Article | August 5, 2020
With just a click of a button, new implants today can be instantly tested by hundreds of patients at the same time. This is leaps and bounds over traditional methods. Instead of timely and wasteful testing on cadavers, which would only test one device on one specific person’s anatomy, now testing can be done with the help of software to accelerate innovation, improve device performance and prove their benefits. This innovation, known as virtual patients, slashes the time needed to bring a product to the market by reducing the number of design iterations. And yet, it is just one of the tools in-hand to accelerate the research and design process. By increasing anatomical understanding, the medical field is on the path to have safer and more predictable outcomes.
Read More
Insights
Article | February 12, 2021
More and more, brands are beginning to see the value of their packaging in influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. But much less often do they understand the true potential of their outer and additional elements in driving brand engagement, increasing loyalty and enhancing the overall customer experience – and it’s by doing the latter, you can really make consumers fall in love with not only your products, but your brand and business too.
In this article, Robert Lockyer, CEO and founder of Delta Global, a packaging solutions provider for luxury retail brands in fashion and beauty, explains why customers must love a brand’s packaging before they even begin to undress its layers and get to what’s inside.
Love at first sight
With packaging, looks do matter. In the digital age especially, that all important outer shell is often the first physical point of contact a customer has with a brand so the impression it leaves needs to be a positive one, as this will then influence consumers’ respective thoughts and feelings towards the brand and their overall experience with it.
The look of the packaging, understandably, plays a key role in making this impact. It needs to look neat, presentable and fit for purpose first of all, which will come down to the quality of materials used for example, and then in line with what they were expecting of the brand, next.
To achieve this, it’s common for packaging to carry a brand’s logo, colours or other visual cues. But while most brands have mastered this, more can be done by taking into consideration wider brand values, and then developing packaging solutions that represent them.
For instance, in recent years, an increasing number of luxury brands have adopted more minimalist images in order to represent more timeless and classic brand values, and their packaging elements have been updated to reflect such a shift. As a result, it is common for designer bags, boxes and inserts to be sleek in design, with minimal branding, often with just a name printed on them while also being in the company’s recognisable colours.
Take The White Company as an example. Whether a customer places an order online or makes an in-store purchase, there are clear preconceptions of what is to be expected from the brand’s packaging. While colour is on obvious one, customers expect the same clean, minimal and sophisticated designs present in all other branding elements to also be reflected in its packaging. And they’re not wrong.
When they receive a package from the brand, or walk out of the shop with a bag, they are left with a clear and consistent overall experience, which will then evoke positive feelings towards the company and its products, and ultimately, a repeat purchase.
Not only this, but the smart and sophisticated design of such boxes affords them greater status, and therefore use, enabling them to be used in replacement of gift wrapping and even as decorative household items.
Love is green
When packages can be reused in this way, they are also better for the environment. And with an increasing number of customers desiring greater sustainability from brands as well as ways to reduce their own carbon footprints, investing in eco-friendly packaging only does the company favours.
Ultimately, sustainability is a question of ethics, and by tapping into consumers’ deep rooted personal values by aligning their activities to them, brands can certainly encourage deeper connections and better engagement with customers. Over time, this translates to repeat purchases and even brand loyalty and advocacy, which are things all brands strive for.
The offering of sustainable packaging, therefore, becomes yet another reason for customers to choose and love a brand and its products, and going forward, this will help set certain companies apart from competitors.
Therefore, any investment will be worthwhile. With high quality packaging that meets consumers’ expectations and leaves them with a positive overall experience and feelings towards the brand, companies can encourage behaviours that only provide greater commercial value to the business, as well as protect our planet. And that certainly should not be a second thought.
An online affair
Another thing that should not be dismissed is the prominence of online retail. Unarguably, global ecommerce sales figures are on the rise, and the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruption have only accelerated the digital-first shift.
Although not the most obvious matter, packaging has a huge role to play in ensuring products can be shipped to customers all over the world, safely and efficiently. Before a product even reaches a customer, it has likely been packed and passed around in many different ways, and by the time it does become theirs, these various packaging elements must have done their job well and enabled it to arrive on time and in one piece. If it does not, it is likely customers will have already developed unfavourable perceptions of the brand, and no matter how much they had desired the product, their experience will have been tainted and the feeling of ick will prevail.
