Digital Transformation in Manufacturing is everywhere Thanks to…

Question Answered step-by-step Digital Transformation in Manufacturing is everywhere Thanks to… Digital Transformation in Manufacturing is everywhere  Thanks to Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), manufacturers generate more data than in any other industry. Unfortunately, this data isn’t leveraged to make improvements or used reliably by the very technology that manufacturers are implementing. Successful manufacturers are undergoing a digital transformation that shakes up the status quo and implements new ways of processing data in a timely, useful fashion.In manufacturing, technology has the power to be a disruptive force for an entire industry. Before you start drafting a digital transformation roadmap for manufacturing, you must get everyone in your company on board. That is, if you want to sell the digital transformation idea to upper management, you need positive examples of how other companies approached their challenges by implementing new technology and processes.Manufacturers are creating value through operational effectiveness and product innovation by:Utilizing machine learning to offer insight into end-to-end processes, optimizing supply chains, and continuously monitoring production activity in real-time.Integrating their manufacturing network with tools such as ERP, PIM, eProcurement, e-commerce, and CRM for deeper bonds with customers.Deploying augmented reality to optimize factory operations, improve quality control, and reduce energy consumption.Adopting digital tools such as modern B2B e-commerce platforms to automate sales, streamline interactions with their customers and partners, and ultimately increase sales.As technology revolutionizes manufacturing, both industry leaders and small players find competitive advantages in their niches. By embracing technology on the manufacturing floor and in the back office, manufacturers can digitize all areas of their operation.  Here are some digital transformation case studies in manufacturing using technology to bring value to their company and customers.The ChallengeTKMS needed to fully utilize data insights through algorithms. Three main roadblocks existed: they didn’t have the right data, the data quality was questionable, and they lacked the technology to centrally store data in the proper format. The plan was to carefully analyze data and build algorithms to improve materials deployment.The ProcessA key task was to optimize specific problem areas involving network simulations. For example, TKMS needed to optimize transportation costs and deliver stock without sacrificing service levels. The result was Alfred, an AI solution developed in-house in 2018. Since its original deployment, Alfred has been updated with the domain knowledge and expertise necessary to bring about improvements in TKMS target areas. The SolutionAlfred (named after the company’s founder Alfred Krupp) was developed with the help of Microsoft’s global Azure cloud platform. Its self-learning algorithms provide recommendations on stock levels and machinery maintenance models, including malfunction warnings. Alfred recommends which physical sites should be expanded and the sites to close down and identified material substitutions that assist with contract negotiations and bundling. Alfred helps employees with key tasks such as assigning materials to each industry, identifying the best transport route, and recognizing the needs of individual locations.The ResultsAlfred’s decision engine accelerated decision-making processes. It identifies supplying locations for each customer, taking into account all relevant data. Alfred also improves efficiency by simulating the TKMS network setup at any given time. Transforming customer experience with ERP, CRM, and e-commerce Since 1930, Samuel Hubbard has manufactured shoes using only the finest materials and leathers. Today, Samuel Hubbard is famous for its line of sport, casual, and dress shoes. Their products are manufactured and sold around the world.The Challenge Their primary challenge was automating day-to-day tasks to reduce the amount of time teams spent on coordinating and manual data entry. Sales teams needed to be focused on generating leads, reaching quotas, and engaging with customers. Improving the overall customer experience, offering more user-friendly B2B purchasing, and harmonizing their B2B and B2C data were additional goals.The ProcessSamuel Hubbard utilized Magento for B2C sales but quickly realized they needed to seamlessly integrate the B2C and B2B while using a unified CRM. OroCommerce offered everything they needed, including a customizable product matrix and a one-step checkout and still allowed Samuel Hubbard to retain Magento for their B2C channel. Implementation involved a complete overhaul of their e-commerce systems and only took 6 months.The SolutionSamuel Hubbard utilized their B2C data from Magento and integrated it with OroCRM while implementing OroCommerce for their B2B portal. They now had a 360-degree view of all customers. Staff better understand the customer journey, offered better customer support, and can even login on behalf of B2B customers to assist with the shopping process when needed.Improving training with IoT and VR technologyBAE Systems is a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company with over 85,800 employees and worldwide operations. They are one of the largest defines contractors in Europe and one of the largest suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defence, as well as the Australian, Indian and Saudi Arabian militaries.The Challenge As a high-tech manufacturing facility, their main challenge was the correct assembly of complicated batteries on a consistent basis. BAE Systems wanted to leverage augmented reality technology to improve the quality of the finished product, increase assembly speed, and achieve industry compliance. The Process As their production speed increased, BAE wanted to equip line workers with augmented reality glasses to reduce training periods. They sourced HoloLens smart glasses from Microsoft and utilized PTC’s Vuforia Studio, a software that translates CAD and IoT data into training and instructional AR experiences. PTC designed the software to offer correct modelling of battery assembly instructions on a step-by-step, color-coded basis to maximize efficiency and minimize errors.The SolutionThe solution effectively bridged the digital and physical world for BAE battery line workers. It projects in virtual reality a 3D model of the right battery components with real-time instructions and drag-and-drop functionality to help workers assemble complex products without sacrificing quality.The ResultsBAE Systems reduced assembly time by 50% and training time by over 40%. Microsoft was retained for hardware and digital infrastructure and PTC provided the software solution and ongoing support to help scale operations.Unifying B2C and B2B sales with one platformSaltworks, an American salt manufacturer, is the largest of its kind in the world. They import and supply gourmet and artisan salts to the food and beverage industry as well as the health and beauty industry. Their products are imported from over 14 countries and processed for wholesale, bulk, and retail markets.The Challenge In order to manage their pricing schemes, catalogs, and rich content, Saltworks invested heavily in costly add-ons to their legacy eCommerce platform. What they needed was the functionality to cater to their B2C channel while simultaneously offering a tailored B2B experience that differentiated them in a competitive market.The Process As they looked to improve their B2B capabilities, Salt works considered platforms such as Big Commerce, Woo Commerce, and Magneto. Upon investigating OroCommerce, Salt works realized they could meet over 80% of RFP requirements right out of the box. A new platform and website later, the Salt works store went live.The SolutionAfter implementing OroCommerce, Saltworks operates both B2B and B2C websites from a single source of truth. In addition, they can analyse and track both B2B and B2C sales from a single admin panel. This increases data integrity and allows for accurate and reliable syncing to their CRM and ERP systems. Salt works also added site functions such as a button for customer purchases through Amazon Seller Accounts.The ResultsThe improved B2B and B2C storefront experience and a singular admin panel for back-office staff enabled Salt works to streamline operations and grow sales. Without the need to perpetually implement costly plugins and extensions, they save time and money.Be the Next Digital Transformation in ManufacturingFor many industries, digital transformation isn’t only about reducing costs and increasing efficiencies, it’s also about embracing an agile mind-set and maximizing revenue through unique competitive advantages. If rethinking operating models, adopting new principles, and increasing efficiencies is creating digital fatigue, rely on the services of a consulting company. They are also useful in helping you compile a digital transformation roadmap for the manufacturing industry.If you want to be a customer-focused company, you need flexible B2B-specific digital commerce for manufacturers. Platforms such as OroCommerce help manufacturers of all sizes to offer customer experiences that stand out from the competition. Join businesses just like yours that successfully completed their digital transformation in the manufacturing industry:  Questions:Discuss various process and digital transformation according to case study.Explain solutions and recommendations to adopt digital transformation.Your understanding and suggestions as per above case study digital transformation.                          Business BUSINESS A CIB3003 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)