When it comes to manufacturing, some processes can’t afford to fall behind on the technology scale. Competitors that have enhanced their manufacturing processes with cloud ERP software will manufacture things cheaper and more efficiently than those who don’t employ cloud tech. As such, manufacturers need to invest in newer technology if they strive to be prepared for an Industry 4.0 future.
The need for a robust, cloud-enhanced manufacturing system was recognized by manufacturing-focused software specialists IFS, whose IFS Cloud solution can provide several methods to positively alter shop floor processes, ultimately improving the end user experience. By allowing greater visibility of manufacturing processes, a view of end-to-end manufacturing can be created.
Integrating cloud technology with the manufacturing processes of a shop floor enables intelligence to be injected into every operation. The insights gained from an all-encompassing, cloud-enhanced service can be the fuel a business gets to enact the changes needed to survive and thrive.
Having a clearer insight into a business’ end-to-end manufacturing means more accurate insights can be attained. For example, IFS Cloud can fully track a product from planning to production and shipping. By having a full view of a production timeline, it can be a lot easier to spot where efficiencies can be made.
IFS Cloud’s Supply Chain Management software meanwhile can give a single view across an entire supply chain, making it easier to adapt to turbulent distribution networks by reacting to real-time alerts.
Versatility and adaptability are what keep manufacturing processes prepared for the future. Offering a diverse range of services to customers can help retain them – users of IFS Cloud can offer engineer-to-order, configure-to-order, made-to-order, make-to-stock and make-to-forecast to their clients.
Saving costs due to better inventory management, increased efficiencies from automating manual processes and having a clear view over all aspects of the manufacturing process are all factors that could aid in preparing a business for the future. Staying ahead of the competition doesn’t always require running on the latest tech. In the case of manufacturers, however, the difference between legacy systems and newer, cloud-based systems can’t be ignored, especially when surviving the Industry 4.0 revolution demands operational excellence.
