Things you didn’t know you needed for your manufacturing business
Manufacturing companies take raw materials and combine them to produce goods. Some manufacturers rely on manual labor, while others use machinery or a combination of people and equipment to perform tasks. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in 2020, 15.7 million Americans worked in the manufacturing industry, which means one out of every 10 employed persons in the country works in manufacturing. The Australian government’s Labor Market Information Portal reports 6.5 percent of their workforce works in manufacturing.
Steady demand for manufactured goods attracts many people to the manufacturing sector. Those launching a manufacturing business face a steep learning curve as they learn the industry. Let’s explore some things you might not realize you need for your manufacturing business.
All manufacturers need special software
You’re acquiring data from the moment you start researching suppliers and employee roles. Cutting-edge software enables businesses in all industries to gather, store, and analyze data.
Data scientists and analysts gather data from internal and external sources and use various techniques to process data, allowing them to produce useful information intended to answer specific questions. Suppose you produce medical equipment and want to know which types of equipment will be in demand one year from now. Data scientists and analysts use predictive analytics software to evaluate medical data for trends. This process enables them to identify declining and increasing health issues to project which types of medical equipment will be in demand. You can use that information to alter production quotas, discontinue items that aren’t in demand, or invest in research to create testing equipment.
Streamline your data storage and management by investing in an analytics platform. The best analytics platforms merge technology to enable users to perform all data-related tasks. Database management systems store data, but the platform’s also capable of data mining and manipulation. Analytics platforms also integrate visual analytics, allowing users to see processed data in visual formats like charts and maps. The reports and visual analytics produced provide insights about business operations and trends, which you can use when making business decisions.
Every manufacturer needs superior hardware
Manufacturing businesses need powerful computers with fast processors and ample storage to store data and run the software. Whether your company utilizes cloud-based services or storage, you’ll need computers to upload, download, and process data.
You’ll also need equipment to connect your computers, including routers, hubs, and switches. Network system administrators identify specific needs, set up computer networks, and upgrade equipment as required. The network enables different personnel to access appropriate data and communicate with other users on their network. System administrators also install firewalls, protecting the entire network from data breaches.
You’ll need industry-specific resources
Manufacturers producing goods that must be weighed will need scales complying with regulations. You’ll need a scale calibration service qualified to ensure your scales meet National Measurement Institute (NMI) and Verified Trade Approved standards. Purchasing scales from a company with these credentials ensures you work with experts every step of the way, from installation to certification. Reputable weighing equipment suppliers and installers can also provide maintenance services.
You’ll need a logistician
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects demand for logisticians will increase by 30 percent between 2020 and 2030, and it’s easy to see why. Logisticians are problem-solvers with the critical-thinking and organizational skills required to evaluate multiple options and develop the most effective ways to store and move resources and goods. They evaluate every step of a product’s life cycle, from determining how to access resources needed to manufacture products to identifying the best shipping routes to deliver products to clients. Logisticians constantly scrutinize operations, searching for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Manufacturing businesses need software, hardware, industry-specific resources, and logisticians to thrive. With these essential resources, manufacturers can use data to inform their decisions, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and compete globally.