The 3 transformative trends powering manufacturing now

IN order to move towards a broader and in-depth proliferation of enhanced technologies in the manufacturing industry, it is of utmost importance for the international community of manufacturers to exemplify leadership in employing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Uplifting factories, supply chains and business models, aiming to minimise operational costs, maximise profits and fortify manpower development are the targeted ideals of this unified front.

This is a crucial move to embark on as the global manufacturing market is trailing behind in the engagement of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, as more than 70 per cent of companies have not made considerable progression.

Using advanced manufacturing at scale and generating new value and customer experiences within the factory and across supply chains have only been undertaken by a small community of stellar manufacturers.

Companies are required to boost their investments in adaptable, scalable and robotic solutions that augment human labour, to equip themselves in acclimatising to shifting market conditions.

Three transformative trends that are rapidly changing the manufacturing landscape are expected to morph into investment drivers for companies looking to stay relevant and successful in critical times, while improving employees' livelihoods.

As a leading technological function, artificial intelligence (AI) enables machines to mimic human thinking and exhibit intelligence by programming them to replicate human thought and impersonating their actions.

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AI and machine-learning programmes are supported by external datasets such as suppliers, customers, trend forecasters, demographic sources and wider economic indicators, along with internal data. Manufacturers are able to respond to changing dynamics and external disruptions more effectively with the inclusion of these additional variables.

Since traditional analytical tools use a less than collaborative approach, advanced analytics capabilities overhaul the system as it facilitates accelerated planning across the entire supply chain, supporting a highly-skilled and competent workforce.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

As another form of technological innovation, 3D printing or additive manufacturing can be momentarily engaged to ease the pressure on supply chains amid fluctuations in demand, as demonstrated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last year's supply chain turbulence forced numerous companies to drastically relook their manufacturing and design tactics.

Manufacturers have begun to merge 3D printing with conventional means, forming creative amalgamations of parts that are more robust at decreased costs. Thanks to these enhanced manufacturing capabilities, the most innovative products can enter the market.

These new and cutting-edge products can also be produced nearer to customers, easing transportation access by lifting the burden from distributors.

Jabil's 2021 3D Printing Technology Trends survey report highlighted the bright outlook of 3D printing; 97 per cent of manufacturers polled foresee its use rising within the next five years. A majority of the respondents also expect their companies' employment of 3D printing to minimally increase by 200 per cent within that time span.

The proliferation of technological advancements such as AI and 3D printing leads to the culmination of a uniquely intelligent labour market. These professionals promote digital literacy and technology advocacy by championing data initiatives - which involve using and storing data - raising technological awareness and leveraging data visualisation and analytics to leapfrog improvement and optimisation of the operating processes and driving significant mindset shifts.

With the enhancement of technological education, an integration of various tools such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and mobile and social initiatives remains the overarching aim to further develop the entire supply chain.

As the IIoT market is forecast to rise from last year's US$77.3 billion to US$110.6 billion by 2025, 73 per cent of manufacturers said they aimed to boost their expenditure in smart-factory technology over the following year.

With IIoT sensors generating at least 1.44 billion data points per plant per day, an alignment of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is vital to enhancing operational efficiency and productivity, and gearing up development via digital transformation initiatives to support a perennially high-skilled talent pool of workers.

Such technological and inventive foresight would consequently create impact on whether companies remain stagnant or become more competitive in the global manufacturing landscape.

• The writer is senior vice-president and chief information officer (CIO) at Jabil