Home > Resources > Articles > Manufacturing Process Management: Tips, Examples, and More

Manufacturing Process Management: Tips, Examples, and More

MANUFACTURING PROCESS MANAGEMENT
Improving manufacturing efficiency and enhancing business revenue is the ultimate goal of every manufacturing business. Effective manufacturing process management may help businesses grow and discover innovative manufacturing processes. Facts and data fill the days of plant managers and engineers. However, it appears that many firms are still unable to devise a strategy for resolving long-standing challenges in their organizations.

“If you define the problem correctly, you almost have the solution.”

– Steve Jobs

In this article, we will see the five ultimate ways of manufacturing flow management. Additionally, we will also see three industry leaders' examples and understand their processes for production management. So, let’s get started first with tips to improve production efficiency.

Five Ways to Improve Production Efficiency


Recognize and Eliminate Waste

Waste is a cost that should be minimized in the manufacturing business. Additionally, waste is a broad term in this industry since it involves labor hours, energy use, and material consumption, to name a few. However, material waste is typically the most significant worry in the industrial business. When looking for strategies to decrease waste, you must rely on the results drawn during the evaluation of your manufacturing line.

When identifying waste, keep in mind that each operation on your production line generates some trash; finding the procedures that generate the most waste is the most effective strategy to minimize total waste. However, you may reduce trash by recycling or reusing garbage rather than discarding it. If you are unable to eliminate the majority of your garbage, you should consider selling it to a company that can properly dispose of it.

Evaluate the Production Process

In a manufacturing business, the production line is at the heart of how the business operates, and hence, production line efficiency improvement is critical. When reviewing the production line, one must also consider the often overlooked elements, for example, the loading dock bumper and other necessary loading dock equipment. While sourcing and maintaining loading dock bumpers, you can rely on top industry service and equipment suppliers.

This will guarantee that your production line is equipped with everything it needs to operate properly. Another critical statistic to examine is throughput. This metric is used to determine the average number of units produced within a specified period. You must have high-quality equipment to ensure that your production line runs smoothly. Analyzing throughput can help spot difficulties in the production line when throughput is not quite up to pace.

Another aspect of production line efficiency improvement is capacity utilization, which determines your factory's overall output capacity. This enables you to monitor the functioning of your production line at all times.

Determine Bottlenecks

While discovering any flaws in your manufacturing line, you will unintentionally locate your production's major bottlenecks. Bottlenecks are breaks in your manufacturing line, supply chain, or any other business activity that obstruct the performance of another operation.
For instance, a certain machine may require repair at a plant, necessitating a half-day shutdown.

Any procedure that needs the operation of that particular machine is subsequently rendered inoperable. That machine becomes the bottleneck at that point. There are other types of blockages. Another instance is when an administrator who is required for approval falls ill.

Once you've identified your most frequent bottlenecks, you may work on reducing them and increasing productivity by decreasing bottleneck-related downtime.

Enhance Training Practices

The way your workers work ultimately impacts the productivity of your entire organization. Lack of training equates to inefficiency, and vice versa. To achieve optimal employee performance, each team member must be empowered throughout the production process. This isn't as simple as writing a pamphlet from which someone can be taught. Highly effective workers need to be taught on the job by someone who is watching them.

However, you must first establish uniform standards throughout your organization, starting from the top. This approach will help your employees understand that they will get organized or informal training to upgrade the skills and knowledge necessary to work successfully during the change's implementation. Training may take the form of a series of online microlearning modules or a blended learning method that includes face-to-face training sessions as well as on-the-job coaching and mentoring.

In addition, PWC is of the opinion that workers should ask the following questions to help them be more efficient in the long run:

  • Is what I’m doing now adding value, or am I just doing it because this is the way I’m supposed to do it?
  • If I were the customer, would I pay money for the activities that I was engaged in?

Allow your staff to generate suggestions for efficiency improvements on their own. After all, no one knows their operations better than they do.

Calculate and Organize Your Workspace

You can optimize production efficiency if your staff can perform their duties in a well-organized work environment. Hence, it is critical to prioritize measuring and organizing the workplace. It is critical to quantify each aspect of your business first, as this will provide you with a clear picture of what works and what does not. After that, you'll need to make sure that everything in the office is in order so that your employees can work efficiently.


Three Companies That Redefined The Innovative Manufacturing Processes

Ford

Henry Ford delivered to the world far more than simple automobiles. His company was the first to integrate a full production line process, paving the way for contemporary mass manufacturing. He devised a moving conveyer belt assembly line, which represented a radical departure from traditional industrial procedures. While his production procedures were restricted by current standards—they only allowed for limited customization—he laid the groundwork for modern manufacturing and a new way of thinking about processes.

Toyota

The Toyota Production System illustrates a deeply embedded cultural and managerial concept. This concept emphasizes the continuous improvement of work processes and systems. This approach focuses on identifying and resolving issues and ensures that every business action adds value to consumers. Dr. W. Edwards Deming and writers James Womack, Daniel Roos, and Daniel Jones brought it to the American public’s attention in the 1980s and 1990s (in "The Machine that Changed the World"). It was, and still is, a radically different management style for the great majority of organizations. Most people are familiar with Toyota Production System tenets like "just in time."

