In the current economic climate, with manufacturers battling high interest rates and skills shortages, many within the sector are looking to new innovative solutions to stay ahead of the next challenge, and the competition. One such area which should be explored is finding modern solutions to current logistical problems, to ensure your supply chain is fully optimised. Fortunately, new technologies have emerged as real game-changers in this area, offering manufacturers new ways to streamline processes, boost efficiency and re-engage teams worldwide.
Read on to explore five ways technology can be a helping hand for your manufacturing supply chain.
1: Automate basic-decision making actions
Automation has become a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, offering significant benefits throughout the supply chain. One of the most critical areas for automation is basic decision-making actions. For instance, by implementing systems that can automatically reorder supplies when inventory reaches a certain threshold, manufacturers can eliminate manual processes, reduce human error, and ensure that production lines keep running smoothly. Automating routine decisions can free up your workforce to focus on more complex, value-added tasks.
2: Use AI for real-time data insight
Knowledge is power. Information is strength. These are any key principles behind successful businesses, so ensuring you have access to the absolute latest data is an easy way to step up your strategy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the manufacturing industry by providing business managers with real-time insights into their supply chains. Manufacturers can leverage AI-powered systems to monitor production lines, detect anomalies, and predict equipment maintenance needs before a breakdown occurs. By analysing vast amounts of data from sensors and production processes, AI can help optimize production efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve the quality of products. This data-driven approach ensures that you're making informed decisions based on current conditions.
3: Gamification and the Metaverse
One of the newest trends dominating supply chain management innovation is the introduction of gamification and the metaverse. Introducing these innovative concepts into the manufacturing supply chain may seem unconventional but can bring substantial benefits.
Gamification is utilising the aspects of gaming to motivate and engage employees, customers or communities, turning routine tasks into competitive and rewarding activities.
In the metaverse, virtual environments can be used for training, product design, and even remote troubleshooting. While it seems an advanced concept for the more traditional manufacturing sector, at its core, the metaverse can give supply chain managers the opportunity to map out their supply chain in far more detail.
Both of these technologies can help bridge geographical gaps and make work more enjoyable for your team.
"Gamification is more than a technique. It's a mindset, which has the potential to transform our workplace"
Janaki Kumar
4: Empower staff to decentralise decision-making
Traditionally, decision-making in manufacturing was a top-down process. However, thanks to technological platforms providing a singular central source of truth across a whole business, teams are becoming more informed and empowered to take decisions, thereby reducing bottlenecks and speeding up task completion rates.
The creation of more agile and responsive supply chains allows manufacturers to become more flexible and dynamic in their approach, making them able to adapt to changing market conditions and stay competitive during times of economic turbulence.
5: Integration with other tools
In the same way a team works better when there is strong communication, the same is true for different software systems. And in the modern workplace, no system works in isolation. Therefore, for your supply chain to truly benefit from the integration of technology, it’s vital to ensure that your technological tools are working in collaboration with one another. Whether that means syncing up your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, production control software or other supply chain management tools – integration is key. It allows for the free flow of information, real-time updates, and improved collaboration between different departments, creating a more cohesive and efficient business ecosystem.
Embracing technology in your manufacturing supply chain is no longer an option but a necessity. By applying one or all five of these elements to your supply chain set-up, you can streamline your operations, enhance collaboration, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in the market. It’s becoming ever clearer that the future of manufacturing belongs to those who leverage technology to its fullest potential, so exploring these innovations for your supply chain is a great way to stay ahead of the curve.
Are you looking to maximise the role technology can play in optimising your logistics? The WTA Platform offers a powerful visibility tool, enabling you to:
• Quickly find your shipments, with real-time status.
• Manage orders, invoices and shipments.
• Analyse and optimise your supply chain.
Get in touch with our team to find out more about how this platform can help streamline your supply chain, or book a demo using the button below.
