The Undeniable Benefits of Smart Manufacturing

“Smart.” The word is achieving ubiquitous status. It seems every time we turn around, there’s another smart product or solution being introduced. Smart watches. Smart phones. Smart cars. Smart houses. And with every new “smart” iteration, the word’s meaning becomes a bit more blurred. So, let us begin this discussion of smart benefits by first defining what, actually, constitutes smart manufacturing.

Smart manufacturing is a combination of various technologies and solutions which collectively, if implemented in a manufacturing ecosystem, drives lean initiatives throughout the manufacturing supply chain — within the warehouse, the plant floor, and then delivery outside of the four walls. On the plant floor, operators, technicians, and machines are connected with real-time intelligence, cutting waste and enhancing quality. In warehouses, data is captured from more sources; verifying, organizing, and mobilizing it, with mobile computers, printers and software. And in the field, your customers’ sales, delivery, and service teams use next- generation mobile devices and applications, so they can quickly serve their customer demands.