GE

Under former CEO Jack Welch, GE promoted the use of Six Sigma in business operations and provided a blueprint for adoption in the corporate setting that practically everyone sought to copy (at least for a while). Welch made Six Sigma training a pre-requisite for every employee who aspires to higher levels of leadership inside the business, and he enforced its implementation at all levels. The "GE Workout" is an extremely concentrated session (typically over many consecutive days) that evaluates business difficulties and suggests solutions. GE created it as a spin on the Six Sigma toolbox.

Final Words

To accelerate the overall growth of your manufacturing business, you must have innovative manufacturing processes that help improve manufacturing efficiency. You may consider the above mentioned ways to improve production efficiency and get the most out of your production set up. Giving employees new tools is probably the quickest method for managers to change a production process. Moving ahead, finding factory-direct manufacturers that can deal with each company's unique circumstances is also encouraged. Identify and avoid problems so you can then look at current data and waste to develop new and better ways of doing things.

FAQ


What is manufacturing efficiency?

Manufacturing efficiency aims to make products at the lowest feasible overall cost. It's all about maximizing the use of limited resources while minimizing the waste of time, materials, and energy.

What is a manufacturing process flow system?

The manufacturing process flow system shows the granular activity-level stages that must be completed to manufacture finished items from the moment raw materials are delivered to the manufacturing facility until they are transformed into finished goods.

What are the four manufacturing components?

Below are the four components of manufacturing:
  • Production equipment as well as tools, fixtures, and other relevant hardware.
  • A material handling system.
  • A computer system to coordinate and/or control the preceding components.
  • Human personnel to run and manage the system.

Spotlight

Fives

Founded in 1812, Fives is an industrial engineering Group, which designs and supplies complex machines, process equipment, production lines, complete plants and after-sales services for manufacturers worldwide. From aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, to aerospace, logistics, cement and energy industries, Fives helps its clients maximize their performance.