While this is a test for the functionality of a brand’s packaging, the online route via which it has arrived at a customer’s door means brands need to think far beyond this in the digital age. As mentioned previously, in these instances, the package is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with a brand, and as well as meeting their expectations, they also need to be impressed by what they see in order to really fall in love with their purchase.
The whole experience of receiving and opening an order needs to be just that – an experience. And while quality and functionality have some part to play in this, the real love story is created through offering customers greater value, whether that be with additional uses, higher quality materials, or personalised interactions, for example.
That last point is where there is a real sweet spot, particularly for ecommerce sales. The physical distance between customers and an online seller can drive great disconnect and have detrimental impacts on engagement. Therefore, by reinforcing the online sales journey by personalising packaging elements, this gap can be narrowed.
Personalisation in this way can be anything from tailored message cards, through to smart QR codes that take customers straight to the brand’s social media channels, for example. But whatever method is chosen, the experience must be straightforward, interactive and feel unique and relevant to each individual customer. This will allow them to get a real sense of the brand, what it stands for and exactly why they should love its products.
As it would seem, when it comes to packaging, the age-old saying isn’t true... while a package’s contents are important, as ultimately, that is what the customer has paid for, it’s what’s outside that counts.
Read More
Manufacturing Technology
Article | November 20, 2021
Modern manufacturing methods are pioneering and adopting manufacturing industry advancements. To remain competitive in the present era and provide the most excellent industry solutions to your organization and target customer group in 2022, you must employ new manufacturing technologies in your manufacturing processes.
Additionally, embracing current technologies is the ideal approach to tackle the industry's current challenges such as workplace safety, digitalization of operations, and a lack of skilled workers.
This article will discuss some of the leading manufacturing technologies that transform traditional manufacturing facilities into smart manufacturing factories. So, let us begin.
Manufacturing Technology & Innovations for 2022
To better understand industry 4.0, let's look at some of the manufacturing technologies that will dominate the manufacturing industry in 2022.
3D Printing
Numerous industries, including aerospace, healthcare, electronics, and architecture, utilize 3D printing in manufacturing. It is the most widely used technology across industries and will remain so in 2022 and in the years to come.
We may also anticipate more advancements in this technology to help overcome current barriers to 3D printing adoption, including equipment costs, material constraints, lengthier manufacturing times, a lack of knowledge, and legal issues.
Additionally, it would assist manufacturers in overcoming current manufacturing challenges such as increasing product demand, increasing automation, and locating and retaining the workforce in manufacturing plants. It is vital to incorporate 3D technology into production processes to achieve greater precision and accuracy in manufacturing.
IoT
The Internet of Things is a critical component of the industry 4.0 revolution. It has altered the environment of data collection and analysis across sectors. For example, the Internet of Things is assisting manufacturers in better understanding manufacturing and supply chain operations, forecasting product demand, and boosting customer experiences.
Implementing IoT in your manufacturing plant will also help you avoid production delays and increase the performance of your production lines. Additionally, it will decrease equipment downtime and improve process efficiency. It also enhances worker safety and enables more effective labor management.
To begin implementing IoT in your manufacturing plant, you must first examine your manufacturing processes and research how other organizations have implemented IoT in their manufacturing processes or products. This method will assist you in determining the optimal location to begin integrating the IoT in your manufacturing plants and transforming them into smart ones.
“Once you start to look at yourself in the right way and realize that projects are at the core of your business, it is easy to see how you should use technology to support your business.”
– Matt Mong, VP of Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca.
GD & T
The model created in the CAD program for any product is not exactly replicated with the exact dimensions during the production procedures. Thus, manufacturers or engineers utilize GD&T (Geometric Dimension &Tolerancing) to manage and communicate the permissible variation within a product assembly to manufacturing partners and inspectors.
GD&T is a programming language that enables developers and inspectors to optimize functionality without incurring additional costs. The primary advantage of GD&T is that it expresses the design intent rather than the final geometry. However, as with a vector or formula, it is a representation of the actual item.
AR & VR
The two primary transformation aspects in the industry 4.0notion are augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR technology in manufacturing enables firms to operate more efficiently by reducing production time. Additionally, it discovers and resolves manufacturing process difficulties.
Virtual reality technology benefits the industrial business in a variety of ways. It enables product designers to mimic their prototypes or models using powerful virtual reality software. This enables them to correct faults at the first stage of production and minimize production time and cost. Additionally, the technology provides additional benefits, such as increased workplace productivity and safety.
