Since the First Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century, the world has seen many trailblazing technological innovations that changed the way people deliver services or manufacture products. The advent of steam power technology, for one, essentially ushered the world into modernization particularly during the second industrialization period when the electric, automobile, and steel industries saw rapid advances.
Fast forward to the current times, technology continues to serve as an integral part of many industries, particularly in manufacturing. In fact, you can’t see a single manufacturing facility that has no technological integration in its business model. Tech tools pretty much make up the bulk of infrastructures in assembly lines and manufacturing facilities across the world, hence the need to invest in them.
If you happen to be in this specific business, here are the top tech tools that you should consider investing in for your manufacturing business this 2021:
Robotics/automation
Manufacturers have been relying heavily on robotics technology in automating repetitive or dangerous processes in their assembly lines. The great thing about using robots for such tasks is that products that are in high demand can be finished quickly without delays, so target clients are always happy. Additionally, processes that have inherent risks become way safer since human intervention is very minimal or totally nothing at all.
While robotics and automation are cost-prohibitive, they can be the perfect long-term investment, especially for businesses that delve into large-volume products with tight schedules. If your business happens to be like one, then these are tools that you should strongly consider investing in.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) is something that seems straight out of a sci-fi flick: different internet-connected devices and gadgets that seem to talk to each other with hardly any human intervention. However, it’s a technology that is absolutely real and game-changing, such as in manufacturing businesses.
For example, with this tech tool, the skilled workers in a stainless steel fabrication company can have the quality of their fabricated components checked by IoT devices in real-time. This allows for quick modifications and quality control that are essential in guaranteeing a high level of craftsmanship in the final products.
You should explore the possibility of integrating this amazing technology in your business if you’re after quality and you need to start your digital transformation right now. It would surely cost you money, but it’s an investment that will serve you well today and in the future.
3D printing
In recent years, 3D printing technology has become highly sophisticated that many companies in the manufacturing industry and beyond use it extensively in creating various products. 3D printers have rapidly advanced so much that their outputs exhibit stunning details and high levels of craftsmanship.
The other great thing about integrating this technology in your manufacturing process is that you can quickly develop prototypes and then replicate the final version outright. Additionally, it’s possible to come up with products that are cost-efficient to manufacture, which is perfect for any kind of manufacturing business.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI), as well as machine learning, are two of the equally sci-fi-like tech tools used by many manufacturers today.
For one, AI uses available data that are fed into a computer system to serve as a decision-making tool. AI processes the data by checking for specific trends and then making logical projections. It’s pretty much like having a machine that thinks on your behalf using hard data, so no guesswork is involved.
When used with machine learning, AI can offer tremendous help in the various aspects of manufacturing such as asset tracking, inventory management, transportation cost reduction, and supply chain visibility.
Cloud computing
Cloud technology is now not just a buzzword but an integral part of the manufacturing industry, with companies investing in dedicated servers and necessary infrastructure to store voluminous data. For businesses where collaboration is critical such as manufacturing, cloud technology offers the convenience of remote access to business data from any internet-connected device.
Through cloud technology, manufacturers can hook with supply chains, work remotely with designers on new products, and ensure that critical data can be accessed by all key players in the manufacturing paradigm.
In short, cloud computing is the perfect solution for data-driven businesses where real-time access to relevant data and seamless collaboration are critical to the success of the manufacturing process.
Truly, technology can make a manufacturing business highly efficient, safe, and successful. Invest in these tech tools and make your own success story.