OTHER ARTICLES
Industrial 4.0

Best Practices for Successful Digital Transformation in Industry 4.0

Article | September 21, 2023

Navigating the path to success by unveiling the best practices for thriving in Industry 4.0 through successful digital transformation. Embrace the data-driven decision-making and customer-centricity. The pursuit of successful digital transformation has evolved from a business strategy to a business necessity. It is a vital imperative for organizations striving to survive and thrive in an ever-competitive market. Within this paradigm shift, a journey unfolds that transcends the commonplace and ventures into the realms of strategic innovation. This best practices article is not just a standard guide but a roadmap to excellence. Explore the best practices that propel businesses into the forefront of Industry 4.0. Beyond the surface of technology adoption lies a deeper narrative, one of cultural transformation, stakeholder collaboration, and visionary leadership. Delve into the intricacies of data-driven decision-making, the agility that fuels progress, the relentless pursuit of knowledge, and the unwavering commitment to the customer experience. Each of these elements forms a crucial thread in the tapestry of successful digital transformation. Through compelling case studies and real-world examples, draw inspiration from industry leaders who have not merely embraced change but have harnessed it to redefine their future. 1. Make confident decisions with Digital Twin Combining the physical and digital realms enables seamless integration of the entire value chain, from design to production, while optimizing with continuous data flow. A digital enterprise can harness the limitless power of data by obtaining valuable insights to make quick and confident decisions and to produce best-in-class products through efficient production. The Digital Twin approach integrates the entire product lifecycle with the factory and plant lifecycles and performance data. The end result is a continuous, open cycle of product and production optimization. The digital twin is a comprehensive digital representation of a product or process throughout its entire lifecycle. By creating a digital twin, companies can achieve significant value, such as faster time-to-market for new products, improved operational efficiency, reduced defects, and exploring new business models to drive revenue growth. With the digital twin, companies solve physical issues more efficiently by detecting them early on and accurately predicting outcomes. It empowers them to design and build superior products and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction by better serving their needs. By adopting smart architecture design, companies can continuously realize iterative value and benefits at an accelerated pace. Manufacturing, automotive, aviation, and other industries have adopted digital twins to boost productivity and efficiency. By 2025, the manufacturing industry is predicted to reach a market size worth over six billion U.S. dollars. 2. Vertically Network Various Units in Enterprise Vertical integration in a Digital Enterprise involves the convergence of IT and OT (Information Technology and Operational Technology) to enable seamless data flow from the shop floor to the top floor. The vast amount of data generated by field devices and control units on the shop floor is vital in the context of Industry 4.0, where intelligent data utilization and communication are paramount. Vertical integration generates a comprehensive solution by integrating IT systems at various hierarchical manufacturing and production levels. These hierarchical levels include the field level (interface with the production process via sensors), the control level (machine and system regulation), the production process level (to be monitored and controlled), the operations level (production planning and quality management), and the enterprise planning level. Vertical integration allows for improved communication and collaboration across different departments within the organization. This leads to better coordination, streamlined operations, and increased efficiency across the entire manufacturing ecosystem. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that companies with a high level of vertical integration were 16% more productive than those with a low level of vertical integration. 3. Horizontally Integrate the Processes in Lifecycle The concept of horizontal integration in a Digital Enterprise ensures smooth data flow throughout the entire value chain. This integrated approach enables the digitalization of the complete value chain, spanning from design and production to service and recycling. By establishing seamless horizontal integration, it eliminates information silos and creates connections that encompass all aspects, from product innovation and manufacturing to product usage and beyond. Horizontally integrated companies focus on their core strengths and partner to support the value chain. Horizontal integration helps information flow between plant-level Manufacturing Execution Systems (MESs) when a company's manufacturing sites are spread out. This allows production sites to quickly share manufacturing data, such as unexpected delays, breakdowns, and inventory levels. Automated cooperation is crucial to supply chain integration in both the upstream (production processes and downstream (the process of bringing the finished products to market) supply and logistics chains. The integration lets a corporation automatically switch production duties between locations. A study byMcKinseyfound that companies that engaged in horizontal integration in the digital age saw their market share increase by an average of 10%. 4. Upgrade Digitalization using Automation Automation catalyzes growth by streamlining operations, breaking down silos, and promoting cross-functional collaboration. With reduced errors and increased efficiency, businesses can scale their operations with fewer resources, fostering a climate of innovation. This increased productivity allows employees to focus on more creative and challenging tasks, leading to higher motivation and engagement. Furthermore, automation provides a better customer experience, essential in today's digital-savvy market. By automating processes, businesses ensure quick access to customer information, leading to increased satisfaction. Lowering costs and expenditures is another significance enabling businesses to eliminate waste, save time, and conserve resources by automating data entry, approval workflows, and financial procedures. Additionally, automation enables efficient management of decentralized global teams from a central hub, further contributing to cost savings. Automation aids in enhancing security measures and simplifying compliance procedures. Businesses proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations by automating data-intensive tasks. 97% of IT managers feel process automation is necessary for digital transformation. 5. Implement Additive Manufacturing The adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM)technologies has prompted the evolution of innovative business models that emphasize environmental perspectives. AM has emerged as a transformative solution within the smart manufacturing industry, offering numerous advantages, such as improved labor, energy, and material optimization, enabling companies to respond to changing market demands effectively. AM is particularly time-saving and cost-effective for small-batch complex geometries products, allowing for non-traditional mass customization and shortening the product development cycle. It encourages changes in sustainable business models, including integrating recycled materials, increasing component attributes, and enhancing product lifecycle. AM’s sustainable benefits have garnered significant attention, focusing on reducing waste, optimizing material consumption, and shortening supply chains. Using layer-by-layer production, AM is considered less wasteful than traditional subtractive methods. It also facilitates the creation of products with extended lifecycles through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Study data estimates that the cost savings that can be achieved with Industry 4.0 transformations is 50%. 6. Choose the Appropriate Technology The success of digital transformation endeavors hinges on the careful selection of technologies to invest in. Avoid investing in the latest technology just for the sake of digitization, and refrain from rushing into numerous significant changes simultaneously, which may overwhelm employees. Instead, opt to gradually replace legacy systems and synchronize technology with business objectives through the implementation of new procedures. Here’s what Airbus did. Case Study: Airbus Airbus is the market leader in aeronautics and aerospace products and services worldwide. The organization needed a user-centric digital transformation solution to optimize its data analytics, technology, and machine learning tools, but this proved difficult. Later, it embraced open-source technology and consolidated its 15 tools onto a user-friendly platform. In ten months, this helped produce 290,000 visits and 2,200,000 page views. Additionally, the company's service center is now managing 30% fewer incidents. 7. Adapt Company for a Change Digital transformation does not demand extensive technical expertise from management and employees; rather, it necessitates a shift in mindset. By embracing this new mindset and leveraging technology solutions to automate processes for both customers and employees, rapid growth can be achieved within the organization as well as in the external market. To facilitate this transformation, it is essential to identify areas that require change, enhance transparency, and foster a culture of collaboration within the organization. By taking these steps, an organization can effectively prepare for the changes brought about by digital transformation. Case Study: Honeywell The Fortune 100 manufacturer operates in industries such as aerospace and building technology. To improve product quality and make it easier to apply digital strategies, it cut its operations from eight markets to six. Early in its transformation journey, it established a digital transformation group in the company that led digital innovations like data-driven product offerings, IoT-connected devices, and advanced industrial process control. Honeywell Intelligent Wearables eliminated the need for expert site visits, empowered workers to continue learning, improved their performance, and effectively shared their knowledge with peers by connecting field workers with remote advice. In 2018, Honeywell's share price grew from $95 to $174, and revenue went from $40 billion to $43 billion. 8. Integrate Digital Transformation into Business Goals Establish a strong connection between the digital transformation journey and the company's goals. Define the specific achievements to accomplish through digitization efforts. By aligning digital transformation initiatives with business objectives, a company can enhance its effectiveness in completing tasks, retaining existing employees, attracting new talent, and successfully overhauling company culture. Case Study: Cummins Cummins, a manufacturer of diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators is an example of a company that has capitalized on the increased demand for environmentally friendly products. Microsoft cloud compliance opportunities boost data security and IP protection. Microsoft has been one of the world's foremost technology companies for decades. Satya Nadella shifted the company's revenue model away from desktops and accelerated the transition to cloud computing. Cummins now uses Microsoft 365 for information management and collaboration to create a new workplace culture. Cummins' 58000 employees work cross-functionally and globally to stay ahead. Cummins relies on Microsoft 365 for strict security, data management and delivery, and compliance. Final Thoughts Successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0 requires a strategic and holistic approach beyond technology adoption. It demands a cultural shift, stakeholder collaboration, and a clear vision of the desired outcomes. To achieve successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0, organizations must adopt best practices that encompass technological, cultural, and strategic dimensions. Data-driven decision-making, agility, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach are key elements in this transformative journey. By prioritizing these practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of digital transformation, drive innovation, and stay competitive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0.