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) refers to a comprehensive end-to-end software solution that is used across sectors. It assists the manufacturing business in successfully maintaining production processes and other operational data by avoiding numerous roadblocks along the way. ERP technology enables enterprises to improve process efficiency and product quality by tackling industry-specific difficulties such as insufficient data, operation integration, inventory control, supply chain management, and on-time delivery.
Discover How John Deere Manufactured Their Tractors Using Cutting-edge Technologies
John Deere is a significant firm that embraces innovation and the Internet of Things. The company integrates Internet of Things sensors, wireless communication, and intelligent land management systems. It further integrates IoT tools into its manufacturing process, bridging the gap between technologies. Additionally, the company is a pioneer in GPS technology. Its most modern technology, which it incorporates into tractors, is accurate to within two centimeters. Additionally, the organization has implemented telemetry technology for predictive maintenance.
Final Words
Manufacturing innovations are assisting manufacturers in modernizing their traditional manufacturing processes. Modern manufacturing is equipped with modern technologies that aim to improve the processes and goods, increasing the manufacturers' commercial revenues. So, to remain competitive in this age of technological innovation, manufacturers must update their manufacturing processes to remain relevant in today's manufacturing world.
FAQ
What is manufacturing innovation?
Manufacturing innovation includes new technology, supply chain modifications, and product and process improvements. As a result, businesses can benefit significantly from innovation and typically surpass their competitors.
Which technologies are considered to be a component of advanced manufacturing?
3–D printing, robotics, IoT, nanotechnology, cloud computing, robotics, and big data are the significant components of advanced manufacturing.
How are cutting-edge technologies assisting the manufacturing sector?
The cutting-edge technology can precisely estimate demand to set production objectives, analyze machine data to predict when parts will break before a human operator can detect, and more.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is manufacturing innovation?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Manufacturing innovation includes new technology, supply chain modifications, and product and process improvements. As a result, businesses can benefit significantly from innovation and typically surpass their competitors."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Which technologies are considered to be a component of advanced manufacturing?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "3–D printing, robotics, IoT, nanotechnology, cloud computing, robotics, and big data are the significant components of advanced manufacturing."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How are cutting-edge technologies assisting the manufacturing sector?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The cutting-edge technology can precisely estimate demand to set production objectives, analyze machine data to predict when parts will break before a human operator can detect, and more."
}
}]
}
Read More
Industrial 4.0
Article | June 19, 2023
Explore the industry 4.0 companies and delve into the digitalized world for smart infrastructure and smart city infrastructure. Here is a curated list of leading 15 companies providing such solutions.
Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing represent the integration of advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to transform traditional manufacturing processes into highly efficient, flexible, and interconnected systems. It builds upon the foundation of automation and computerization established in previous industrial revolutions and takes it to a new level by leveraging emerging technologies such as the IoT, AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, and robotics. These approaches also enable manufacturers to adapt quickly to changing market demands, customize products at scale, and unlock new business models. However, adopting Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing requires careful planning, investment in technology infrastructure, and a shift in organizational culture. It represents a significant transformation for traditional manufacturing industries, offering tremendous opportunities for growth, competitiveness, and sustainability in the digital age. The industry 4.0 companies list is curated below providing solutions for industry leaders.
1. Sight Machine
Sight Machine is a leading data platform, offering a comprehensive solution enabling manufacturers to harness their plant data effectively. Its platform serves as a central hub for operations and analysis, empowering manufacturers to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively, ultimately improving their production performance. What sets Sight Machine apart from other platforms is its ability to provide the contextual information to infer the state of machines accurately. Through seamless integration of various data sources and elements, it maintains real-time tracking of states for individual tags as well as the overall machine. This comprehensive approach enables manufacturers to have a deeper understanding of their machinery's health, performance, and efficiency, thus facilitating proactive maintenance, optimizing production, and minimizing downtime.
2. MachineMetrics
MachineMetrics is a pioneering Industrial IoT platform, an industry 4.0 company specifically designed for the manufacturing sector, revolutionizing how analytics are transformed into actionable insights. It serves as a cutting-edge industrial IoT platform that empowers manufacturers to unlock the full potential of their machines. Through its comprehensive features, including universal machine connectivity, cloud data infrastructure, and optimized communication workflows, it enables to digitize the manufacturing processes, drive profitability, and remain globally competitive. This adaptability allows to leverage MachineMetrics across various use cases, driving increased profitability with their machines. It helps manufacturers in enhancing machine performance, increasing productivity, and securing a stronger foothold in the market.
