The world is constantly moving forward, and the manufacturing industry is no different. 2020 will bring new trends and new challenges for the industry, so what are some of the key issues big businesses are looking at?
Some of these trends result from cutting-edge technology, but some are challenges that are as old as time. Either way, they are challenges that have to be met, and being prepared is the best way to do that.
Industry 4.0 Starts to Take Hold
We’ve heard about Industry 4.0 and the effects of big data and automation on the industry for a long time, but outside of the most advanced factories, it’s yet to really take off. However, 2020 might well be the year this technology starts to take a foothold.
As technology ages and becomes more commonplace, the price will come down and allow more factories to take that next step towards greater efficiency.
Be More Sustainable
Sustainability is essential if you want your business to stand out but also rival your competitors. More consumers are looking to support companies that care about the environment and active in making a sustainable difference.
This does not have to be difficult, however. Simple changes such as ensuring all paper and cardboard are recycled can make a massive difference. You can head to balingwiredirect.com and purchase baling wire that is designed to secure cardboard/paper so that it can be easily taken to be recycled.
Focus on Customer Experience
One common theme we see across all industries is a greater focus on customer experience. Businesses realize that it’s not enough just to produce good products; they’ve got to offer a complete experience to stand out from the competition.
If your business can’t give customers what they want in terms of customer experience, then one of your competitors will. People had so much choice in 2020, and they want to buy from businesses that look after them.
Increased Use of Robots
Robots have been commonly used in manufacturing for a long time now. However, the technology only gets better, and in 2020, these machines are smarter, safer, and more efficient than ever before.
Human workers will always have a big part to play on the factory floor, but they can benefit from improved technology in robotics to help boost their output. Robots can now work much more efficiently in tasks such as assembly and machining, helping to increase factory output.
Cyber Security
This is another trend you are going to see across lots of different industries. The internet has changed society greatly, but businesses have been slow to adapt to security. As devices become interconnected through 5G, cyber infiltration potential will increase, putting businesses at risk.
To combat this, companies need to embrace cybersecurity as much as they do the technology that puts them at risk from cyber-attacks. We hear about cybercrimes a lot on the news, and they are something businesses will need to look out for in 2020.