Harnessing Technology: Key strategies to navigate Manufacturers through rapid transformation
Over the past few years, the manufacturing industry has witnessed tremendous change. Accelerating digitization, refinement of shop floor processes, and increase in customer demands has disrupted the market dynamics. Irrespective of the sector, whether engaged in the production of commercial aircraft, office furniture, or industrial valves, it is imperative to remain attuned to emerging trends and adapt accordingly. Therefore, manufacturers must choose the right solutions to keep pace with the evolving landscape.
Cloud ERP solutions offers the necessary capabilities to tackle the most pressing issues, as they are adaptable and can incorporate specific functionalities. Modernizing ERP system will accelerate digitization by optimizing operations and introducing new products.
Manufacturers can adapt to the changing demands in the following ways:
Improving supply chain agility: The disrupted supply chain has been a major headache for most manufacturers. That’s an understatement for many. Trade tariffs, bottlenecks and delays, chip shortages, unavailability of cargo containers, and high costs of fuel have turned procurement into a game of chance—with unfavorable odds. Modern software, with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics and full supply chain visibility, can provide relief. Smart solutions will help in anticipating risks, making strategic choices, and forging new partnerships. Data insights help plan for contingencies and manage expectations.
Managing shop floor complexity: Manufacturers must meet the demands of customers for highly personalised products. But there is still a need to control costs and improve margins. In many industries, traditional mass production is being replaced by mixed mode manufacturing, with highly configured products, engineer-to-order, and assemble-on-demand operations becoming the new normal. Modern manufacturing software is essential for the transformation. It helps streamline processes, close gaps, and keep workflows synchronised. The latest Industry 4.0 technologies provide critical tools—like smart sensors—for tracking machine performance, output, quality control, and optimising resources. Tools also help manage the existing workforce, which must work smarter, not harder, to get the job done. Data insights help keep the shop floor running with orchestrated precision, because every part, every machine, and every work cycle matters.
Leveraging data insights: While answering consumer demand for new and personalised products, manufacturers must simultaneously strive to improve productivity, boost efficiency, automate processes, and strategically plan the use of resources. A cloud ERP solution helps capture, track, and leverage data throughout the organisation. Using facts, not feelings or hunches, manufacturers can better align with customers, launch new product introductions, design and source appropriate parts and components, and track all costs. New strategies for remaining relevant and growing the business can now be planned and executed with a balance of long-term goals and short-term capacity and cash flow restraints. Data insights are key.
To avoid threats to market share and profitability, manufacturers must stay alert and on top of the ever-evolving trends. Manufacturers need to adopt modern, data-driven processes and turn to technology to help in introducing new products. Eliminating inefficiencies will lead to teams having more time for innovation. Technology, such as modern cloud-deployed ERP solutions, helps organisations quickly adapt to change, including starting new branches or divisions. This agility means more focus on green initiatives, offering new services, or managing logistics. Even creating hubs closer to end customers becomes easier. Manufacturing is being redefined, and software plays a major role in supporting the new era—from go-to-market strategies to supply chain planning and shop floor operations.
About Author :
Mr. Murali Manohar,
Managing Director,
India Subcontinent, Infor
