In an article for SME, Flex President of Global Operations and Supply Chain Hooi Tan shares his thoughts on how the manufacturing industry misses out on opportunities when manufacturers are hesitant to adopt new technologies and instead rely on legacy systems and processes. Manufacturers of the future must fully embrace Industry 4.0 technologies to improve their operations and increase competitiveness.
Though the undertaking of a digital transformation may be daunting, when done correctly the benefits of a successful transition far outweigh the costs. Factories that rely on legacy systems and processes can suffer from slower decision-making due to a lack of real-time visibility. Manual systems can negatively affect data capture, production performance, and material waste.
Hooi covers four key areas to consider when planning a digital transformation:
- Automation
- Connectivity
- Intelligence
- Processes and Teamwork
In the article, he also highlights our site in Sorocaba, Brazil, where successfully deployed Industry 4.0 initiatives resulted in reduced material loss, improved operational efficiency, increased productivity, and higher customer satisfaction.