Robotics, and automation are the leading trends in manufacturing right now, but they’re not the only technological opportunities. There are many more areas where companies can introduce novel technological solutions to optimize operations, and improve both product quality and the bottom line. When it comes to supply chain management, online marketplaces and exchanges can help companies stay on top of the market—either maintain production flow to keep up with the demand, or slow down when industry conditions change.

Data collection and analytics can be very helpful for managing and optimizing manufacturing facilities. By combining Internet of Things with data analytics, you can gain a complete overview of your operations, down to the smallest parts.

Simulation systems can help you predict issues in your production process before you commit to it. This way you can fix issues in the digital world before they even arise in the real world. Thanks to the rapid progress of machine learning and AI, you can implement systems that will help you predict demand for your products, as well as changing market conditions and potential obstacles in your plans.

HR and financial management become much easier when you have extensive analytics and automation. Employees, subcontractors and suppliers can always get paid on time, and your team can have less manual tasks to attend to.
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Employee safety and security in your facilities is easier with new technology. Combine your surveillance system with a machine learning model, and you will get notified the minute something wrong happens, whether it’s a trespasser or a factory incident.

Quality is easier to maintain when you hand over quality checks to digital technology. Sensors combined with extensive software suites built according to your exact requirements make it easy to check product quality, as well as ensure high quality during the production stage.

Most companies already have large-scale systems, but they’re often old and rely on outdated technologies. You might not need to re-do your whole digital infrastructure, but it’s often necessary to innovate in the critical areas of your business. Strategic investments in modern tech can be a great way to drive up profits and optimize operations.

Novel tech can be connected with a legacy infrastructure almost seamlessly when it’s done by experts. The key is to find the areas where you need innovation the most, and implement cost-effective, future-proof solutions.

Technology can come in handy in many ways, one of them is employee training and support. With the rise of Augmented and Virtual Reality solutions, you can train your team to operate machinery without disrupting operations. Software can support employees in their daily work by notifying them to take a break, reminding them what they need to do, and taking over repetitive tasks so they can focus on other tasks that require a human touch.

On-boarding employees and ramping up productivity is easier with bespoke digital solutions that facilitate quick learning and adaptation to the workplace. Plus, software can keep your staff safe during the production process. With built-in safeguards that protect against human error or turn machines off in unexpected situations, your team can be confident that there won’t be any unfortunate incidents in the workplace.