Discrete Manufacturing Technology Trends

5 Emerging Discrete Manufacturing Technology Trends

Discrete manufacturing technology is evolving at a rapid pace. The availability of powerful new ERP’s, the IoT, and other new cloud-based software is changing the dynamics behind many of the principles that have served as a foundation for discrete manufacturing for years. And, while change can often be scary, in this case it is filled with exciting opportunity. Organizations willing to step forward into this new frontier will be rewarded with improved business process and enhanced opportunities for revenue growth.

Below are 5 trends that are merging now with discrete manufacturing technology.

1. Cloud Technology: “It’s in the cloud”. The “cloud” term has become a bit of a joke in popular culture; however it is no joke for the manufacturing businesses. Cloud-based software purchased are expected to rise by 29% in the manufacturing industry this year alone.

   The decentralization of operations, demand for new functions, and need for fluid integration has lead to a massive rise in cloud-based enterprise software over the past two years. While on-premise ERP and CRM systems will remain a staple for some businesses, many are currently evaluating strategies that will move all of their data to the cloud.

2. Lean Manufacturing Techniques: Lean manufacturing is not a new concept. However new ERP technology innovations, like those in Epicor version 10, are allowing mid market businesses to apply these principles like never before. The ability to eliminate waste and lean out processes has never been easier than with the modern ERP system.
3. The Rise of the IoT: The Internet of things is giving organizations the powerful new ability to transfer data between devices. The is enhancing how businesses can make decisions about their processes and products. This data can be organized into the company’s ERP system and used to draw new reports and improve cumbersome processes.

   More and more discrete manufacturers are learning to lean on these new smart devices. The advantages of complex and detailed process data can help businesses further eliminate wasteful spending and save-time in that used to be invested in manual processes.

4. Customer Relationship Management Software: While discrete manufacturers have long used CRM tools, processes that fully-support an integrated sales and customer service approach have been lacking for some time. The rise of the informed consumer has caused a shift in this behavior. More and more businesses are beginning to re-evaluate their software and their business processes. With customers communicating and retrieving information faster than ever before, manufacturers must learn to be more proactive in many of their approaches.
5. Business Intelligence: Executives now have access to powerful new business intelligence tools that have effectively improved the way information can be retrieved and pulled from business processes. This data can empower organizations to make new business decisions that can effectively change their company forever. As manufacturers become more aware of the availability of these kinds of tools, it is expected to see an across the board implementation of business intelligence software inside the industry.

For more information about enterprise software for discrete manufacturers visit our page. Datix Inc. has helped hundred’s of manufacturers improve their businesses outcomes through eh use of software.