It’s hard to predict the future, but it’s important to try in order to stay ahead of trends that could impact your industry. One way to do this? By analyzing data from previous years and looking at how this data has influenced future events. As part of an ongoing series on industrial manufacturing trends, we’re looking at how industry factors have impacted 2021 already and how they will continue to shape the future of the industry. This article highlights six major trends in industrial manufacturing for 2021, some of which may be quite surprising!
1) Data science will become an integral part of the manufacturing
The industrial sector has traditionally been focused on creating and using large amounts of data to drive down costs and increase operational efficiency. But as manufacturing becomes more advanced, those raw materials that are used will be derived from data itself. By analyzing previous records to make better predictions about future trends, industry leaders will have a leg up when it comes to maximizing profits with minimal risk. Data science is already making a huge impact across industries – retail, healthcare, finance – and as big data continues to grow at an exponential rate (doubling every two years), integration into manufacturing will become unavoidable.
2) Cybersecurity threats will increase
Cybersecurity threats are increasing and with advanced technologies becoming more easily accessible, experts predict cyberattacks will increase. A CIO from manufacturing firm Owens Corning predicted that 2020 would see an increase in online assaults on manufacturing companies – such as DDoS attacks and web application assaults – both of which can lead to millions of dollars of losses for businesses. It’s a good idea to have a cybersecurity expert regularly assess your company’s security and make adjustments where necessary. In addition, seek out recommendations from technology professionals at other companies who are working with similar IT infrastructure, since they may already have solutions to problems you haven’t yet encountered.
3) Robots will become more accessible
Technology is constantly changing and evolving, which means there are new ways to get things done. Businesses that want to remain competitive will have to keep up with these trends and find ways to implement them into their own workflows. There’s no better way to understand how businesses and China sourcing company will use technology moving forward than by studying current trends and speculating about those that might appear later on. For example, one area we’re sure you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2021 is robotics—especially collaborative robots. These machines allow businesses to automate processes more easily and effectively than ever before without having to invest heavily in machinery or trained labor. By breaking down barriers like these, collaborative robots help businesses become more productive and efficient—the hallmarks of success among industrial manufacturers looking ahead.
4) 3D printing will continue to grow
Most experts predict that 3D printing will continue to gain momentum in industrial manufacturing. In fact, some predict that by as early as 2022, most major car manufacturers will have introduced 3D-printed components into their vehicles. This is because 3D printing offers a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing methods—including reduced time and costs—and reduces waste by using fewer resources. These benefits can be especially significant when it comes to small-batch or custom orders, which are more common than ever before thanks to digital customization. The trend toward customization is only expected to increase over time as customers become more accustomed to getting exactly what they want (instead of settling for mass-produced products), so look out for custom orders becoming increasingly popular.
5) Artificial intelligence will be embedded in everything
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already changing how businesses operate by automating repetitive processes, generating insights, and driving up efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, it will integrate into every aspect of our lives—even into systems that aren’t traditionally thought of as smart. More manufacturers are implementing AI in their factories than ever before because it allows them to build more advanced machinery. By incorporating AI into everything from sensors to robotic arms, manufacturers can build factory processes that can learn from past outcomes and adjust accordingly. This will allow them to produce higher-quality goods more quickly with less waste.
6) Cloud technology will transform production
Cloud technology isn’t just about access to data; it also provides a low-cost, shared infrastructure for connectivity, smart devices, and more. It is predicted that the widespread adoption of cloud solutions in industrial manufacturing will result in dramatic improvements across all levels of production—from capital budgets to employee hours invested to material procurement by sourcing company in the USA. Cloud technology will deliver flexible, scalable capabilities that enable organizations to transform their supply chains on a global scale with relatively little up-front investment.