Read More

Achieving Interoperability in an Industry 4.0 Factory

Article | February 11, 2020

As a part of the Industry 4.0 movement, factory engineers are increasingly adopting some form of industrial Ethernet to interconnect the machines and other equipment implementing their production processes. Ethernet has been around in multiple forms for over 40 years. Most of it serves the IT community by interconnecting PCs and other equipment to a company LAN. Because of its flexibility, Ethernet has been adapted to many industrial uses.

Read More

The Impact of Coronavirus on Electronic Manufacturing

Article | February 11, 2020

Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, is considered a crucial hub in the middle of China, a place of high importance for the production of automobiles, electronics, optics, and fiber optics. Wuhan and surrounding cities in the Hubei province are currently on a government-imposed quarantine at a scale the world has never seen before, some Chinese officials have referred to the situation as warlike.

Read More

Digitalizing Your Manufacturing Ecosystem

Article | February 10, 2020

Making digitalization work for you requires an understanding of your manufacturing ecosystem. Standards - such as ISA-95 - only guide you on a journey to more deeply comprehend the workings of your unique process for manufacturing your products. A batch manufacturing ecosystem often includes campaign management. Campaign management is not mentioned in ISA-95, which only speaks generally of order processing.

Read More
Industrial 4.0

Best Practices for Successful Digital Transformation in Industry 4.0

Article | September 21, 2023

Navigating the path to success by unveiling the best practices for thriving in Industry 4.0 through successful digital transformation. Embrace the data-driven decision-making and customer-centricity. The pursuit of successful digital transformation has evolved from a business strategy to a business necessity. It is a vital imperative for organizations striving to survive and thrive in an ever-competitive market. Within this paradigm shift, a journey unfolds that transcends the commonplace and ventures into the realms of strategic innovation. This best practices article is not just a standard guide but a roadmap to excellence. Explore the best practices that propel businesses into the forefront of Industry 4.0. Beyond the surface of technology adoption lies a deeper narrative, one of cultural transformation, stakeholder collaboration, and visionary leadership. Delve into the intricacies of data-driven decision-making, the agility that fuels progress, the relentless pursuit of knowledge, and the unwavering commitment to the customer experience. Each of these elements forms a crucial thread in the tapestry of successful digital transformation. Through compelling case studies and real-world examples, draw inspiration from industry leaders who have not merely embraced change but have harnessed it to redefine their future. 1. Make confident decisions with Digital Twin Combining the physical and digital realms enables seamless integration of the entire value chain, from design to production, while optimizing with continuous data flow. A digital enterprise can harness the limitless power of data by obtaining valuable insights to make quick and confident decisions and to produce best-in-class products through efficient production. The Digital Twin approach integrates the entire product lifecycle with the factory and plant lifecycles and performance data. The end result is a continuous, open cycle of product and production optimization. The digital twin is a comprehensive digital representation of a product or process throughout its entire lifecycle. By creating a digital twin, companies can achieve significant value, such as faster time-to-market for new products, improved operational efficiency, reduced defects, and exploring new business models to drive revenue growth. With the digital twin, companies solve physical issues more efficiently by detecting them early on and accurately predicting outcomes. It empowers them to design and build superior products and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction by better serving their needs. By adopting smart architecture design, companies can continuously realize iterative value and benefits at an accelerated pace. Manufacturing, automotive, aviation, and other industries have adopted digital twins to boost productivity and efficiency. By 2025, the manufacturing industry is predicted to reach a market size worth over six billion U.S. dollars. 2. Vertically Network Various Units in Enterprise Vertical integration in a Digital Enterprise involves the convergence of IT and OT (Information Technology and Operational Technology) to enable seamless data flow from the shop floor to the top floor. The vast amount of data generated by field devices and control units on the shop floor is vital in the context of Industry 4.0, where intelligent data utilization and communication are paramount. Vertical integration generates a comprehensive solution by integrating IT systems at various hierarchical manufacturing and production levels. These hierarchical levels include the field level (interface with the production process via sensors), the control level (machine and system regulation), the production process level (to be monitored and controlled), the operations level (production planning and quality management), and the enterprise planning level. Vertical integration allows for improved communication and collaboration across different departments within the organization. This leads to better coordination, streamlined operations, and increased efficiency across the entire manufacturing ecosystem. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that companies with a high level of vertical integration were 16% more productive than those with a low level of vertical integration. 3. Horizontally Integrate the Processes in Lifecycle The concept of horizontal integration in a Digital Enterprise ensures smooth data flow throughout the entire value chain. This integrated approach enables the digitalization of the complete value chain, spanning from design and production to service and recycling. By establishing seamless horizontal integration, it eliminates information silos and creates connections that encompass all aspects, from product innovation and manufacturing to product usage and beyond. Horizontally integrated companies focus on their core strengths and partner to support the value chain. Horizontal integration helps information flow between plant-level Manufacturing Execution Systems (MESs) when a company's manufacturing sites are spread out. This allows production sites to quickly share manufacturing data, such as unexpected delays, breakdowns, and inventory levels. Automated cooperation is crucial to supply chain integration in both the upstream (production processes and downstream (the process of bringing the finished products to market) supply and logistics chains. The integration lets a corporation automatically switch production duties between locations. A study byMcKinseyfound that companies that engaged in horizontal integration in the digital age saw their market share increase by an average of 10%. 