Article | April 26, 2022
Cloud implementation alone will not provide value for a company. Executives at the highest levels must take the initiative towards digital transformation. C-suite executives play an important role in a business's digital transformation, which is critical to its success.
C-level executives must consider cloud computing plans over the long term and ensure appropriate money and resources for cloud adoption.
When it comes to cloud computing's objectives and benefits, C-level executives must take the lead and be involved in the strategies to ensure that the blueprint meets the business's requirements. CEOs, for example, must collaborate with CTOs and CIOs to maximize the benefits of cloud computing and ensure a smooth transition to digital transformation.
In this article, we will discuss the five essential activities that the organization's c-level executives must undertake to get the most out of cloud computing.
Five Cloud Adoption Actions C-suite Executives Must Take
Maintaining a Consistent Financial Flow
Cloud computing's objectives and benefits can be realized only with enough funding. As a CEO, it is critical to establish a financial funnel that supports each stage of the organization's cloud migration journey. It may take time for your firm to benefit from cloud computing fully. As a result, it is critical to ensure the financial backing is steady and consistent.
Develop a Cloud-based Business Strategy
A business transition is only as efficient as the planning that supports it. Therefore, to maximize the value of cloud computing, it is critical to developing a business strategy and an accompanying technology operating model. A model of this type harmonizes processes for collaborative engagement between IT and business, thereby unleashing potential.
CIOs Can Help CFOs Grasp the Cloud Business Case
Cloud is a business priority, not an IT one. Because it is based on technology, the CIO must convince other C-suite members, including the CFO. The CIO may directly address the CFO's business priorities by demonstrating how cloud technologies improve business processes and overall enterprise performance.
The CIO can also explain how using cloud-based solutions saves money by letting an external provider handle maintenance and hosting. With technical knowledge of data and infrastructure requirements, the CIO can help the CFO understand the dangers of cloud computing and how to solve CFO concerns like data governance and compliance. The CIO and CFO can collaborate along with CEO to derive better results from the benefits of cloud computing.
Collaborate on a Deployment Plan
Cloud technologies can be disruptive, whether they solve a problem or add new capabilities. Co-developing a deployment strategy that minimizes downtime, quickly trains employees on the latest technology, and establishes clear success indicators helps minimize interruption.
The discussion should begin with an evaluation of the company's requirements, followed by comparing the various cloud technologies. The CIO can assess the company's current technological environment and identify new technologies that can cover the gaps.
Understand the Financial Consequences of Cloud Computing
The adoption of cloud technology will significantly alter expenses and cost structures. It will take the CIO's expertise to predict these changes. Cloud computing offers more than just long-term cost benefits. Also, CFOs must be aware of the initial costs and their possible influence on corporate efficiency and revenue.
The CIO will understand a cloud vendor's service level agreements (SLAs), prices, and requirements to migrate legacy systems and train personnel on the new technology. Because the CIO will be actively monitoring the company's move to the cloud, they may advise the CFO on predicted cost and cash flow changes. This is crucial for the CFO, who must give Wall Street quarterly capital and operating expense predictions.
Final Word
In summary, the benefits of cloud computing can be reaped by applying high-level strategies. A flawless collaboration between the CEO, CIO, and CTO can transform a business's digital transformation journey into a successful venture. Right communication is critical during the cloud migration process. Employees should get this communication from C-suite executives to foster trust and assure compliance with governance requirements.
FAQ
How does cloud-computing help in the manufacturing industry?
Cloud computing enables manufacturers to run their operations more intelligently, which is enabled through increased use of data analytics. Indeed, for the majority of manufacturers, the cloud is rapidly becoming the primary location for data storage, analytics, and intelligence.
Why do manufacturers adopt the cloud?
Cloud adoption is a strategic decision made by businesses to save costs, mitigate risk, and increase the scalability of their database capabilities. Cloud adoption varies from organization to organization, depending on the degree of acceptance.
What are the 7 R’s of cloud migration planning?
Refactor/re-architect, re-platform, repurchase, re-host, relocate, retain, and retire are the seven R’s in cloud migration planning.
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Article | December 23, 2021
Sustainable business strategiesare bringing significant financial and environmental benefits to manufacturers. Sustainable manufacturingcreates goods while minimizing environmental consequences and preserving energy and natural resources. In addition, sustainable production improves the safety of workers, the community, and the products they produce.
Allied Market Research projects that the worldwide renewable energy market will reach $1,977.6 billion by 2030, increasing at an 8.4% CAGR. As a result, we can conclude that many businesses are transitioning from traditional manufacturing to sustainable manufacturing.
It’s a good time to be a part of the renewable energy industry. New technologies are coming to market every day, and we work in an industry that is trying to solve an enormous challenge.
– Susan Stone, Chief Executive Officer at Ubiquitous Energy, Inc., in conversationwith Media 7
Though many organizations are pioneering the sustainable manufacturing approach, we have selected five of the most well-known companies making serious attempts to be sustainable manufacturing companiesby all means.
