Several high-tech manufacturing processes drive the industry, including 3-D printing, robotics and adaptive technologies. Manufacturing trends lean towards more customization, higher-paying engineering jobs and more automation.
The IT industry represents one important aspect of high-tech manufacturing poised to make huge paradigm changes over the next five years. Many companies have already noticed a shift in the way they do business, such as self-forming teams, speed of business, globally local firms and supply chain visibility. IT advancements continue to drive manufacturing trends forward to the creation of real-time, collaborative environments for the new generation of manufacturing systems.
Mobile technologies such as smartphones and tablet computers continue to deliver real-time assessments to managers and executives. High-tech manufacturing allows companies to engage employees and customers in the manufacturing process from the delivery of raw materials to the end product on store shelves. Spending on mobility may reach $800 billion by 2016, and manufacturers must take advantage of these systems to remain competitive.
Social media forms the basis of collaborative platforms among different enterprises. High-tech manufacturing relies on efficient ways for people to communicate to mitigate decision making and to let teams take action on issues. When a problem arises, people on a social media platform can find solutions faster and prevent a major dilemma that keeps finished product from shipping to a customer.
Big data analytics could become even more important moving forward. Programs and software that analyze real-time information have become more vital to high-tech manufacturing, and they will create a $23.6-billion industry by 2016. The ultimate goal of this software allows manufacturers to predict consumer trends and equipment lifespan based on real-time data acquisition. As a company collects more data, predictive software has a better opportunity to help the company make appropriate decisions.
Cloud computing ties all of these innovations together. More than 60 percent of large-scale storage capacity could move towards cloud computing by 2016, which means most companies may use the Internet to access vital information rather than internal company computers. Cloud computing gives any authorized personnel access to this information, which represents an innovation necessary for companies to move forward. Cloud computing means manufacturers do not have to replace entire computer systems and infrastructure just to keep pace. This cost-saving measure comes down in price when more companies invest in this type of information architecture.
Ultimately, these innovations lead to changes in terms of how manufacturers make money and hire people. Instead of entry-level jobs, manufacturers need employees with degrees in engineering, technology and computer science. Niche manufacturing creates custom parts for larger companies that, in turn, create large-scale manufacturing chains that benefit the entire industry. When more companies invest in technology, every company along the supply chain wins.
High-tech manufacturing has become increasingly dependent upon virtual applications within the IT industry. Companies that observe these trends maintain advantages over manufacturers that do not invest in technology to make communication better, faster and more effective.
Photo courtesy of khunaspix at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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