4. Upgrade Digitalization using Automation Automation catalyzes growth by streamlining operations, breaking down silos, and promoting cross-functional collaboration. With reduced errors and increased efficiency, businesses can scale their operations with fewer resources, fostering a climate of innovation. This increased productivity allows employees to focus on more creative and challenging tasks, leading to higher motivation and engagement. Furthermore, automation provides a better customer experience, essential in today's digital-savvy market. By automating processes, businesses ensure quick access to customer information, leading to increased satisfaction. Lowering costs and expenditures is another significance enabling businesses to eliminate waste, save time, and conserve resources by automating data entry, approval workflows, and financial procedures. Additionally, automation enables efficient management of decentralized global teams from a central hub, further contributing to cost savings. Automation aids in enhancing security measures and simplifying compliance procedures. Businesses proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations by automating data-intensive tasks. 97% of IT managers feel process automation is necessary for digital transformation. 5. Implement Additive Manufacturing The adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM)technologies has prompted the evolution of innovative business models that emphasize environmental perspectives. AM has emerged as a transformative solution within the smart manufacturing industry, offering numerous advantages, such as improved labor, energy, and material optimization, enabling companies to respond to changing market demands effectively. AM is particularly time-saving and cost-effective for small-batch complex geometries products, allowing for non-traditional mass customization and shortening the product development cycle. It encourages changes in sustainable business models, including integrating recycled materials, increasing component attributes, and enhancing product lifecycle. AM’s sustainable benefits have garnered significant attention, focusing on reducing waste, optimizing material consumption, and shortening supply chains. Using layer-by-layer production, AM is considered less wasteful than traditional subtractive methods. It also facilitates the creation of products with extended lifecycles through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Study data estimates that the cost savings that can be achieved with Industry 4.0 transformations is 50%. 6. Choose the Appropriate Technology The success of digital transformation endeavors hinges on the careful selection of technologies to invest in. Avoid investing in the latest technology just for the sake of digitization, and refrain from rushing into numerous significant changes simultaneously, which may overwhelm employees. Instead, opt to gradually replace legacy systems and synchronize technology with business objectives through the implementation of new procedures. Here’s what Airbus did. Case Study: Airbus Airbus is the market leader in aeronautics and aerospace products and services worldwide. The organization needed a user-centric digital transformation solution to optimize its data analytics, technology, and machine learning tools, but this proved difficult. Later, it embraced open-source technology and consolidated its 15 tools onto a user-friendly platform. In ten months, this helped produce 290,000 visits and 2,200,000 page views. Additionally, the company's service center is now managing 30% fewer incidents. 7. Adapt Company for a Change Digital transformation does not demand extensive technical expertise from management and employees; rather, it necessitates a shift in mindset. By embracing this new mindset and leveraging technology solutions to automate processes for both customers and employees, rapid growth can be achieved within the organization as well as in the external market. To facilitate this transformation, it is essential to identify areas that require change, enhance transparency, and foster a culture of collaboration within the organization. By taking these steps, an organization can effectively prepare for the changes brought about by digital transformation. Case Study: Honeywell The Fortune 100 manufacturer operates in industries such as aerospace and building technology. To improve product quality and make it easier to apply digital strategies, it cut its operations from eight markets to six. Early in its transformation journey, it established a digital transformation group in the company that led digital innovations like data-driven product offerings, IoT-connected devices, and advanced industrial process control. Honeywell Intelligent Wearables eliminated the need for expert site visits, empowered workers to continue learning, improved their performance, and effectively shared their knowledge with peers by connecting field workers with remote advice. In 2018, Honeywell's share price grew from $95 to $174, and revenue went from $40 billion to $43 billion. 8. Integrate Digital Transformation into Business Goals Establish a strong connection between the digital transformation journey and the company's goals. Define the specific achievements to accomplish through digitization efforts. By aligning digital transformation initiatives with business objectives, a company can enhance its effectiveness in completing tasks, retaining existing employees, attracting new talent, and successfully overhauling company culture. Case Study: Cummins Cummins, a manufacturer of diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators is an example of a company that has capitalized on the increased demand for environmentally friendly products. Microsoft cloud compliance opportunities boost data security and IP protection. Microsoft has been one of the world's foremost technology companies for decades. Satya Nadella shifted the company's revenue model away from desktops and accelerated the transition to cloud computing. Cummins now uses Microsoft 365 for information management and collaboration to create a new workplace culture. Cummins' 58000 employees work cross-functionally and globally to stay ahead. Cummins relies on Microsoft 365 for strict security, data management and delivery, and compliance. Final Thoughts Successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0 requires a strategic and holistic approach beyond technology adoption. It demands a cultural shift, stakeholder collaboration, and a clear vision of the desired outcomes. To achieve successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0, organizations must adopt best practices that encompass technological, cultural, and strategic dimensions. Data-driven decision-making, agility, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach are key elements in this transformative journey. By prioritizing these practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of digital transformation, drive innovation, and stay competitive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0.

