Digital transformation, digital business, digitization, digital disruption. There are countless ways to phrase it, but it boils down to this. When digital technologies enable new business models, that’s digital transformation. Digital factory initiatives are generating incredible business outcomes, and at the core there’s a common denominator—a digital-ready infrastructure.
Manufacturers’ Distinct Take on Digital Transformation
In manufacturing, digital transformation means consumers using virtual reality to design their own products. It includes collaboration across multiple engineering teams or between customers and plant floor experts. It means robotics bringing new levels of automation and accuracy to the plant floor. Digital transformation cranks up efficiency by connecting every extremity of the supply chain for total visibility. It pushes efficiency by using sensors to track assets, tools and people for improved safety and security. Digitally savvy manufacturers increase agility by connecting machines for predictive maintenance, resulting in fewer unplanned outages, improved quality and greater yield.
What Does “Digital-Ready Infrastructure” Have To Do With It?
Peel back the exterior of these advancements and there’s a common denominator—a technology foundation that integrates connectivity, security, automation, collaboration and analytics across the entire business value chain. As you think about this foundation, consider these four essential attributes of a digital-ready infrastructure and how they apply to manufacturing.
Technology, The Fastener Museum
