The year of digital transformation
From February issue of NZ Manufacturer -Adam Sharmer, Senior Partner, Dsifer If 2023 was the year of Generative AI, 2024 looks set to be the year of digital transformation. A recent survey of manufacturers found that 70% of those surveyed planned to increase spending on digital transformation in 2024. This is perhaps no surprise as organisations continue to review their operations to improve production efficiency, optimise supply chain and leverage data and analytics to shift to predictive, rather than reactive planning and improvement disciplines in response to high production costs, supply chain instability, workforce challenges and data security concerns. As industries transition towards Industry 4.0, defining a comprehensive digital manufacturing strategy is crucial, yet 42% still collect most or all of their data using non-digital processes and 63% collect less than half their data using digital processes. Through our engagement with organisations in New Zealand and the UK, we have identified 10 factors that are critical to the success of digital transformation. Clear Business Objectives Before diving into the world of digital manufacturing, it is essential to establish clear business objectives. Whether the goal is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, or accelerate time-to-market, having a well-defined purpose will guide the entire strategy. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of the organisation lays the foundation for a tailored and effective digital manufacturing approach. Data Management and Integration In the digital era, data is the lifeblood of manufacturing. Efficient data management and integration are critical components of a successful strategy. Organisations need to invest in robust systems that can collect, analyse, and leverage data from various sources such as sensors, machines, and enterprise software. This enables real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and improved overall visibility into the manufacturing process. Technology Infrastructure Building a strong technology infrastructure is essential for implementing digital manufacturing […]