The digital transformation of factories is happening right now, creating different scenarios in which you and your plant are already involved. The shift to analyzing automatically collected data, process automation, and IoT (Internet of Things) has moved past its early stage, and with each passing day, you miss the chance to be an early adopter who benefits the most from digital transformation.
This transformation is inevitable, and the pioneers in these technologies are already producing results, improving their production indicators, and responding faster in critical moments. In the following article, we will provide you with 6 keys to face this transformation and come out successful.
1. Recognize that there is a need
Until recently, transitioning to the digital era brought advantages, but that is no longer (only) the case; now, not doing it can bring many problems. More and more companies are adopting the benefits of capturing accurate and automatic data to improve their loss reasons. Other companies in your same sector may respond faster to issues by being able to stop a machine without going to the plant. Your direct competitor may be giving an instruction at the key moment while in a meeting, having been automatically notified of a problem.
Not adopting this change soon will lead to a significant loss in competitiveness.
(Read if it's time to start data automation in your plant)
2. Identify the elements you need to adopt (and the order of implementation)
The important pillars of digital transformation, in the area of manufacturing, are:
- Operational Efficiency.
- Digital integration of technology.
- Data analysis and prediction.
- Culture and leadership.
Each pillar concentrates on a key area and needs different means to build on, it must identify which one will bring greater benefits or solve its most important problems and start with its implementation, and then move on to the others.
In the Colombian industry, the greatest impact is brought by the implementation of Operational Efficiency.
(Learn about the 4 indicators that measure the largest factories in the world)
3. Choose the right platforms and providers
Every industry needs a different tool: The plastic packaging sector will find more value in tools to automatically measure its waste, while the paper industry will take advantage of the speed of work and in metal casting processes, control energy consumption. That is why it is necessary to find the right tool to meet this need. On the other hand, a provider with several years of experience with large companies will know how to more efficiently back up information in the event of problems or eventualities, will be able to better protect the company's data and will have experience advising on the use of the information collected.
Choose a provider that has experience in your field.
(Learn how a floor control system works).
4. Conduct a pilot
Digital transformation is an expensive process, but it doesn't need to be done in one step. Many companies have demos and pilots to test their services and programs without having to make a large investment that is not sure will bring the planned benefits. Some software can even provide you with real data generated during the pilot that can be used to start an improvement process, with minimal investment.
Perform a small-scale test before going fully digital.
(contact us to conduct a pilot of a floor control system).
5. Monitor Every Integration
It is important to be aware of the results of each step implemented and realize what is working and what is not, for that it is necessary to make measurements, know the current state of the process and measure it throughout the integration. That way you can check if you have a good ROI (return on investment).
Measure the current status of each process and evaluate the progress made.
(Learn about the importance of automated measurements).
6. It's not a change, it's an expansion
The last point that will help you make a successful transition is to make deployments as disruptive as possible, at least in the early stages. Fear of change is a standard in institutions: It always brings expense, reluctance, and mistakes while there is an adaptation. The best way is in stages:
Stage 1. Automatic data capture of plant stoppages, real-time visualization, calculation of availability indicator, make reports in Excel.
Stage 2. Automatic capture of units produced and machine speed, reports in Excel.
Stage 3. Automated reports, management dashboard, real-time alerts, real-time goal tracking, integration with corporate software for example ERP.
Try to minimize the impact on workers.
(read the managerial impact of implementing a floor control system).
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