In addition to the list of sustainable manufacturing businesses, this article will discuss the advantages of sustainabilityand how organizations may become carbon neutral. So let's get started.
Top 5 Companies with a Sustainable Business Model
The following are five manufacturing businessesthat are investing in sustainable manufacturingmethodsacross their production processes to become more responsive to our mother earth.
Philips Electronics
The company is reducing its environmental effect by engaging with suppliers, taking climate action, and driving the shift to a circular economy. Climate change is a key concern for Philips. So they are rethinking their business strategies and decoupling economic development from environmental and social impacts.
They met their aim of becoming 100% carbon-neutral in their operations and procuring 100% of their power from renewable sources by 2020. They intend to obtain over 75% of their total energy usage from renewable sources by 2025 and to reduce CO2 emissions across their whole value chain to meet the 1.5°C global warming state.
Schott
Sustainability is profoundly embedded in SCHOTT's DNA. It derives from their distinctive business concept, which dates back to 1896. Their sustainability plan includes responsible governance, workers, society, environment, and climate.
“Regarding climate change, it is high time to act. Everyone must take responsibility – politicians, companies and society. We are ready to play our part. We want to become climate neutral by 2030.”
- Dr. Jens Schulte, Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for the “Zero Carbon” strategy program
Long-term thought and responsible behavior are guiding principles of SCHOTT, which is why they care about the environment and climate. They are entering a new era of sustainable management with their “Zero Carbon” strategic program.
Long term, they seek to eliminate fossil fuels as soon as technologyallows it. They are focused on the most energy-intensive stage of glass melting to create new solutions.
IKEA
IKEA's low-cost furniture utilizes a lot of wood. But because the company employs sustainable forestry practices, your new minimalist nightstand didn't cost the globe a rainforest. The business is also investing heavily in solar and wind energy. This year, the corporation intends to increase its already significant expenditures in renewable energy, to reach 100% clean energy by 2020. It also leads in offering cleaner, greener products.
Nike
In addition to encouraging people to walk, this footwear manufacturer uses recycled aluminum frames in its headquarters in the Netherlands, and underground energy storage to reduce its carbon footprint. Moreover, it has implemented stringent emission regulations at all of its manufacturingfacilities and has cut its overall carbon footprint by around 80 % since the late 1990s. The company also sells the most environmentally-friendly soccer sneakers on the market.
Johnson & Johnson
According to the company, Johnson & Johnson has just begun transitioning a significant portion of its energy reliance to solar power in an effort to become the world's most socially responsible organization. Currently, it is the second-largest user of solar energy in the United States, with more than half of its power coming from environmentally friendly sources.
Rewards of Adopting Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Many businesses are seeking sustainabilityfor many reasons, including:
Reducesoperating expenses and waste
Respondsto new consumers and get a competitive edge
Buildspublic trust and protect brand and reputation
Createslong-term business viability
Recognizesand address regulatory constraints
What Can We Do to Make Sustainable Manufacturing a Reality?
Every business must support green energy projects. Here are some fundamental actions that every business should take to transform itself into a sustainable manufacturing organization.
Maximize the Efficacy of Fossil Fuels
In today's society, energy conservation is a win-win situation. Approximately half of the world's known oil reserves have been exhausted, which means we are near to the point of diminishing returns in terms of supply. As far as we know, there hasn't been a shortage of supplies. Shutting down unwanted equipment might help you save money immediately. Replace a single-speed motor with a variable speed or servo drive. Use a hydraulic pump with variable speed. Wind, solar, and hydropower can also be used to conserve energy.
Reduce or Eliminate Waste
Don't overindulge; merely take in what you need to get the task done. At this point, we may all agree that it's easy, but in the past, our primary focus was on reducing productioncosts or time to market. Whether we were wasting resources was unknown or irrelevant to anyone. Metal, paper, and packaging are all examples of industries where this is true. The potential for waste reduction may justify the purchase of highly accurate production equipment.
Recycle
As a byproduct of manufacturing, metals may be easily recycled and used for new products. In addition, recycling metal saves money and energy since it uses less energy in the manufacturing process, allowing for a 60 % or more reduction in the energy needed to make new products.
Final Words
Sustainable manufacturing practicesare making manufacturing industries more socially responsible and carbon neutral. This new manufacturing method is necessary for today's period because we must consider future generations while improving today's. Natural resources must be conserved before depleting, and we have nothing left to offer future generations. Responsible organizations have already used this sustainable approachin their manufacturing processes, and we anticipate that every company should consider this method to be more sustainableand environmentally responsible.
FAQ
What is the difference between green and sustainable manufacturing?
The main difference between green and sustainable is that green addresses a single aspect i.e., environmental health, but sustainability addresses the entire system, including economic, social, and environmental aspects.
Which business is more environmentally friendly?
According to Corporate Knights, Alphabet, Tesla, and AstraZeneca were among the world's most sustainable companies in the Global 100 Index for 2021.
What are the four sustainability factors?
