Most of us desire change on a regular basis, but manufacturers can be a little slower to catch up. Think about it this way – Why do you think people get a new cell phone every few years (or less)? It’s because they want the “next big thing”. As technology improves, they want the better model.
The same goes for your products and your manufacturing process, and that is exactly why it’s important to embrace what’s new. Here’s a look at why manufacturers should be more open to change:
Embracing Change Allows You to Stay Competitive
If it’s not improved upon and upgraded over time you are essentially letting your competitors take the reins. We live in a globally competitive environment. The companies aiming to take your market share are all over the world and only the manufacturers that strive to improve and innovate will survive.
According to gilcommunity.com, manufacturing leaders around the world are entering a phase of accelerating innovation:
Of course, as this kind of transformative innovation spreads, it puts pressure on all manufacturers to measure up or risk falling behind. And that fact inevitably raises the question: What distinguishes organizations that are able to envision and execute transformative projects from those that are not?
Manufacturing Leaders Need to Create a Culture of Change
One big differentiator I’ve noticed is this: Manufacturing leaders more often than not have cultures that are open to change. They embrace it, and they are able to make the course corrections that are almost always necessary to successfully land a truly transformative project.
In order to innovate, manufacturers must improve their process. Here are 4 recommendations to thrive in today’s manufacturing environment:
Increase Resource Productivity
Per processengineering.theengineer.co.uk, “Energy has long been viewed as a fixed cost by businesses when in reality, the thinking needs to shift towards energy as a variable cost where real changes can be made to the way it is used, when it is used and for what purpose.” Increasing resource productivity can result in significant value. With some effort, manufacturers can reduce production energy and material use. Reusing and recycling materials can further reduce product costs. Eco-friendly initiatives are attractive to potential customers.
Become Connected
When a factory is connected, machinery performance is improved and uptime is extended. Technicians have immediate access to machine status from a remote location via the web. Diagnostics can be performed quickly and downtime is limited.
More Automation
Using machines and computers increases productivity in the manufacturing sector. Per sikich.com, “Generally, the US industries that have prospered in the past decade have been those where the most automation has been possible and where technology content is high.”
Outsource
As a company grows, outsourcing work can save time and money. In addition to hiring contract manufacturers, manufacturing companies can outsource additional functions such as marketing, computer, and payroll services instead of handling it in house.
As you can see, it is important for manufacturers to stay competitive, they need to embrace. This requires creating a culture where making changes is possible.
*photo credit ideachampions.com