Manufacturers Take on These Five New Year's Resolutions

Joe Weinlick
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Manufacturing is a critical part of the American economy, and despite recent downturns, it's carrying on strong. Still, American manufacturing has to remain competitive with the rest of the world to survive. Here are five considerations for the industry for 2017.

Automation

Automation is a key part of manufacturing because it reduces labor costs and ensures better accuracy. Consequently, American manufacturing has to embrace a wide range of technologies to create cost-effective goods for a variety of markets. Manufacturing might use state-of-the-art robotics and an impressive array of computer-aided processes, including quality controls and stock ordering and retrieving. This also helps with traceability, as the machine can scan both bar codes and serial numbers for a complete comprehensive tracking system.

Data Analysis

The concept of big data has been around for a few years, and it relies on having the computer power to analyze billions of bytes of data to create solutions. A car manufacturer, for example, might need to know what happens to purchasing habits when the price of oil goes up by a certain degree. At what point does it need to start making smaller cars rather than trucks? Big data can provide answers to these questions.
Within the factory itself, big data can provide trends and correlations, and some software packages are very close to providing predictive analytics, essentially predicting the future. Spreadsheets are very limited, by comparison, so make use of analytical packages to keep your business at the forefront of modern technology.

Connectivity

American manufacturing often relies on fallible manual ordering systems, where a factory uses a human to order goods. While this is an option, it is not always a good one. Humans forget things, while automated ordering systems track usage and inventory, and place orders when needed in response to preset levels. This helps reduce personnel costs, but it also ensures accurate ordering throughout the business, with automated filing of invoices and so on to ensure full accountability.

Internet of Things

The internet is moving on to its fourth iteration, with a greater range of goods connected to it. American manufacturing has the chance of removing humans from certain decision-making processes, particularly ones were machines can make accurate judgments more quickly. This might mean taking multiple pieces of data from multiple machines to decide whether quality has been met or whether a machine needs refilling. It also has big implications for fleet vehicles since vehicles connected to the internet of things can automate their own repairs and maintenance.

Productivity

Continuous improvement in all these areas means less labor is needed. This is a trend that has continued since the 1980s, when American manufacturing underwent a seismic shift in response to computers and robots. This shift ensures that each working person produces more with the help of machines.

Overall, American manufacturing has a bright future, but you need to consider possible improvements to your systems to make your business more profitable. Reducing labor, relying more on automated systems and connecting your factory to the internet can help you become more productive in the modern American economy.


Photo courtesy of John Kasawa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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