2024 is the year of big changes for manufacturing. Seriously, 89% of industry leaders are diving headfirst into digital transformation. Why? Because if you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind. And get this: A recent survey by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) found that over 65% of companies are struggling to attract and retain top talent.
With more skilled workers jumping ship for flexible gig jobs, the old 9-to-5 factory model is feeling the pinch. So, what’s the secret sauce for those manufacturers who are not just surviving but thriving? It’s all about embracing change and using the latest tech to keep things agile and efficient.
Let’s unpack the strategies that are making waves and see how you can ride them, too.
Flexibility Is Here to Stay
The workforce landscape is shifting, and if you’ve been around the block a few times, you know the deal. More folks are ditching traditional roles for gigs that let them call the shots. In fact, 76% of manufacturers are struggling to fill labor gaps as experienced workers retire and younger talent demands more control over their schedules.
So, how do you keep your team happy and your production rolling? The answer lies in technology. Around 98% of manufacturing leaders are investing in tech to streamline operations and make life easier for their teams.
Imagine giving your team the tools they need to manage their schedules and stay productive, all from their mobile devices. That’s the kind of environment that not only attracts talent but keeps them engaged.
Cutting Through the Noise
Ever felt like you’re drowning in data? You’re not alone. The manufacturing floor can be a maze of information, and sifting through it can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Thriving manufacturers know the key to solving this chaos: simplification.
Instead of bouncing between disconnected systems, they’re opting for solutions that bring everything under one roof. Just think about how much time you’d save if you could ditch endless spreadsheets and emails.
With a unified platform, you can cut down on the chaos and let your team focus on what really matters—driving efficiency and boosting productivity.
The Silent Productivity Killer: Eliminating "Gray Work"
Every manufacturer deals with “Gray Work,” even if you don’t call it that. It’s the small, manual tasks that eat up time but don’t add much value—like chasing down emails, sorting through old spreadsheets, or double-checking data across different platforms.
This is where thriving manufacturers are making huge gains. They’re adopting automation to cut out the busywork, freeing up their teams to focus on high-value tasks. Imagine what your team could accomplish if they weren’t tied up in tedious admin work. Eliminating these invisible time-wasters can dramatically boost your productivity and keep your operations running smoothly.
The Iceberg You Didn’t See Coming
Picture an iceberg. You know how 90% of it is hidden underwater? That’s like your operations. The tip is what everyone sees: the final product rolling off the line. But the bulk of the work—the stuff that slows you down—is buried under paperwork, clunky processes, and miscommunication.
The manufacturers who are thriving are taking a deep dive. By streamlining communication and data collection, they’re finding hidden efficiencies below the surface. Tackle those underlying issues, and you could see productivity jump by as much as 30%. Now that’s a big win!
Keeping an Eye on KPIs
In manufacturing, what gets measured gets improved. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), cycle time, and downtime are crucial for keeping your operations on track. But here’s the catch: if your systems aren’t integrated, getting a clear picture of these metrics can be a real headache.
That’s why forward-thinking manufacturers are investing in technology that provides real-time data and analytics. You should be able to see your KPIs at a glance, make adjustments on the fly, and spot issues before they become problems. It’s the difference between driving blind and having a GPS that guides you through the twists and turns of the production floor.
Connecting the Dots
Let’s get real. Too many manufacturers are stuck in the dark ages, battling systems that don’t communicate. Seriously, it’s like trying to get everyone on the same page when half the team doesn't even know what's going on. With Quickbase, you can bridge that gap.
Picture this: all your data—MES, ERP—flowing together seamlessly. No more scavenger hunts for information. Quick decisions, faster moves, and a team that actually gets stuff done? Now we’re talking!
Quickbase makes it happen with:
- Streamlined Project Management: Keep every project, big or small, under one roof. Effortless coordination? Check!
- Resource Tracking: Know exactly who’s available and what they’re bringing. Say goodbye to guesswork!
- Custom Solutions: Build what fits your needs without the usual headaches. Flexibility at its best.
- Simplified Compliance Management: Stay ahead of the rules without the last-minute scramble. Peace of mind? You got it!
So here’s the deal: to thrive in 2024, you need to embrace flexibility, cut through the noise, and get your tech working for you. Ditch the gray work, streamline your practices, and watch your operations transform.
Want to dive deeper? Check out the videos from Empower 2024 for more insights on how industry leaders are tackling these challenges!
