Across the ever-changing landscape of industrial manufacturing, buzzwords like “smart manufacturing” and “digital transformation” are everywhere. But what do they mean? Smart manufacturing involves integrating machines, people, and data through digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This connectivity enhances efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness in manufacturing operations, leading to increased productivity, improved quality, and a stronger competitive advantage.
Few sectors experience changes as rapidly as manufacturing. Consumer preferences continuously evolve, innovative technologies consistently disrupt operational norms, regulatory frameworks perpetually fluctuate, and even business models transform regularly. This unrelenting dynamism mandates organizational agility—the capability to nimbly adapt to accelerating market shifts.
Robotics has commanded headlines for its role in manufacturing and final assembly operations, with some of the world’s largest manufacturers reporting massive robotics-led ROI in their quest to automate and innovate across the factory floor.
Manufacturing organizations aim for operational excellence, but not all technology solutions can help them achieve this goal. Infor's industry-specific ERP solutions offer purpose-built capabilities that can drive profitable growth for manufacturers.
Manufacturers should take a step back and ask themselves three questions before starting out on a potentially complicated digital transformation journey. Here’s a summary of the recommendations.