The word sustainability refers to programs, activities, and actions to preserve a resource. But it relates to four unique key areas. Human, social, economic, and environmental are the four pillars or factors of sustainability.
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Article | January 20, 2022
COVID drove many supply chain disruptions in 2021. This was particularly true for companies using Asia to source product. Sadly, the bottleneck continues in 2022, but there are new channels now available to serve the North American material handling market. System integrators, dealers, and distributors in the space cannot work with vendors who offer slow delivery timetables. Customers want shelving, racking, conveyors, and robotics no later than Q3 2022.
MODEX 2022 provides answers to solve the supply chain disruption
MODEX 2022 (March 28-31, 2022) in Atlanta, will once again bring many global manufacturers to the event. Nearly 800 exhibitors and 40,000 attendees will respect COVID health and safety protocols while learning about much needed solutions from a variety of global manufacturers. For the first time there is an African company exhibiting at MODEX: LinkMisr International.
Booth #C5475
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Article | December 30, 2021
Risk management in manufacturing has always been a top priority for manufacturers to avoid any unfortunate incidents. As a result, it is possible to create a more secure work environment for employees by conducting risk assessments and implementing remedies.
“If you don’t invest in risk management, it doesn’t matter what business you’re in, it’s a risky business.”
– Gary Cohn, an American Business Leader.
As of 2019, the worldwide risk management market was valued at $7.39 billion, and it is expected to rise at a CAGR of 18.7% from 2020 to 2027, according to allied market research.
Why is Risk Assessment Critical in Manufacturing?
The manufacturing industry must have a credible risk assessment and management plan to defend itself from any breaches. Risk assessment helps firms understand the dangers they face and their implications if their systems are compromised. Hence, risk assessment is very critical in the manufacturing industry.
Five Risk Assessment Principles
Identify hazards/risks - Employers must examine their workers' health and safety risks. Therefore, an organization must regularly inspect its employee’s physical, mental, chemical, and biological threats.
Identify who may be hurt and in what way – Identifying the personnel both full-time and part-time at-risk. Employers must also examine threats to agency and contract personnel, visitors, clients, and other visitors.
Assess the risks and act accordingly - Employers must assess the likelihood of each danger causing injury. This will evaluate and lower the chance at the working space. Even with all safeguards, there is always some danger. Therefore, employers must assess if danger is still high, medium, or low risk.
Get the Risks Documented - Employers with five or more employees must record the critical findings of the risk assessment in writing. In addition, register any risks identified in the risk assessment and actions to minimize or eliminate risk.
This document confirms the evaluation and is used to examine working practices afterward. The risk assessment is a draft. It should be readable. It shouldn't be hidden away. The risk assessment must account for changes in working techniques, new machinery, or higher work objectives.
5 Manufacturing Risks to Consider in 2022
Accidents at Work
Even if official safety policies and programs are designed, followed, and enhanced, manufacturers may endure workplace accidents and injuries. Risk assessment for workplace accidents assists in mitigating the negative impact on both employees and the organization.
Environmental Mishaps
Manufacturers have distinct issues regarding fuel handling and hazardous waste disposal in facilities. Sudden leaks or spills may be extremely costly to clean up and result in fines from state and federal agencies. Risk assessments for such plant accidents assist businesses in mitigating financial losses.
Equipment Breakdowns
Essential machinery throughout the production process might fail at any time, incurring significant repair or replacement costs. Therefore, it's critical to recognize that business property insurance may not cover mechanical issues.
Risk assessment and prepayment solutions protect against equipment failures without interfering with typical company operations.
Supply Chain Disruption
Dependence on your supply chain may result in unintended consequences that are beyond your control. For example, if you experience downtime on the manufacturing line due to a supplier's failure to supply materials or parts, you risk losing revenue and profitability. If a disturbance to your supply chain poses a hazard, risk management can assist you in managing it more effectively by quickly identifying the risk and providing a suitable response.
Operation Temporarily Suspended
Depending on the severity of the weather event, a factory might be severely damaged or perhaps utterly wrecked. While major repairs or rebuilding are being undertaken, recouping lost income might be vital to the business's future profitability.
Risk assessment in this area enables your organization to budget for overhead expenditures such as rent, payroll, and tax responsibilities during the period of suspension of operations.
Final Words
Risk management is critical in manufacturing because it enables manufacturers to comprehend and anticipate scenarios and create a well-planned response that avoids unnecessary overhead costs or delays in delivering the production cycle's final result. Manufacturing risks are undoubtedly not limited to the risks listed above and may vary according to the nature of the business and regional environmental conditions. Therefore, create a well-defined strategy to overcome threats in your business and be productive at all times.
FAQ
How are manufacturing business risks classified?
In most cases, the business risk may be categorized into four types: strategic risk, regulatory compliance risks, operational compliance risks, and reputational risks.
Why should a manufacturer conduct a risk assessment?
Every manufacturing employment has risks for injury or illness. But risk evaluations can significantly minimize workplace injuries and illnesses. In addition, they assist companies in discovering strategies to reduce health and safety risks and enhance knowledge about dangers.
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