Technology Offers Manufacturers a Competitive Edge

by Tracy Taylor

Simplify. Streamline. Standardize. The modern manufacturing mantra recognizes that increased efficiency means saving money and improving the chances of sustaining a profitable business. When utilized correctly, technology can enhance efficiency at each stage of the business flow.

Successful manufacturers must: 1) create the best performing, highest quality product possible; 2) produce that product in the most efficient, cost-effective way; 3) get the product to customers and 4) service those customers in a manner that will ensure their future business and create positive word-of-mouth about the product and company. Technology can support manufacturers in all of these areas.

Product Design and Quality.Technology assists businesses in creating, testing and perfecting the products they want to bring to market. Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD) programs allow engineers to draw a product in a three dimensional fashion, improving on basic designs and catching potential flaws before the manufacturing process begins. Rapid prototyping can then create parts directly from CAD drawings. When a prototype is complete, accelerated life testing allows manufacturers to anticipate how products will wear in the field.

Production/Business Execution. Technology streamlines the manufacturing line, detecting imperfections or inefficiencies in production and automating processes where appropriate. Technology-supported “clean and lean” manufacturing practices result in energy savings, waste reduction, lowered emissions and improved product quality.

Enhancing Business Process. Once a product is ready for sale, technology assists businesses in targeting markets, tracking prospects, streamlining the distribution process and managing inventory.

Customer Relations. CRM capabilities enable companies to not only track sales to particular customers, but also evaluate the profitability of each sales relationship. Moreover, software programs flag trouble tickets and returns, allowing quick and personal intervention to correct problems when they happen and earn good will.

Small to mid-sized manufacturers are the backbone of a thriving free-enterprise economy. In fact, 87 percent of manufacturers in the state of Kansas have fewer than 50 employees. However, these businesses often lose out on the benefits that technology can offer them because they do not have the budgets to develop and utilize the customized technology they need to enhance their operations. How can these smaller manufacturers hope to compete with the Fortune 500 companies? One way to leverage limited technology resources is to partner with centers that offer product and process development as well as technological consulting.

Specialized manufacturing consultants can offer technological and engineering assistance, including product design and testing and also custom designing machines to meet individualized manufacturing needs. For instance, experienced engineers and business consultants at the Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI) in Kansas mentor teams of students who do the engineering work on projects for smaller manufacturers. This system gives smaller manufacturers access to resources that they can’t afford to have in-house while at the same time offering students priceless hands-on training that they will one day bring to the companies where they work.

Consultants can also help small and medium-sized companies become more competitive by assisting them in modernizing their operations and adopting appropriate technologies as well as management, marketing and business practices. Mid-American Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC) sponsors educational programs as well as cooperative networks for manufacturing businesses, provides one-on-one consultations and assessments and even offers equipment and software for demonstration, testing and development of product prototypes.

Technological consultants help manufacturers utilize appropriate technologies to improve the entire business flow from product concept through distribution and customer relations. With the right technological support, small and medium-sized manufacturers can thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

 

Tracy Taylor is ?President and CEO of Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation. He can be reached via phone at 785-296-5272. www.ktec.com.