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The unique challenges of composite part manufacturing such as the limited shelf-life of raw composite materials and strict quality requirements– elevate the potential benefits of IIoT based technology. COVID-related disruptions are further accelerating Digital Transformation, as manufacturers seek to increase resiliency, flexibility, and profitability. It all starts with increased production floor visibility, also creating the foundation for optimized, flexible production operations.

When a new year begins it’s time for us to create our annual trend list. Even when a pandemic hits out of the blue, manufacturers who were relatively resilient and were already embracing the latest technologies, found it easier to adjust and respond. In an uncertain climate like today’s, the next lines offer a clear direction for prioritization and development.

The challenges manufacturers encounter during these times take on many forms Some challenges lead to new strategies that will stick along as they create an opportunity for companies and prevail for that reason.
In this article, I will focus on changes related to the professional manufacturing workforce that will probably stick around.

Scheduling production operations is one of the key challenges faced by planners and schedulers working for advanced manufacturers. An optimized production schedule will improve on time delivery while ensuring the best possible use of factory floor resources – increasing throughput and reducing waste. AI-based intelligent software can help planners meet their objectives.

Optimized cutting and kitting processes in many discrete manufacturing segments are crucial due to the high cost of raw materials, and therefore they have a direct influence on the company’s overall profitability. Manufacturers are leaning on technology to optimize every step in the process. AI technology helps meet manufacturing needs by offering a dramatic advancement in cut planning and manufacturing optimization.

The digital manufacturing transformation is continuing to grow at full speed. As it is a part of a cross industry shift, specifically in the advanced manufacturing industry, enterprises deal with crucial and expensive procedures.
SME & Plataine surveyed the market to identify important Industry 4.0 trends in 2020. We compared the findings to trends we’ve identified in our last survey that we ran in 2018, and we published an industry report that presents and highlights our most important findings. As you will soon read, a lot has changed over the course of 2 years.  

As a provider of Industry 4.0 solutions for advanced manufacturing, we often hear small and medium size manufacturers (SMBs) tell us they are concerned Industry 4.0 and IIoT is only suitable for large industrial corporations.
The advantages Industry 4.0 technologies deliver are clear: streamlined production, increased capacity and throughput, improved quality, reduced re-work and waste, and total visibility.
So, the question is, what’s holding SMBs back from implementing Industry 4.0 and IIoT-based solutions?

Tips to reduce costs and maximize manufacturing yield during times of global changes and uncertainties

It was Charles Darwin who famously said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives… It is the one that is the most adaptable to change“, and indeed, as in nature, it holds true in business and economics.
We have prepared a short test, to estimate where you stand and how you can become smart, improve the overall agility and efficiency of your composites production operations, reduce production costs and maximize production yield. Let’s take it step by step;

As the world grapples with the human and economic crisis unravelling due to the pandemic, supply chains are experiencing unique challenges of their own.

The traditional focus on supply chain optimization to minimize costs, reduce inventories, and drive up asset utilization has removed buffers and flexibility to absorb disruptions. Global shocks and unpredicted situations show that many companies are not fully aware of the vulnerability of their supply chain relationships to global uncertainties.

In what feels like a minute and an eternity all at the same time, the industry is now busy dealing with a rollercoaster of shifts that impacts everyone in every aspect of our lives in a wide range of fields that include Aerospace, Automotive, Heavy Machinery, and more.
The next paragraphs will examine some of these changes and the main strategies that come along and help manufacturers face today’s challenges, keep the resilience, plan and be prepared for the day after the crisis.

In today’s complex-manufacturing competitive landscape there’s no room to make critical mistakes. This article looks at the common pitfalls and examines top manufacturers’ strategies to avoid them.

As hard to believe as it is, a whole year has passed since we reviewed the upcoming trends for 2019. And now, here we are again!