3. Falkonry
Falkonry, one of the Industry 4.0 companies offers a powerful AI solution that empowers plant operators to make intelligent operational decisions by identifying and responding to events that harm operations. Its AI platform equips plant operators with the tools to make informed decisions by detecting and responding to operational events. By leveraging AI and analyzing process data, Falkonry drives production uptime, quality, and yield improvements. The scalability and compatibility of products make them well-suited for deployment across the enterprise and integration with popular IIoT platforms. In the automotive industry, Its AI Suite offers a cost-effective solution for managing complex assembly lines, allowing engineering teams to uncover valuable insights and address anomalous behaviors promptly, thus improving manufacturing flexibility and cost control.
4. Ubisense
Ubisense is a leading provider of transformative solutions that convert physical spaces into smart spaces, delivering significant quality, cost, and productivity benefits for manufacturers. Its SmartSpace platform creates a real-time digital twin of the manufacturing process, enabling comprehensive situational awareness and empowering individuals and business systems to make informed decisions. With a robust global presence and a track record of successful factory digitization implementations, Ubisense helps organizations achieve remarkable improvements in quality, manufacturing cost reduction, and productivity. Its location sensing technology and seamless integration with manufacturing systems enable manufacturers to optimize assembly processes, enhance quality, and drive operational efficiency.
5. Cogiscan
As the foremost provider of Track, Trace, and Control solutions in the electronics manufacturing industry, the Cogiscan is pivotal in empowering manufacturers to enhance productivity, exercise effective equipment control, and manage production in real-time. Their innovative solutions deliver tangible benefits and provide a solid competitive edge to customers and partners in the industry. Their company culture emphasizes respect, trust, well-being, and impact, fostering collaboration and utilizing individual strengths. The integration of their solutions allows for centralized real-time data capture and analysis, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions, troubleshoot effectively, and adapt the solution quickly. Cogiscan's Factory Intelligence application enhances decision-making and efficiency while streamlining communication across the shop floor.
6. Aegis Software Corporation
Aegis Software is a renowned manufacturing optimization, management, and analysis software provider. Its comprehensive systems are designed to streamline and enhance manufacturing, leveraging CAD designs and providing real-time control on the factory floor. The software of this industry 4.0 company, gathers data, manages quality processes, and offers in-depth traceability and analysis. With a specific focus on the electronics assembly industry, Aegis Software serves both OEM and EMS providers. Their FactoryLogix solution harnesses the power of IIoT and delivers Industry 4.0 benefits through a range of applications. The solution can be deployed rapidly, enabling manufacturers to begin digitization without extensive customization.
7. Augury
The Augury is a leading provider of comprehensive insights into machine health, process health, and operational efficiency for manufacturers and various industry sectors. Its solutions drive substantial improvements in machine performance, plant efficiency, and overall operational outcomes. By delivering real-time visibility and prescriptive insights, they enable maintenance and reliability teams to optimize their production lines and tackle the challenges of unplanned downtime and high MRO costs with confidence and success. It specializes in Machine Health and Process Health solutions that use powerful AI algorithms to prevent production downtime, improve process efficiency, increase yield, and reduce waste and emissions. It helps customers streamline operations and meet production targets by identifying inefficiencies and core causes, offering 3–10-fold returns on investment.
8. Dozuki
Dozuki, one of the Industry 4.0 companies, is a leading Connected Worker solutions provider that empowers organizations to enhance production operations and achieve operational excellence. Its comprehensive solution includes approval workflows, automatic re-training, digital forms, dashboards, and integrations, enabling streamlined communication, compliance, training efficiency, and standardized processes. By connecting frontline workers with the knowledge they need, Dozuki drives significant performance improvements, with customers reporting reductions in training time and document creation and improved communication. Focusing on capturing expert knowledge and providing digital access to standards, Dozuki helps businesses upgrade frontline performance and achieve tangible results.
