Innovation is key in every sector, and it’s something that the manufacturing industry has been incredibly adept at over the last few years. It has embraced numerous new innovations and used them to quickly change the course of the industry and provide greater prospects for manufacturers and better solutions for consumers.
These are the biggest innovations in manufacturing over the last few years.
Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is built around the ethos of “less waste; more efficiency”. It deems waste to be anything that doesn’t enhance the quality of the product or service. By eliminating these needless processes, a manufacturer can save money and time while advancing toward sustainability goals.
Also known as lean production, this manufacturing process is built around the following principles:
Determine the value: Find out how much a consumer is willing to pay and how much the product costs to the manufacturer.
Consider the value process: Plot the entire production cycle and look for ways it can be streamlined, including eliminating unnecessary processes and materials.
Improve the flow: Remove barriers that slow down production time and create costly obstacles that reduce the lead time.
Create a “pull system”: A pull system responds to consumer demand. It predicts when that demand is likely and creates products on demand, as opposed to a “push” system that keeps inventory levels high to ensure future demand can be met.
Ongoing analysis: Processes should be continually monitored to keep checking for waste-removal opportunities.
Advanced Process Control
Advanced Process Control (APC) monitors themanufacturing process in real-time and uses advanced algorithms to monitor and optimize the production process. Everything from the composition of raw materials to temperature controls is checked to seek optimization opportunities. This process reduces production variability and ensures a more stable and consistent product.
The Internet of Things
Over the last five years or so, we’ve heard a lot about the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the construction sector and healthcare industry. But it’s playing an increasingly important role in the manufacturing industry, as well.oT refers to complete interconnectivity—everything is connected and constantly sharing/using data. Manufacturers use the IoT to monitor their machines and production processes, checking everything from the current speed of production and the quality of the end product to potential downtime and maintenance issues.
When properly utilized, this technology can notify manufacturers when machines need maintenance, repairs, or replacement. They can act proactively instead of reactively and will have a greater understanding of their entire production process.
AI and Automation
Automation has arguably been the biggest driving force of manufacturing innovation over the last few years. Companies can now turn to everything from suppliers for autonomous forklift operation to automated data entry, allowing precision machines and complex algorithms to perform jobs once left to teams of employees.Staff costs are reduced and human error is eliminated, greatly improving efficiency and reducing costs in the process.
Improved Materials
It’s not just the machines and processes that have seen major improvements over the last decade or so. Raw materials have also changed.
Nanotechnology has been a primary driving force behind these innovations. It deals with matter manipulation on a molecular scale, which means that scientists are able to build highly complex materials—known as “smart materials”—that fit very specific needs, such as materials that are light, strong, durable, and flexible.
As the industry strives towards sustainability, this technology is proving to be even more important. Consumers demand eco-friendly, sustainable options, and manufacturers can meet those demands without sacrificing quality.
Summary: The Importance of Innovation in Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry has faced many challenges over the last decade or so, including a significant shift toward digital solutions and the supply chain issues that followed the events of 2020/21. Yet it has met these challenges head-on, and the aforementioned innovations have been key to that success. It’s clear that regardless of the issues that this sector faces, it’s ready to handle them and has the tools and strategies needed to do so.Whether you’re a manufacturer or supplier, if you’re involved with this industry in any way, make sure your company stays ahead of the curve by preparing, innovating, and ensuring you’re ready for the next big challenge.
Also Read: 3 Artificial Intelligence Use Cases in Manufacturing