Read More

Achieving Interoperability in an Industry 4.0 Factory

Article | February 11, 2020

As a part of the Industry 4.0 movement, factory engineers are increasingly adopting some form of industrial Ethernet to interconnect the machines and other equipment implementing their production processes. Ethernet has been around in multiple forms for over 40 years. Most of it serves the IT community by interconnecting PCs and other equipment to a company LAN. Because of its flexibility, Ethernet has been adapted to many industrial uses.

Read More

The Impact of Coronavirus on Electronic Manufacturing

Article | February 11, 2020

Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, is considered a crucial hub in the middle of China, a place of high importance for the production of automobiles, electronics, optics, and fiber optics. Wuhan and surrounding cities in the Hubei province are currently on a government-imposed quarantine at a scale the world has never seen before, some Chinese officials have referred to the situation as warlike.

Read More

Digitalizing Your Manufacturing Ecosystem

Article | February 10, 2020

Making digitalization work for you requires an understanding of your manufacturing ecosystem. Standards - such as ISA-95 - only guide you on a journey to more deeply comprehend the workings of your unique process for manufacturing your products. A batch manufacturing ecosystem often includes campaign management. Campaign management is not mentioned in ISA-95, which only speaks generally of order processing.

Read More
MORE ARTICLE

Spotlight

Fives

Founded in 1812, Fives is an industrial engineering Group, which designs and supplies complex machines, process equipment, production lines, complete plants and after-sales services for manufacturers worldwide. From aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, to aerospace, logistics, cement and energy industries, Fives helps its clients maximize their performance.

Related News

3D Printing

BizLink counts on Rapid Prototyping with the help of 3D printing technology

PR Newswire | November 03, 2023

BizLink, a leading provider of connectivity solutions worldwide, uses a method for creating physical prototypes with computer-aided design (CAD) data. This so called 'Rapid Prototyping' enables development times to be shortened, costs to be lowered and innovative ideas to be realised more quickly. BizLink's Automation & Drives business unit will showcase one of these solutions at the sps trade fair in Nuremberg, Southern Germany, which takes place from 14 to 16 November. In the development and production of individual injection moulded parts, a large part of the cost and time is spent on providing the appropriate tools. That is why BizLink uses Rapid Prototyping for sample parts in the development phase of overmoulded connection components. The principal objective of this technology involves testing and validating design concepts, functionality and features before there is any investment in series production. Through Rapid Prototyping, BizLink thus reduces development costs and time-to-market for overmoulded components and its reinforced innovative cable systems for factory automation. Rapid Prototyping involves applying layer upon layer of materials or bonding them to one another with 3D printing to make the desired object. This makes it possible to quickly adapt the design as changes can easily be made in the CAD data and the prototype can then be reprinted. It also allows, for example, the spatial conditions during fitting and operation under real-life conditions to be assessed, letting the findings thereby acquired be incorporated in product improvement before a tool-maker has even started his or her job. 3D printing technology can furthermore make valuable contributions to quality assurance while development is ongoing. If, for instance, parts being tested must be scrutinised to limit failure mechanisms along functional boundaries, it helps to be able to quickly create a matching testing device for such investigations. In some cases, such devices also facilitate good reproducibility, meaning that dependable component qualifications can also be carried out in this way. Other applications involve trialling numerous production resources and tools as well as handling aids that are, with respect to their function and ergonomics, initially tested as a 3D-printed specimen and improved repeatedly so that they can later be reproduced in a more robust version made of metal, for example. Rapid prototyping is versatile and has long been a proven tool for BizLink in the innovation process to bring new products to market faster and more effectively. Visitors to sps can convince themselves of these advantages through application examples in the Nuremberg exhibition halls from November 14 to 16, 2023 in Hall 2, Stand 431.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Rockwell Automation Invests in Momenta Fund for Sustainable Tech

