_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Automation
ng growth
Best practices for successful operations in today ’ s global economy .
By Scott Dowell
Companies , specifically industrial manufacturers , are slowly beginning to recover from the immense supply chain disruption left in the pandemic ’ s wake . The supply chain landscape is now more dynamic than ever . Companies must become more creative and vastly more nimble to reach their goals . Most companies , however , do not consider the full spectrum of their supply chain needs . Manufacturers and heavy industrial companies are seeking ways to create new efficiencies , gain greater insights through their data , and grapple with the ever-shifting labor landscape . While supply chain conditions may be improving , the need to optimize operations for profitability and efficiency remain .
To optimize , companies must consider how they can deliver products and services on time , but also how to modernize operations through automation , IoT and digital solutions . Here are key strategies to tackle the mounting challenges with doing business in today ’ s global economy and ensure growth and resiliency in the future :
Prioritizing digital solutions for increased efficiencies
It is no surprise that there is a push to modernize facilities , adapting the latest technologies and undergoing the digital transformation needed to stay competitive in today ’ s market . Digitally transforming your business starts with strong , scalable foundational technologies . These are the building blocks for future technologies that support new business models and allow you to maintain a competitive market edge .
However , in this area , one size does not fit all . Industrial end-users require a more nuanced and creative approach . Technology now allows facilities to connect their drives , controls , and other equipment to the cloud along with the various sensors that monitor them . The benefits are enormous , but also open up many other considerations : what are the cybersecurity implications , can this information serve as a basis for making critical business decisions , and is there a dashboard to aggregate all of this information to one unified platform ?
All these questions and more will shape the future of your operation and its ability to compete .
The timely exchange of information , updates , and feedback can enhance the efficiency of the supply chain , leading to better decision making , problem solving , and risk mitigation .
Identifying strategic partners to profitably support global operations
The second best practice is to review your current vendor / supplier list and consider if the role they are playing in
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