Overcoming Challenges in Manufacturing with Digitalization
There are many factors that continue to impact the manufacturing sector. From the effects that stem from geopolitical conflicts and continue to persist following the pandemic to material costs and varying demands, manufacturers have plenty to keep up with. And often they are doing so without enough staff. In fact, Accenture summarized that businesses around the globe “missed out on more than $2 trillion CAD in revenue growth,” according to Manufacturing Automation. But, as we’ve covered before, emerging technologies and automation are ready to alleviate some of these stresses. In this post, we highlight some of those emerging technologies and the sub sectors poised to benefit from them.
Digitization Tools
Digitization in manufacturing is certainly on the rise. Siemens USA and the Manufacturers Alliance Foundation concluded that 80% of the 199 industrial companies they surveyed are implementing digitization tools. Those tools include “digital twin technology, data analytics and automation to optimize supply chains and improve production efficiency,” as described by Scarlett Evans at IoT World Today.
Digital twins, in particular, are increasing in popularity. That same survey found that 79% of the industrial companies are utilizing digital twin technology for product planning and development. Another tool making its mark is generative AI. Generative AI has many applications including generative design and prototyping for engineers, product testing, and assisted or automated code conversion.
Digitization and Automation in Defense and SMMs
One area that advancing technology supports is defense manufacturing, specifically additive manufacturing. The Navy has been exploring the benefits of additive manufacturing as an alternative to traditional methods of shipbuilding, maintenance, ashore installations, and more. With programs such as its Afloat Additive Manufacturing Program, the Navy intends to leverage the perks of additive manufacturing to improve supply chain resilience on top of meeting maintenance schedules.
Aside from large-scale organizations like the Navy, small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) can also benefit from tech innovations and automation. SMMs make up 98.6% of manufacturing companies in the U.S. And they are at the forefront of those facing the challenges mentioned in the opening of this post. However, with automation and other solutions, they can solve problems such as talent shortages and productivity. This is especially true as the prices associated with such tech become much more accessible and the tools themselves become easier to use.
Sources:
● “The automation agenda: Unlocking potential and building resilience” - David Morgenstern, Manufacturing Automation
https://www.automationmag.com/the-automation-agenda-unlocking-potential-and-building-resilience/
● “Digitization in Manufacturing Continues to Boom, Siemens Research” - Scarlett Evans, IoT World Today
https://www.iotworldtoday.com/iiot/digitization-in-manufacturing-continues-to-boom-siemens-research
● “Navy Expands Additive Manufacturing Aboard Ships” - Sean Carberry, National Defense
https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2024/5/22/navy-expands-additive-manufacturing-aboard-ships
“Empowering Small Manufacturers Through Automation” - Joe Wykes, Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2024/03/08/empowering-small-manufacturers-through-automation/?sh=323fed012527