Rockwell Automation | November 08, 2023

Rockwell Automation invests strategically in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund, focused on resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. The Industry 5.0 Fund promotes a transition from shareholder to stakeholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering individuals with technology to make informed decisions. This partnership positions Rockwell Automation to gain early access to innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability while supporting startups at the forefront of digital transformation in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains. Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has made a strategic investment in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund. The Industry 5.0 Fund, with an initial capital of $100 million, supports startups dedicated to advancing resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. Switzerland-based Momenta launched the fund in cooperation with the EU Commission to promote research and innovation in line with the Commission's Industry 5.0 initiative. The fund aims to transition industries to focus on stakeholder value over shareholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering people with information and technology for decision-making. Targeting entrepreneurs in Europe and North America who are at the early stages of development and are at the forefront of the digital revolution in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains, the Industry 5.0 Fund will provide them with venture capital funding and direct value creation. Rockwell Automation is an anchor investor in the fund, allowing the company early access to cutting-edge technologies that can disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability. The investment aligns with Rockwell's strategy for inorganic growth and provides valuable insights into next-generation technologies driving digital transformation. Cyril Perducat, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Rockwell, expressed excitement about partnering with Momenta to support startups poised to disrupt the industry while expanding human potential. He emphasized the intrinsic benefits of adopting technology that benefits all stakeholders. Ken Forster, a founding partner at Momenta, expressed his appreciation for Rockwell Automation's investment in their Industry 5.0 fund. He acknowledged that Rockwell Automation played a defining role in industrial automation and digital transformation within North America. Under the leadership of an impressive team, they had also been extending their global influence. Ken noted that Momenta's primary focus for the past decade had been investing in companies that drive industrial impact. He further mentioned that they couldn't have found a better partner for the Industry 5.0 fund than Rockwell Automation.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Stratasys’ Latest Printer Offers Applications with Improved Parameters

Stratasys | November 06, 2023

Stratasys introduces the F3300 3D printer, offering high speed, uptime, and quality for targeting manufacturing industries with high demands. The F3300 empowers manufacturers to accelerate product development and address global supply chain challenges, delivering a strong return on investment. The latest printer will be unveiled during a live event hosted by the company on November 7. Stratasys, a leader in additive manufacturing and polymer 3D printing solutions will showcase its latest F3300 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer at the Formnext conference, held in Germany from November 7 to 10. This printer offers exceptional value to manufacturing customers with reduced labor, higher part quality and yield, as well as maximized uptime. The solutions provided by Stratasys provide customers a competitive edge at every stage of the product value chain. These solutions include smart and networked 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and components on demand. The most successful companies in the world go to Stratasys to improve health care, provide agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and alter product design. Key Advancements Faster Print Speeds: Increased gantry speeds, speedier extrusion rates, and autocalibration. Higher Part Quality and Yields: Up to 25% improvement in accuracy and repeatability with autocalibration. Maximized Uptime: Machine monitoring, extruder redundancy, and an operator-friendly interface design. Cost Savings: Offers 25-45% savings compared to other Stratasys FDM solutions. Rich Garrity, Stratasys' Chief Industrial Business Unit Officer, remarked that the next-generation AM system empowers customers to scale production and reduce the need to compromise between traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. He added that the conventional capacity limitations, rising global supply chain challenges, and application complexity are incredibly stressful for manufacturing, and F3300 will empower buyers to accelerate product development, allowing faster innovation and maximized ROI. F3300 printer expands the range of production capabilities and provides performance-oriented manufacturers with the most expansive variety of best-in-class FDM printers. The F3300 is the latest addition to the FDM family, which includes the F900, F770, F450mc, and the F123 series. F3300 complements Stratasys’ F900, known for its dependability, use of high-performance materials, and large capacity. Built for manufacturing by the inventors, the F3300 will be the most sophisticated industrial 3D printer in the market. Its advanced features and design will transform how additive manufacturing is used in demanding industries like automotive, government/military, aerospace and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment from 2024. Stratasys will host a live event on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. CET to uncover the F3300.

Read More

3D Printing

BizLink counts on Rapid Prototyping with the help of 3D printing technology

PR Newswire | November 03, 2023

BizLink, a leading provider of connectivity solutions worldwide, uses a method for creating physical prototypes with computer-aided design (CAD) data. This so called 'Rapid Prototyping' enables development times to be shortened, costs to be lowered and innovative ideas to be realised more quickly. BizLink's Automation & Drives business unit will showcase one of these solutions at the sps trade fair in Nuremberg, Southern Germany, which takes place from 14 to 16 November. In the development and production of individual injection moulded parts, a large part of the cost and time is spent on providing the appropriate tools. That is why BizLink uses Rapid Prototyping for sample parts in the development phase of overmoulded connection components. The principal objective of this technology involves testing and validating design concepts, functionality and features before there is any investment in series production. Through Rapid Prototyping, BizLink thus reduces development costs and time-to-market for overmoulded components and its reinforced innovative cable systems for factory automation. Rapid Prototyping involves applying layer upon layer of materials or bonding them to one another with 3D printing to make the desired object. This makes it possible to quickly adapt the design as changes can easily be made in the CAD data and the prototype can then be reprinted. It also allows, for example, the spatial conditions during fitting and operation under real-life conditions to be assessed, letting the findings thereby acquired be incorporated in product improvement before a tool-maker has even started his or her job. 3D printing technology can furthermore make valuable contributions to quality assurance while development is ongoing. If, for instance, parts being tested must be scrutinised to limit failure mechanisms along functional boundaries, it helps to be able to quickly create a matching testing device for such investigations. In some cases, such devices also facilitate good reproducibility, meaning that dependable component qualifications can also be carried out in this way. Other applications involve trialling numerous production resources and tools as well as handling aids that are, with respect to their function and ergonomics, initially tested as a 3D-printed specimen and improved repeatedly so that they can later be reproduced in a more robust version made of metal, for example. Rapid prototyping is versatile and has long been a proven tool for BizLink in the innovation process to bring new products to market faster and more effectively. Visitors to sps can convince themselves of these advantages through application examples in the Nuremberg exhibition halls from November 14 to 16, 2023 in Hall 2, Stand 431.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Rockwell Automation Invests in Momenta Fund for Sustainable Tech

