Key Digital Transformation Challenges in Manufacturing Sector

Fremont, CA: While enterprise industrial production is leading the way in digital transformation, small to medium-sized manufacturers can also use new technology to establish sustainable and profitable businesses. Ubiquitous IoT and low-code development approach assist firms of all sizes in reaping the benefits of modernization and transformation.

Manufacturing digitalization, on the other hand, can provide some basic issues unrelated to the technology itself. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other organizations have identified several common digital transition challenges and potential solutions.

• Legacy systems

Adopting a modular architecture may be one approach. Instead of a single rigid system, the composable design enables businesses to replace components without dismantling the entire system. Bringing in consultants with particular expertise in manufacturing systems can also assist in developing a plan for implementing the change while keeping interdependencies in mind.

• Rigid infrastructure impedes digital transformation.

Many manufacturing operations are befuddled by legacy systems. Changing systems will necessitate the retirement of obsolete processes, retraining on the shop floor and in management, and an overall attitude to embrace change.

Part of the investment strategy includes determining where a company will see the greatest return from digital adoption. Predictive maintenance, for example, would deliver a big ROI in manufacturing, therefore transitioning from a manual system to one automated by artificial intelligence might pave the door for additional changes.

• Resistance to change

It is not only the technology. Employees may be averse to change at first, so organizations must modify their culture to help ease the transition. To make the transition easier, organizations should collaborate closely with departments.

Adopting a culture of constant improvement and discovery and emphasizing the benefits of digitalization can help. Addressing any privacy or cybersecurity concerns and job security goes a long way toward assisting with change management.

• Digital transformation: A new era of manufacturing

Manufacturing's digital transformation challenges are not the end of the tale. Adopting digital techniques for manufacturing processes will allow small to medium-sized enterprises to remain competitive, therefore tackling each challenge will help ensure a smooth transition.