The past ten years have been a decade of change for the manufacturing industry. That decade has seen enormous growth within the developing world, it has seen an enormous fluctuation in local markets due to the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery, and it has seen a revolution in the ways that robots are utilized.
As Mckinsey&Co. puts it, “the manufacturing sector has changed—bringing both opportunities and challenges—and neither business leaders nor policy makers can rely on old responses in the new manufacturing environment.”
Responding to these changes presents a significant challenge.
The two most important solutions for manufacturing companies to employee are an increased emphasis on education, and an increased investment in technology.
In order to explain why these solutions will prove most effective, let’s quickly discuss two deeply seeded myths surrounding the manufacturing industry.
Myth #1: The US Manufacturing Industry is Dying.
The Truth: Manufacturing is experiencing explosive growth on a worldwide scale, and it is even showing moderate growth here in the US. America still has an important role to play in the manufacturing industry, even if that roll has changed: US companies now lead the way in developing and integrating technologies and innovating the manufacturing process. Companies that drive innovation by investing in smart technology place themselves in a position to thrive.
Myth #2: Manufacturing and Service Work Best Separately.
The Truth: Manufacturing and service are increasingly interrelated. Responsive manufacturing—i.e. manufacturing that integrates orders and production seamlessly—is becoming commonplace.
The Convergence of Technology and Education.
Both misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding regarding the increasing requirements for specialization and reliance on technology in the manufacturing industry. The manufacturing workforce of the future is going to be professionally diverse: robotics experts, IT professionals, scientists, tech writers and those with soft skills are all going to be increasingly necessary—working alongside those educated in traditional manufacturing schools and apprenticeships. This underscores both the need for increased investment in education, as well as the increased importance of integrated technology needed to coordinate such a diverse workforce.
The World of Manufacturing is Changing.
Give your company the technology it needs to flourish today and in the future. Contact SMe Software today to learn more.
