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Even if you have yet to adopt robotics, if you are keen to the benefits of automating dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks, addressing tasks that are challenging to staff positions or areas with frequent turnover, and improving production levels and efficiencies with your existing staff, you are ahead of the game. Robotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it is wise to be methodical as you identify the appropriate opportunity and optimum timing for your first (or next) implementation. Be sure to think through the entire process to identify potential implementation challenges with part presentation
Digitization covers a wide range of applications and functional areas at a manufacturer, from front office, to operations, and everywhere in between. It could be digitizing your paper driven production processes through an ERP implementation, capturing data for process monitoring at a manufacturing cell through an IoT solution, or using artificial intelligence or machine learning to optimize processes. It is all about providing the right data to the right people at the right time.
While additive manufacturing (AM) has existed for over 30 years, in terms of broad use, it can be considered an emerging manufacturing technology. AM provides incredible capabilities that are beyond any other traditional manufacturing process. If you are new to AM, take time to familiarize yourself with the various processes (there are seven!) and their typical applications. That will help you walk through your facility with a different perspective, and you may start to identify potential AM applications that would be impactful for your operation. AM is revolutionizing manufacturing; not as a replacement for traditional manufacturing, but as another tool at your disposal that can reduce costs and increase capabilities across the manufacturing spectrum.
According to an IBM study of cyberattacks, Manufacturing is the 2nd most targeted industry (up from 8th in 2019 ) behind Finance & Insurance. The first key to combat this threat is awareness, and then taking concrete steps to establish a plan to implement appropriate cybersecurity practices. Be sure your employees understand the role they play in cybersecurity – from understanding risks of email phishing and what to do when they receive a suspicious email to how to handle sensitive information on their various devices. Depending on your customers and industry, you may be subject to cybersecurity requirements that will dictate the cybersecurity protocol you must follow. A prime example of this is the U.S. Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). As of 2020, all DoD suppliers are required to be taking action to meet the appropriate CMMC requirements. Other industries and OEM’s may have other unique cybersecurity requirements, so be sure you fully understand the requirements for your circumstances. Finally, remember that cybersecurity is ever evolving, so it will be an ongoing effort to keep your operation current and cybersecure.
