2022 is the year where we will finally get back to our normal lives, hopefully forgetting about covid pandemics altogether. However, in the aftermath, manufacturing industries are left to pick up the pieces and learn how to survive in this “new normal”.
New and unique needs will create all sorts of changes that manufacturers will need to embrace if they want to survive. So, without further ado, let’s see what kind of trends we can expect and how the manufacturing industry will change in 2023.
1. Employees’ safety remains one of the priorities
This goes without saying, and it will be one of the leading manufacturing trends in 2023. Even though workplaces have been safe so far, this takes a new significance in the light of the pandemic.
Additionally, companies will keep focusing on social distancing, sanitizing their workspaces, and carefully monitoring who enters and exits their facilities and which individuals and equipment they interact with.
We also predict that this new trend will also affect supply chains. Manufacturers will request higher transparency from suppliers as they will track claims and issues throughout manufacturing processes.
2. Internet of things
Yes, this is still a big thing in the manufacturing industry, and it will remain on top of the trend lists for years to come, thanks to its innovations and adaptability. Internet of things or IoT has enabled industries to make strategic, informed decisions using real-time data and accomplish many goals, including product innovation, improved safety, better efficiency, and cost reduction.
According to recent estimates, nearly 30 per cent of production processes now use smart devices and artificial intelligence, while 34% of manufacturers plan to incorporate these technologies.
Predictive analysis and IoT significantly impact manufacturing while providing new opportunities for transforming business processes and connecting operations. Covid-19 has shed new light on IoT technology mostly because it enables predictive maintenance and remote monitoring.
3. An increase in robotics
The use of robotic technology in manufacturing is growing rapidly, and it is so fast that we can expect the next industrial revolution. We already mentioned the internet of things, but let’s not forget machines and robotics that utilize deep learning, and this is just the beginning.
Costs and the implementation of new technologies are the two biggest obstacles to mass production. But businesses and manufacturing industries that have already embraced this new technology have already experienced benefits.
We will also see the increase of so-called cobots, which are collaborative robots that work alongside humans in goods manufacturing. Their task is to ease the labour burden for workers while boosting efficiency and quality and significantly minimizing turnaround time for orders.
4. More widespread digitalization
Many businesses were hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic, and one of the reasons why many of them struggled to survive was the lack of digitalization. Finally, AI and IoT have become something that manufacturing industries simply can’t ignore.
They are here to stay, and if manufacturing industries and places like a milling machine shop fail to incorporate digitalization, they will be left behind and eventually close their doors. On the other hand, if they incorporate digitalization, the manufacturing industries will increase their operation processes, availability, predictability, and flexibility.
5. Virtual work will remain
Even though many people are trying to get back to the offices, remote work will still be popular among the general public and across various industries. While people’s input in running the machines is still necessary, we will deal with reduced on-site staff.
Manufacturing industries focusing on the future will invest in remote diagnostics, collaboration tools, and work management to ensure a smaller number of workers on the floor. By using deep learning, AI, and IoT, off-site employees will have access to real-time data and will be able to monitor all production processes.
More importantly, they will be able to provide instant feedback to on-site workers.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the changes that will happen in 2023, you can hopefully organize your manufacturing processes on time. The more you are invested in these changes, the better results you will experience.
Of course, you don’t have to apply all of them to your business; choose those that will help you experience the most benefits.
Lilly Miller is a Sydney-based graphic designer and a passionate writer. Loves everything about home decor, art history, and baking. She shares a home with two loving dogs and a gecko named Rodney.
