2 persons standing
Read Time, 2 min.

The pace of change in manufacturing is relentless. An unstoppable wave of technological innovation is sweeping across the industry, redefining the processes and structures it leaves in its wake. No sooner are new milestones glimpsed, than they’re reached and surpassed. It is an industry outliving itself.

Riding this wave – rather than being overcome by it – means understanding the trends that are changing the industry so dramatically. That’s exactly why our team of manufacturing thought leaders have written this series of articles, giving their expert opinions on the trends in digital technology that are defining the future of the industry.

Here are five key insights from our experts.

1. Digitisation will transform your business

Technologies like IoT, AI and digital printing are creating opportunities for manufacturers to innovate and optimise their operations like never before.

Here, our manufacturing lead, Max Tchapeyou, looks at how digitalisation is creating room for new business models, operational capabilities and value pools, while empowering and transforming the workforce.

2. Think big, start small, go fast

For many organisations, digital transformation is still a confusing mix of pilots and experiments, which very often fails to yield the high returns promised by digital transformation experts. But there is a solution to this problem.

In this article, Valerio Frediani advocates for a “think big, start small, go fast” approach that will help manufacturers take the leap into the future.

3. Stay competitive with Connected Field Services

As advances in technology usher in an extraordinary new period for manufacturing, field service organisations in particular have a phenomenal opportunity to turn cost centres into profit centres.

Here, Christoph Pawlowski looks at how a truly Connected Field Service can help manufacturers transform their companies and outperform their peers.

4. Change the way you think about supply chain

The linear model is out. In modern manufacturing, the supply chain is a multidimensional grid of interconnected nodes, where each and every node is a process, a stakeholder, or an asset.

In this article, Carlo Moretti talks through the process of establishing an intelligent supply chain – and why it’s so important to do so.

5. Make the most of what you have

One of the most prevalent myths about digital transformation is that it requires a total revamp of your existing processes and systems. But in manufacturing – and especially in supply chain – the day-to-day job still needs to be done.

Here, Patrick Van Loon argues the case for making the most of what you already have – and then innovating with new technologies on top.

Free eBook: The Manufacturer’s Guide to Digital Transformation

Thrive in the changing manufacturing landscape with digital solutions

Discover more related articles per industry:

Education

Finance & Insurance

Government

Healthcare

Manufacturing

  • Potato producers benefit from sensors (IoT) and AVR’s technological innovations

    Potato producers benefit from sensors (IoT) and AVR’s technological innovations

    In Roeslare (Roulers in French), better known by the name “Potato Valley,” potato producers have a particular fondness for AVR’s machines and technologies, which mean they can plant and harvest potatoes more efficiently. More and more of AVR’s machines are equipped with sensors that are connected to the internet (IoT This technology provides farmers with […]

  • 5 ways you know you’re ready for connected field service

    5 ways you know you’re ready for connected field service

    More and more often, customer satisfaction is becoming the key to success. Emergency repairs often lead to high costs and great frustration for customers, so, understandably, you want to do everything you can to avoid them. Data and the Internet of Things help make this task a lot easier by enabling you to offer a […]

Retail

  • A close up of a hand sewing leather

    Taking design beyond aesthetics with Natuzzi

    Design is more than an aesthetic. It defines the way we see the world. Take the objects we have in our homes. They are more than just tables, chairs and sofas; collectively they are a window into the way we see ourselves, each item selected against a personalised criteria of practicality, comfort, status and cost. […]

  • Big data boosts business for beverage company

    Big data boosts business for beverage company

    Contemplate, if you will, the multiple choices available every time you want something to drink. Water? Juice? Soft drink? Do you want a single-serve can or a six-pack? Or maybe you just grab a liter bottle. The fact is, we as consumers expect a lot of options and the global non-alcoholic beverage industry delivers. Arca […]

Discover more related articles per dossier:

Customer Stories

  • a man holding a paint spray

    What we can learn from AkzoNobel’s digital transformation

    Savvy businesses are always on the lookout for ways to improve what they do and differentiate themselves from the competition. From organisational restructure to the development of entirely new business models, the quest for continuous improvement takes many forms. But one common factor in almost all modern business leaders’ plans is an emphasis on technological […]

Digital Transformation

Security & Privacy

Tips

  • female shopkeeper looking at her work tablet

    Create flexible retail supply chains that are built to last

    In a powerful storm, a tree that does not bend is likely to break. In 2020, the pandemic put storm-like forces on global supply chains – and many of them simply broke. There were shortages of many household items and commercial supplies, with many retailers forced to ration sales of some products.  This showed how […]