Business resolutions 4manufacturers – Start small #4IR #productivity

Posted on: 09/01/2018

How are digital technologies and approaches transforming manufacturing

Make 4Manufacturing your business revolution for 2018 by Philippa Glover

As we enter into 2018 most of us will have taken some time out to reflect on 2017 and begin to set our resolutions for the year ahead. 2018 will bring with it many challenges, some of which we are old friends with others we are yet to fully understand.

If you are a manufacturer you may already measure the key metrics that are important to your business and have key performance indicators (KPIs) set for the year ahead, but how many businesses actually measure them, or choose the right ones that will drive competitive advantage and in turn bring value to the business’s bottom line, driving towards its strategic plan?

Could 2018 be the year that digital technologies feature in your strategic plan?

If you work in manufacturing you may have read the hype about how digital technologies and approaches are transforming manufacturing – robotics & automation, the “internet of things”, augmented/virtual reality, advanced analytics, “Industry 4.0”. Those companies who have embraced these technologies within manufacturing for production line efficiencies, businesses processes and predictive maintenance, for example, have made it clear that when implemented well these can really help manufacturers build a more competitive and sustainable future. But, how could these feature in your strategic plan?

Using a framework called 4Manufacturing we can help you navigate this space turning ideas into projects that deliver your strategic plan and further internal capability and confidence resulting in a ‘domino effect’ of improvement.

This could be looking at data in a new way using advanced analytics for complex production activities, using robotics and automation for high endurance, speed and precision operations, or Artificial Intelligence within your supply chain.

That’s all well you may say, but I don’t know where to start?

Make 4Manufacturing your business resolution

KTN’s manufacturing team and its partners can help you identify the key themes for your business using our specialist skills and experience. We can help link new ideas and opportunities with expertise, markets and finance through our network of businesses, universities, funders and investors. From agri-food to autonomous systems, and from energy to design, we are able to combine in-depth knowledge in all sectors helping you manage your 4IR journey.

So if you are thinking of making a resolution this year, then there is a wealth of support out there to tap into to help you develop your plan and address those all-important KPIs. We don’t want businesses to stand still and do nothing, and we know from experience that it is often difficult to know where to start, 4Manufacturing may be the tool that can help you. If manufacturers could tackle one thing in 2018 that could have the biggest impact my vote would be this.

Check out 4Manufacturing to find out more.

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