In the complex and competitive world of manufacturing, where product quality and operational efficiencies are…
Start The Digital Journey With Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Technology is touching every aspect of our lives and it seems to be changing everything we do. It is impacting the way we think, communicate and the way we are entertained. It controls how we perform everyday tasks like driving, shopping, banking, and exercise. It is inevitable that technology is also changing the way we manufacture.
New technologies are already implemented in large corporations and they are now quickly becoming a requirement for small and medium-sized firms. The era of “smart manufacturing” is here.
What is Smart Manufacturing?
Smart manufacturing goes hand in hand with Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As technology advances, smart technology is becoming more commonplace. The average consumer interacts with smart technology with various commercial products. Whole industries are also experiencing smart technology in gathering, reading, and implementing data to create new ways to stay relevant.
As Industry 4.0 continues to solidify as the “new normal,” companies must embrace smart technology to stay relevant and keep up with the way industry operates. As a key component of many industries, the manufacturing sector must do the same. Companies must continue to create products in light of new technology and advances, making smart manufacturing the key to keeping pace with the times.
MANTEC is focused on future trends and we see advanced technology as a game-changer. Smart manufacturing integrates core disciplines into one coordinated system. We have invested in a new “Smart Manufacturing Laboratory” to demonstrate robotics and operational excellence. MANTEC views smart manufacturing through four principal areas:
- Growth & Innovation: Supply chain and logistics platforms provide higher levels of inventory control and customer order fulfillment. Design services, prototyping and testing have revolutionized the way we develop new products.
- Operational Excellence & Quality: New advances in automation and robotics have increased plant efficiency and worker productivity.
- Technology: Advanced manufacturing planning and production control systems enhance the flow of products through our plants.
- Workforce Development: The workforce of the future requires ongoing training on advancing technologies.
MANTEC and our counterpart organizations across Pennsylvania just completed an Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) survey of 78 firms, and we learned that 83% of manufacturers have already invested in some aspect of AMT. This is encouraging. The next challenge will be to combine the individual components of AMT into a fully functioning smart manufacturing system.
What Benefits Can Smart Manufacturing Bring to a Firm?
Here are some of the benefits of smart manufacturing:
- A competitive edge: Many firms have already embraced smart technology in their business. Having your own smart manufacturing system will help you stay competitive and gain an edge over those businesses that have yet to embrace smart technology.
- Flexibility: World events can have unpredictable impacts on the manufacturing sector. While traditional manufacturing firms need a long time to change operations and accommodate new market trends, smart systems let you more easily adjust your operations to meet current demands.
- Customization: Firms can fulfill custom orders more easily when utilizing a smart system for their manufacturing practices. Smart technology lets manufacturing companies make custom services a significant part of their business model.
- Efficiency: Smart manufacturing technologies constantly improve, helping companies complete their tasks faster and with less waste. That improvement means your firm can take on more work while providing the same quality products and services.
- Collaboration: Smart technologies open the door for separate parties to collaborate on projects. Different entities can work together by using the Internet of Things, completing their own parts of the process to work toward a shared goal.
Smart Manufacturing Examples in Firms Today
Today’s manufacturing firms already enhance many of their operations with smart manufacturing, such as:
- Virtual and augmented reality: Companies use virtual and augmented reality to aid training and visualization. Employees can see useful information in real time and virtual reality can change the way companies interact with new designs and ideas.
- Automation and robotics: Automation and robotics technologies change the way manufacturers create their products. Add artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to this and the process of creating products becomes more streamlined than ever.
- Big data analysis: Companies use big data to learn more about their operations. They use this data to make changes, increase efficiency and cut unnecessary costs. Operational data can also help companies make projections for future goals and budgets.
- Cloud computing: Cloud computing takes data from several operational locations and compiles it into a single set. This consolidation can help companies localize their data and better understand their overall operations.
- Digital twin technology: A digital twin of a machine takes all the functioning and data of a physical machine and copies it to a digital setting. Companies use this to predict malfunctions and spur preventative maintenance, helping reduce downtime and protect assets.
MANTEC’s Smart Manufacturing Services
MANTEC has provided smart manufacturing services to dozens of small and medium-sized manufacturers to streamline systems and operations and tie together every aspect of the manufacturing enterprise. MANTEC stands ready to be your resource as we enter this exciting new era in manufacturing.
Call MANTEC first to explore your next move in the fast-paced technology game.
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