4 Modernization Must-Haves for Remote Manufacturing Success

The nature of work has changed significantly since COVID-19. Remote and hybrid work model, once the exception, became the new normal for majority of the work force. But there are many industries and job roles where remote work is impossible and onsite work is necessary. It is a simple fact that Manufacturing domain requires in-person contact and it cannot be remote.

But there can be part of the manufacturing process that can be automated using modern tools and technologies so that certain members of the team can help remotely or does not have to be on the floor all the time. This approach makes the manufacturing business competitive and helps them attract talent which otherwise will move to their competitors with modern tools and processes.

Software Development Companies like SharpQuest in Michigan helps manufacturing companies develop custom solutions to automate their processes so that all data is available online and the plants can keep running under remote watch of plant managers and directors.

1. Cloud-Based Infrastructure: The Heart of Remote Manufacturing

A cloud computing model is the central element of manufacturing operation turned remote-ready. When systems and data are relocated from on-premise servers to the cloud it will create unrestricted accessibility, flexibility and obviously, and savings in maintenance and upkeep costs.

There are some obvious benefits to move your data and servers to cloud.

• Real-time insight: Production output, inventory levels, and quality indicators are available to the user round the clock without following any rigid timing having to be followed.
• Seamless file sharing: Communication of engineers in distant stations is now easily performed during development processes.
• Scalability to match demand: Instead of costly in-house hardware, pay only for what you need, and your cloud capacity may be expanded or reduced at any time.

Find out how a modernized MRP system yielded cost savings with improved productivity and better accuracy (https://www.sharpquest.com/case-study/american-msc/modernized-home-grown-mrp-system-yields-cost-savings-from-improved-productivity-and-better-accuracy/)  for a spring manufacturing company having plants in US, Mexico and Japan.

2. Ironclad Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Remote Operation

While remote work may have its perks, the degree to which your safety is compromised online because of the danger of internet frauds and cyber-attacks is therefore increased. The only way to protect your sensitive manufacturing data and the processes it requires is by upgrading your protective steps. Here’s how to make this happen:

• Lock it down: Encryption of data must be carried out during storage and when the data are being transferred between the devices.
• Verify, always: The additional factor of the multi-factor authentication is designed to add to the existing barrier of passcodes instead of replacing them.
• Control access: Well, relay such rules and implement them sternly to ensure it cannot be accessed by those not allowed.
• Employee awareness: Frequent training courses in security will keep the employees reminded of the right pathways and what things ought to be avoided.

3. Collaboration Tools: Teamwork Beyond the Factory Floor

Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Google Office, Slack and several other collaboration tools are prominent among the enterprise companies that make remote work possible.

• Visual problem-solving: Video meetings with screen sharing means remote guidance can be accomplished with ease now. Faster 5G+ Internet, wi-fi availability and mobile devices has made is easier to communicate over video calls than ever before. Even in manufacturing environment a line worker can do a video call with remote engineer or manager to show any issue or progress and resolve them.
• Instant communication with screensharing: Office Tools provide the chat and messaging platforms where the teams can collaborate to identify and resolve issues as soon as they arise, thus, saving time and reducing expensive delays. These platforms can allow manufacturing teams to easily share drawing files, create new drawings by sharing screen and discuss design ideas.
• Office File Collaboration: Are you aware your team can work on Word Documents, Excel together remotely at the same time? These features are available in both Microsoft Office and Google Office Documents and a great help to achieve productivity – or rather not lose it due to being away from the team. Manufacturing team members such as engineers and managers can easily open the files and work together even when they are not seating side by side.

4. Remote Monitoring and Control: Visibility from Anywhere

IoT (Internet of Things) can be used heavily in Manufacturing plants allowing better monitoring and controls of machines. Sensors and connected devices enable capabilities that previously seemed like science fiction:

• Predict failures: By monitoring the equipment processes, real-time data on devices’ health is obtained which allows for predictive maintenance and eventually results in less time being spent on down time.
• Remote adjustments: Some of the production can be optimized and modified remotely requiring less frequent factory trips. This allows the machine supplier and support and team to troubleshoot and possibly fix issues remotely.
• Real-time status updates: A manager or leadership team can view the status of the manufacturing process remotely using Dashboards and reports that are built using the data collected from such IoT devices.
• Data-driven decisions: The information acquired in this way will advance enough to justify further rationalization of available resources and undertaking of a long-term strategic planning.

You can consult a Software Development company in Michigan – SharpQuest, Inc. to develop such status reports and business intelligence dashboards.

Conclusion

The idea of manufacturers who can allow flexibility for remote work to certain members in their plant will not only be a trend in the near future – but that is also where the future lies. Efficiency and decision making improves with real-time data and you get nimbler (the ability to respond to change quickly) in a dynamic world. Beyond that, modernization makes your operations more appealing to attract very good human resources, as, more workers prefer modern jobs as compared to those traditional ones.

We need to get ready for modern society now. Don’t give your competitors who are stronger a head-on advantage. Manage the process where you identify challenges within your infrastructure and list the future needs of remote work version of your manufacturing model and then build a manufacturing model that flourishes independently of where your employees are located.