6 Manufacturing Trends

6 Manufacturing Trends

There have been many manufacturing trends made in 2019. While there’s no telling exactly how things will play out in the long term, it seems safe to say a few predictions will have a profound impact on manufacturers in 2020 and beyond.

These manufacturing trends need to be on leader’s radar not just over the next 12 months, but in the coming years.

It is critically important for those within the industry to develop a clear sense of what they are, how they will change over time and most importantly how they will impact organizations in 2019 and beyond.

What manufacturing trends should we be looking for down the road in a year, five or a decade from now?

Here is an overview of 6 manufacturing trends to keep your eye on that will shape the manufacturing industry.

Optimizing For The Future

2019 and beyond will see greater levels of importance attached to manufacturers investing in new technology to help increase both profits and productivity.

Specifically, the manufacturers’ ability to incorporate AI and machine learning into their operations.

The increased adoption of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies will directly impact business processes.

Data is key. Without the ability to analyze data there will be difficulties obtaining insights.

This is where we see artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning becoming more prevalent.

AI will be able to manage volumes of data, generate insights and offer solutions to increase manufacturers’ responsiveness, improve efficiency and help identify new business opportunities.

Manufacturers will be able to visualize the information and interpret how best to drive, grow and improve their business.

Digital Manufacturing Methods

The Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 will create new business models that will change the way businesses expand and change their production methods.

These new business models will affect manufacturing processes like e-commerce fulfillment centers and the digitization of distribution which has been pioneered by Amazon.

Digital manufacturing methods will help open up new ways for manufacturers to shift from a warehouse model to a more flexible distribution process.

More customization will be made possible with robots and 3D printing along with the use of cloud computing.

Cyber Security

As companies become more digital and increase their digital footprint, they will be increasingly exposed to cybercriminals.

Preventing and fending off cyber threats will continue to dominate technology spending.

Perhaps the downside to technological advancements, businesses will need to balance security needs with the ability to innovate quickly.

Generation of Leadership

All eyes are on the Gen Y millennial generation as they prepare to take over leadership roles in the business world.

This will shape the direction in which businesses will gravitate towards. Manufacturers should also put Gen Z on their radar too.

These newest members of the workforce are mobile and technology natives. They have never known a world without the internet, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

Their knowledge and capabilities with technology will easily surpass that of the millennials which will impact the leadership style and influence how manufacturers compete globally in the coming decades.

More Workforce Diversity

Diversity across all levels of society has been a major focus in the last few years.

From a manufacturing perspective, an organization is most likely to perform better financially if its workforce is more diverse.

Diversity in the workforce is going to continue to be a top priority for many years to come.

Forward-thinking businesses will continue to implement programs to accelerate the diversification of their workforces.

This trend ties in with the members of different generations preparing to take over leadership positions.

Intelligent Manufacturing

The integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing technology and processes will help companies optimize organizational systems, improve product quality, increase the efficient allocation of resources and positively impact customer service.

It is now possible for integrated systems to communicate and collaborate between the equipment and people which allows for the creation of customized products with the efficiency of mass production.

Manufacturers can, therefore, increase customer engagement and positively impact relationships with equipment end users.

This type of manufacturing allows the focus to be about meeting the needs of the industries they serve. At the same time, manufacturers will be able to reduce costs and inefficiencies.

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If you liked this article, you may be interested in reading about The Digital Future of Manufacturing or Effective Manufacturing Website Design.