Rockwell Automation | November 08, 2023

Rockwell Automation invests strategically in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund, focused on resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. The Industry 5.0 Fund promotes a transition from shareholder to stakeholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering individuals with technology to make informed decisions. This partnership positions Rockwell Automation to gain early access to innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability while supporting startups at the forefront of digital transformation in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains. Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has made a strategic investment in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund. The Industry 5.0 Fund, with an initial capital of $100 million, supports startups dedicated to advancing resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. Switzerland-based Momenta launched the fund in cooperation with the EU Commission to promote research and innovation in line with the Commission's Industry 5.0 initiative. The fund aims to transition industries to focus on stakeholder value over shareholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering people with information and technology for decision-making. Targeting entrepreneurs in Europe and North America who are at the early stages of development and are at the forefront of the digital revolution in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains, the Industry 5.0 Fund will provide them with venture capital funding and direct value creation. Rockwell Automation is an anchor investor in the fund, allowing the company early access to cutting-edge technologies that can disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability. The investment aligns with Rockwell's strategy for inorganic growth and provides valuable insights into next-generation technologies driving digital transformation. Cyril Perducat, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Rockwell, expressed excitement about partnering with Momenta to support startups poised to disrupt the industry while expanding human potential. He emphasized the intrinsic benefits of adopting technology that benefits all stakeholders. Ken Forster, a founding partner at Momenta, expressed his appreciation for Rockwell Automation's investment in their Industry 5.0 fund. He acknowledged that Rockwell Automation played a defining role in industrial automation and digital transformation within North America. Under the leadership of an impressive team, they had also been extending their global influence. Ken noted that Momenta's primary focus for the past decade had been investing in companies that drive industrial impact. He further mentioned that they couldn't have found a better partner for the Industry 5.0 fund than Rockwell Automation.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Stratasys’ Latest Printer Offers Applications with Improved Parameters

Stratasys | November 06, 2023

Stratasys introduces the F3300 3D printer, offering high speed, uptime, and quality for targeting manufacturing industries with high demands. The F3300 empowers manufacturers to accelerate product development and address global supply chain challenges, delivering a strong return on investment. The latest printer will be unveiled during a live event hosted by the company on November 7. Stratasys, a leader in additive manufacturing and polymer 3D printing solutions will showcase its latest F3300 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer at the Formnext conference, held in Germany from November 7 to 10. This printer offers exceptional value to manufacturing customers with reduced labor, higher part quality and yield, as well as maximized uptime. The solutions provided by Stratasys provide customers a competitive edge at every stage of the product value chain. These solutions include smart and networked 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and components on demand. The most successful companies in the world go to Stratasys to improve health care, provide agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and alter product design. Key Advancements Faster Print Speeds: Increased gantry speeds, speedier extrusion rates, and autocalibration. Higher Part Quality and Yields: Up to 25% improvement in accuracy and repeatability with autocalibration. Maximized Uptime: Machine monitoring, extruder redundancy, and an operator-friendly interface design. Cost Savings: Offers 25-45% savings compared to other Stratasys FDM solutions. Rich Garrity, Stratasys' Chief Industrial Business Unit Officer, remarked that the next-generation AM system empowers customers to scale production and reduce the need to compromise between traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. He added that the conventional capacity limitations, rising global supply chain challenges, and application complexity are incredibly stressful for manufacturing, and F3300 will empower buyers to accelerate product development, allowing faster innovation and maximized ROI. F3300 printer expands the range of production capabilities and provides performance-oriented manufacturers with the most expansive variety of best-in-class FDM printers. The F3300 is the latest addition to the FDM family, which includes the F900, F770, F450mc, and the F123 series. F3300 complements Stratasys’ F900, known for its dependability, use of high-performance materials, and large capacity. Built for manufacturing by the inventors, the F3300 will be the most sophisticated industrial 3D printer in the market. Its advanced features and design will transform how additive manufacturing is used in demanding industries like automotive, government/military, aerospace and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment from 2024. Stratasys will host a live event on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. CET to uncover the F3300.

Read More

Events

AUTOMATE 2024

Conference

Develop3D Live

Conference

AUTOMATE 2024

Conference

Develop3D Live

Conference