use internal sensors that self-inspect and inform workers of possible maintenance to catch mechanical failures before they occur. As a result, factory equipment’s life increases, creating a safer work environment and reducing cost.
With response capabilities and real-time alert, predictive maintenance transforms operations, making a mark on the manufacturing industry this year.
3. Frontline Employee Technology
In 2021, frontline employees will be digitally enabled in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers must create a digitally connected network that includes employees and technologies. Encourage digital communication among employees and the machines they manage in the factories.
Employee technology is an essential part of the digital transformation process as it supports and accelerates manufacturing. In addition, mobile employee technology is a part of digital transformation that enables:
- Digitization: This allows you to create essential materials’ digital versions which are easily accessible. Digitizing shift schedules, SOPs, and training keep employees informed, engaged, and safe
- Optimization: With integrated workflows, efficiency increases as data silos break and information flows uniformly across machines, systems, and humans
- Automation: Streamlining of unnecessary processes increases productivity. For instance, HR teams receive repetitive questions, and using chatbots helps the team and facilitates information transfer
4. Leaner Industry
2021 demands a leaner manufacturing industry with streamlined workflows, waste reduction, and optimized processes that result in financially stable operations. If you adopt the lean methodology, you can see significant reductions in your operating expenditures.
You can expect much more business agility with no added inventory, a well-connected workforce, and decreased all over waste. This allows you to adapt to business models quickly during unprecedented situations like the pandemic.
Conclusion
There is no denying that whether you have a retail or a casting business, you need to innovate your methods to find your way back into the game after the pandemic’s disruptions.
There has been a rapid change in the tech industry to facilitate all business processes, and you must follow these manufacturing trends to make it in 2021 and beyond!
