{"id":690,"date":"2017-12-27T09:54:56","date_gmt":"2017-12-27T14:54:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-ca\/industry\/blog\/industry\/2017\/12\/27\/enabling-transformation-for-the-factory-of-the-future\/"},"modified":"2018-10-16T13:54:39","modified_gmt":"2018-10-16T13:54:39","slug":"enabling-transformation-for-the-factory-of-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-ca\/industry\/blog\/manufacturing\/2017\/12\/27\/enabling-transformation-for-the-factory-of-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Enabling Transformation for the Factory of the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preparing for a digital future is anything but simple. It entails the development of digital capabilities where a company\u2019s processes, people and culture are aligned towards growth and achieving the organizational goals. For manufacturing businesses, there are significant challenges because the digital transformation impacts every aspect of operations and the supply chain \u2013 from equipment and product design to production processes, logistics and service.<\/p>\n

Connect products and services<\/h2>\n

External forces like cyber risk, sustainability and complex regulations force companies to transform how they manufacture products, as well as create unique business models that cater to today\u2019s connected customer.<\/p>\n

Businesses previously designed, built, produced and shipped products that customers bought, concluding the cycle. It wasn\u2019t common practice to center the entire manufacturing process around the customer and support an ongoing relationship. Now, organizations are building in continuous feedback loops \u2013 sensors in products and customer feedback from various channels. The cloud and big data allow for a greater opportunity to improve customer connections and really differentiate your organization by doing things like listening to customer sentiment, analyzing usage and determining quality.<\/p>\n

Digitize your Production<\/h2>\n

With the convergence of physical and digital, many manufacturing companies are embracing digital transformation. Many manufacturers believe that achieving end-to-end real-time monitoring is key to improving business process, but despite investments made, only 7% of manufacturers<\/a> have achieved real-time monitoring across the entire manufacturing process. The results for those who have successfully implemented smart, connected factories are extremely powerful with average realized productivity gains of 17-20%.<\/p>\n

Digital transformation is about applying technologies to radically change traditional processes, products and services into data-driven, connected solutions that can be monetized through efficiency gains and new business models. This digital-first approach allows acceleration time to market and provides new customer value. Finding an approach<\/strong> that fits your business is critical, as there is no one-size-fits all.<\/p>\n

Consider these three foundational guidelines to set your organization on a course that make sense:<\/p>\n