In the manufacturing industry, supply chains must remain strong, consistent and resilient. As was demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain stressors can lead to issues for all industries, but concerns often start with manufacturers.
For example, a manufacturer of coupling nuts that is unable to receive processed alloy can’t create the hardware used in machinery for the construction industry. As a result, homes can’t be built. Because homes can’t be built, urban planning is placed on hold and retail companies need to rethink plans to open new locations. This goes on to affect workers, investors, and other interested parties.
Intelligent Automation Can Overcome Supply Chain Issues
As a solution to reduce supply chain breakdowns, automation is being used more and more in manufacturing industry supply chains. Specifically, intelligent automation that is able to make smart decisions about routing and rerouting materials has provided more efficient solutions. Today’s logistics software employs automation analytics that can make changes to ongoing processes as new variables are introduced across a supply chain.
To add to this, automation in manufacturing supply chain processes can also take advantage of Internet-of-things (IoT) technology. IoT allows various Internet-capable devices to be connected in a network that can then be used to communicate problems and solutions between pieces of equipment.
Using IoT technology, changes in a supply chain or logistics plan can be instantly translated across an entire network comprised of delivery vehicles, processing and manufacturing machinery, smartphones and more to reflect real-time data. Automation software can then make intelligent changes to the flow of units depending on the need and the challenges faced across various parts of a supply chain.
Predicting The Future
Another way in which automation is revolutionizing supply chains in the manufacturing sector is through the use of predictive technology. Automation software can analyze standard operating procedures and conditions, compare them against ongoing variables and model outcomes based on potential changes. This allows the software to make predictive changes before events take place, potentially offsetting supply chain disruptions.
While predictive automation technology isn’t perfect, it is considered a step in the right direction for manufacturers and logistics professionals who are concerned about the potential for setbacks. This facet of automation also has the potential to reduce human error since more data is usually involved in the automated decision-making process. When a human worker makes decisions regarding supply chain direction, they can only make decisions based on the data available in the moment. Automation software can account for much larger datasets and can analyze variables across both past and present timelines to model for future outcomes.
Everyone In The Know
Lastly, one of the biggest benefits of using manufacturing supply chain automation is that it can keep everyone along a supply chain updated regarding various status reports. Most automation platforms include the use of a central hub that includes a user interface and user accounts. Using this hub, manufacturers, logistics professionals, materials handling and processing managers and others can gain access to up-to-the-minute reports regarding changes made to supply chain plans. This information can help industries and professionals across an entire supply chain to work more efficiently and even save money on labor and materials.
In the end, this can result in savings for customers, allowing business owners to be more competitive. By providing greater efficiency to manufacturers, more product can be produced and delivered on time, meaning customers are also more satisfied and likely to provide repeat business and word-of-mouth marketing.
