Manufacturing Industry 4.0 needs to modernize operations says Info-Tech
by CM Staff
Info-Tech says manufacturing businesses should consider making a shift to processes that enable rapid adaptation to changes in the industry.
Manufacturing Trends Report (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)
TORONTO — Info-Tech Research Group’s latest research report says the manufacturing sector is often the slowest to recover from labour shortages and disruptions.
In its recent report titled The Durable Goods Manufacturing Industry 4.0 Trends Report, Info-Tech dove into four key trends that may help manufacturers adopt digital ecosystems in order to help them endure labour shortages.
“In almost all industries, there are weaknesses in the workforce, and the manufacturing sector is the slowest to recover,” stated Kevin Tucker, principal research director and practice lead in Info-Tech’s Manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics practice.
“Currently, many manufacturing operations require staff to be physically on location.”
According to Info-Tech, manufacturing businesses are traditionally slow to adopt new technology. However, the industry’s technology adoption rate has increased since the onset of the pandemic. The number of connected devices is projected to increase to 25 billion by 2030 from 7.74 billion.
Info-Tech says that manufacturing organizations can no longer view reshaping the ecosystem as optional, and manufacturing businesses should consider making a shift to processes that enable rapid adaptation to changes in the industry.
“The manufacturing industry must realize that it cannot afford to be complacent,” explained Tucker in a statement.
“The path to implementing the new trends is rocky, with the greatest barriers being fear of job loss, scarce resources, increased competition, and difficulty getting the business to make consistent investments.”
The following four advanced manufacturing trends outlined in Info-Tech’s research should be top of mind for IT leaders and executives in the manufacturing industry over the coming months:
Additionally, Info-Tech made a series of recommendations for IT organizations and executives in the manufacturing industry. Among them, researchers advise manufacturing businesses to modernize their equipment as many of those entering this field anticipate everything will be automated, while many manufacturers use equipment that is 20 to 30 years old. Also, they advise making use of microfactories and intelligent systems to help niche players enter the market faster.
Info-Tech also recommends building resiliency through diversification of the supply chain that blends onshore and off-shore. Lastly, manufacturers are advised to consider the environmental terms at the forefront of business language these days. With this in mind, manufacturing businesses should implement eco-friendly, lean, circular technology processes that can help reduce the labour and carbon footprint.
