12 Trends Driving Manufacturing Technology Adoption in 2024
Manufacturing is fast-paced and ever-evolving, making it even more exciting for those of us in the industry. Especially for those of us here at Fuuz whose sole purpose is to create technology to make our industry faster — without sacrificing (but rather improving) efficiency.
Technology is poised to play a significant role in supporting manufacturers in taking on the challenges they may face in 2024, so let’s take a look at twelve reasons why manufacturers should embrace technology to revolutionize their operations.
1. Cost-Efficient Data Management
Many manufacturers still resort to tools like paper, Excel, or back-and-forth emails to manually track production, resulting in time-consuming processes that are a black hole for productivity and prone to human error. MES adoption is expected to accelerate in 2024 as more manufacturers digitize their processes, automate data energy, and strive to enhance efficiency.
2. Overcoming Reluctance and Bad Experiences
A significant percentage of manufacturers lack efficient plant floor management systems due to past bad experiences with MES point solutions that left them confused, frustrated, and swearing off technology forever.
We understand that frustration, but can assure you that there are systems out there that are intuitive and compatible with all enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Modern manufacturing platforms like the Fuuz MES Platform offer a holistic approach, addressing complexities on the factory floor while ensuring simplicity.
3. Eliminating Data Silos for Real-Time Benefits
Automating business processes and tracking plant floor details eradicates data silos. This results in time savings in unplanned downtime, scheduling, ordering, and providing real-time customer service, contributing to seamless operations.
Our experts recognize that unplanned downtime is a problem no manufacturer can afford to have, and running equipment until it fails isn’t the best route to maximum utilization. That’s why we developed Computerized Maintenance, a Fuuz MES Platform module designed to revolutionize how you plan and schedule preventative maintenance, reduce downtime by 20-50%, and ensure seamless operations on your factory floor.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability of Manufacturing Platforms
Manufacturing platforms are a comprehensive all-in-one solution designed to eliminate costly and inflexible point solutions. They provide simplicity when needed but can easily adapt to the evolving complexities of manufacturing processes – which is an important benefit to look for when shopping for MES solutions.
5. Efficiency in Data Collection and Tracking
Inefficiencies in data collection are all too often the “norm” in manufacturing and can present a major challenge when quality issues arise or customer requirements change. Manufacturing platforms break down data silos, bringing all of your information into a centralized database that’s easy for your team to access and draw meaningful insights from.
6. Eliminating Manual, Paper-Based Processes
Paper-based processes and spreadsheets are time-consuming to maintain and prone to human error. In 2024, more manufacturers will continue to move to digitized systems that automate workflows. These solutions ensure real-time visibility into your operations and put critical data at your fingertips, reducing the risk of error and enhancing overall efficiency.
7. Implicit Quality Improvement
A robust manufacturing platform inherently increases quality by eliminating mislabeling, enforcing process steps, and providing digital work instructions. This cancels eliminates the need for extensive operator training.
8. Gaining the Competitive Edge
Manufacturers using outdated systems risk falling behind competitors leveraging advanced manufacturing platforms. A recent Deloitte study indicated that a striking 86% of surveyed manufacturing executives believe that smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years. Adopting modern technology can reduce overhead and labor costs, providing a competitive edge.
9. On-Time Delivery Assurance
Automated systems that process customer orders to production orders enhance on-time delivery capabilities for the end-user. Dependence on manual expeditors for shop floor management becomes unnecessary with the right technology in place.
10. Automated Reporting for Compliance
Manufacturing platforms assist in generating required documents like material certificates and certificates of conformance, reducing the time spent by QC or production control on manual reporting tasks.
11. Performance Incentivization
With technology-driven systems, it becomes easy to incentivize operator performance through dashboards and performance-tracking tools. Real-time data displays can result in up to an 80% increase in productivity!
12. Visibility into Hidden Indirect Costs
Integrating a tightly-knit Warehouse Management System (WMS) with manufacturing systems provides visibility into indirect costs like material handling transactions. This insight allows informed decision-making on machinery placement, warehouse organization, and staffing adjustments.
So, what now? We hope this article gives you hope for the future and that embracing technology is not just an option but a necessity for manufacturers looking to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Automated processes, elimination of waste, and efficient operations are the keys to unlocking the true potential of modern manufacturing. For more information on how Fuuz can help you do just that, contact us today.
