Enterprise Automation for Improved Productivity

As headhunters, we are witnessing how leaders in the manufacturing industry are thriving in their decision-making under pressure by implementing the following recommendations: Embrace IoT for Predictive Maintenance: Implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing operations, as seen with General Electric, enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and enhancing efficiency. Utilize AI for Quality Control: Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) for tasks like quality control, like BMW's use of AI for assembly line analysis, leads to more accurate and faster decision-making processes. Leverage Big Data for Supply Chain Optimization: Companies like Cisco Systems demonstrate how big data can optimize supply chain management, allowing manufacturers to respond swiftly to changes and disruptions. Incorporate 3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping: Utilizing 3D printing technology, as Ford does, speeds up the prototyping process, enabling quicker decision-making and reducing time to market. Use Digital Twins for Testing and Simulation: As Siemens does, implementing digital twins for product and process simulation can significantly enhance decision-making efficiency and accuracy. Implement Real-Time Dashboards for Operational Insight: Integrating real-time dashboards, like Tesla, offers immediate operational insights, aiding faster and more informed decision-making. Adapt JIT Philosophy for SMEs: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should consider adopting Just-In-Time (JIT) strategies with adjustments for scale, as demonstrated by ABC Manufacturing, to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Build Robust Local Supplier Networks: Like ABC Manufacturing, SMEs can benefit from developing strong local supplier relationships to reduce dependency and increase supply chain resilience. Adopt Flexible Production Strategies: Incorporating flexible production strategies allows companies to respond rapidly to market changes, a crucial aspect for SMEs in JIT implementation. Commit to Continuous Improvement and Feedback: As practiced by ABC Manufacturing, regular process reviews and incorporating feedback are essential for adapting and refining strategies and ensuring continuous improvement in decision-making processes. The following article provides a holistic approach to leaders’ decision-making under pressure in the manufacturing sector, emphasizing the importance of digital integration, agility, and strategic partnerships in navigating modern manufacturing challenges. #decisionmaking #topnotchfinders #sanfordrose

Manufacturing Automation – Automating the wrong thing.   Only Automation that amplifies the worker increases productivity!   At all times, there are technological options that can automate a particular step or task in the process but before we proceed headlong to deploy it, we need to ask: “Is this automation increasing productivity or adding complexity and needless costs?”.   A rationalized, controlled and understood process can be performed manually, semi-automatically or fully automatically with appropriate consideration of the current state, and can be improved with some degree of next level automation. A simple test that may be applied as to the efficacy of the proposed automation is to ask the question:   “Does the automation meet the criteria of:   -        Allocating Power and Precision functions to the machine, while,   -        Allocating Perception and Dexterity functions to the worker?”   If the answer is YES, then more likely than not, the automation will deliver INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY!   If the answer is NO, then most likely than not, the automation will NOT deliver INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY and even worse, may trade manual operation challenges for automated shortfalls and reliability issues!   Further, if the answer is NO, then more likely than not, the automation is creating just as many FRICTION POINTS in the process as it’s solving.   Only Automation that amplifies the worker increases productivity! -- A post by Florian Palatini features an excellent example of the advantages of this approach by showcasing a truck unloading solution which eschews the fashionable, AI driven, Autonomous Robotics solutions laden with undeveloped technology and dripping with reliability and “Edge Case” exceptions. In this solution, the human operator is much more flexible and once unburdened from the Power and Precision requirements … much more PRODUCTIVE! Florian’s Post Here: https://lnkd.in/e_eTKR7s   -- “In addition, production rate reliability and repeatability will go up while operator skill levels required and operator fatigue levels will go down, leading to a safer and more profitable production line.”   --   Are you properly sizing your automation?   Your thoughts are appreciated and please share this post if you think your connections will find it of interest.   Leave a comment or connect with me to discuss how to strategically plan automation for enhanced productivity.   https://lnkd.in/ehsAQcMu #industry40 #cobots #ai #machinedesign #automation #manufacturing #productivity