9. AWTG Ltd
AWTG, one of the Industry 4.0 companies, and a leading end-to-end engineering services and technology solutions provider that caters to companies operating in Telecommunications, Smart City infrastructure, Smart Health, Industry 4.0, New Media, the Internet, and other digital technology-driven markets. Its comprehensive technology solutions encompass digital transformation, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, internet of everything, immersive technologies, and software. Through its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and leveraging its extensive skills and expertise, AWTG has built a stellar reputation and consistently delivers superior results and return-on-investment for its clients.
10. iBase-t
iBASEt is a trusted provider of solutions that simplify complex manufacturing processes. Its paperless, digitally integrated solutions replace disparate applications, enabling seamless collaboration and establishing a digital thread across enterprise systems. The iBASEt Digital Operations Suite offers a range of model-based manufacturing applications that ensure high visibility, consistent practices, continuous improvement, and compliance with industry standards. By extending the product life cycle and driving operational excellence, it empowers organizations to achieve greater efficiency, quality, and compliance across their manufacturing operations. Their strong partnerships with industry leaders underscore their expertise and track record in delivering tangible value to customers.
11. Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) International
MESA International is a global not-for-profit community focused on improving business results and production operations through the effective use of information technology and best management practices. Its diverse membership and knowledgebase cover various manufacturing environments, and they are dedicated to enabling real-time visibility in production processes. By connecting this visibility to business outcomes and offering educational programs and events, MESA helps manufacturers understand what is possible, adopt best practices, make informed technology investment decisions, and enhance technology deployment for improved operational performance.
12. Inductive Automation
Inductive Automation is a leading provider of industrial software solutions that enable organizations to overcome technological and economic barriers to innovation. By merging IT with SCADA technologies, Inductive Automation developed Ignition software, the industry's first universal industrial application platform. Ignition is a powerful integrated development environment with everything needed to create virtually any kind of industrial application – SCADA, IIoT, MES and beyond – all in one platform. It empowers industrial organizations to develop various applications all within a single platform.
13. Vecna Robotics
Vecna Robotics specializes in delivering cutting-edge solutions in Automated Material Handling, Hybrid Fulfillment, and Workflow Optimization. Its portfolio includes self-driving vehicles powered by the innovative Autonomy Stack, a learning system that enables efficient and intelligent operation. With a strong focus on distribution, e-commerce, warehousing, and manufacturing sectors, Vecna Robotics provides value-driven solutions to its customers. It offers advanced automation solutions beyond conventional approaches, empowering businesses to leverage the combined potential of humans and robots, meet market demands effectively, and achieve higher levels of productivity and innovation. In addition, it significantly emphasizes maximizing the capabilities of both humans and robots.
14. Avanceon
Avanceon, operating under the VINCI Energies brand Actemium, is a leading systems integrator specializing in automation and information solutions for the manufacturing and utility industries. With a strong focus on digital transformation, it offers consulting, education, and 24/7 support to help customers translate their needs, implement solutions, and ensure success. With over 30 years of experience, Avanceon leverages technologies like IoT, predictive analytics, and cloud computing to drive Industry 4.0 solutions, enabling manufacturers to gain efficiency and a competitive edge. Through implementing manufacturing execution systems (MES), Avanceon addresses the challenge of visibility on the factory floor, optimizing scheduling, inventory control, traceability, and more.
15. UnaBiz
UnaBiz is a prominent global Massive IoT service provider specializing in solution design, manufacturing, connectivity, and data platform services across various network communication technologies for infrastructure of smart city and smart infrastructure in industry 4.0. It leverages Sigfox 0G, LoRa, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and satellite technologies to drive sustainable business growth. As the owner of Sigfox 0G technology, it connects millions of sensors for its 1500 B2B customers worldwide on the global 0G Network, commercialized by numerous national operators across 70+ countries. The company delivers solutions for Utilities, supply chain & logistics, security, and facilities & building management sectors. By integrating people with IoT technology, it strives to create a significant impact on a massive scale, empowering individuals and organizations worldwide to live smarter, simpler, and more sustainable lives.
Final Thoughts
The era of Industry 4.0 has ushered in an age of remarkable transformation, with companies pushing the boundaries of what was once deemed possible. Through their relentless commitment to innovation, these leading organizations have harnessed the power of advanced technologies to revolutionize infrastructure. These companies will continue to shape the future of Industry 4.0, unlocking new levels of efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth in smart city infrastructure. Their relentless pursuit of excellence paves the way for a world that is more interconnected, intelligent, and resilient than ever before.
Read More