2. Digital transformation is reshaping every sector, including manufacturing; how can solutions like
Dynamics 365 assist manufacturers in capitalizing on this contemporary era of innovation?
New processes and technologies are constantly being introduced, and businesses are under
pressure to maintain high productivity across their supply chains amid a shifting industrial
landscape.
Transforming operations and enhancing efficiency is a major focus for many manufacturing
organizations, but if manufacturers are to construct an organization that can withstand such
industrial transformation, they must start with a solid business management system. This is where
an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) application like Microsoft Dynamics 365 might come in
handy.
3. Main issues that need
manufacturers’ attention are as
follows:
1: Lack of Skilled Labor
According to recent assessments, there will be over 2 million
unfilled manufacturing positions by 2025. Manufacturers are
finding it more difficult to locate trained workers for a
variety of activities.
Technology and automation, however fortunately, may bring
relief, sometimes at a reduced cost. Technology assists in
automating all little administrative activities and in
recognizing and assigning these resources to the locations
where they are most needed, allowing manufacturers to use
their present resources efficiently and at maximum capacity.
4. 2: Customer self-
service apps
• In the age of digitization, where
everything can be done with a tap on a
cell phone, customers find it
inconvenient to pick up the phone and
call the manufacturer to get the
information required.
• Manufacturers can give clients a method
to register queries, search for a
solution, or obtain a progress update on
their request when customer/partner
portals are linked to a single
application, such as Microsoft Dynamics
365.
5. 3: Machine Intelligence
• The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) not only allows manufacturers to better
coordinate their equipment and processes, but it also generates massive volumes of data.
How firms maneuver such data is critical to their success in the new industrial age.
• Centralizing your company data will help you get a better image of your organization’s
health. Combining this consolidated intelligence with the built-in AI capabilities of
Dynamics 365 enables manufacturers to draw actionable insights from their data, make
predictions based on prior actions and occurrences, and go from being reactive to being
one step ahead.
• With this level of reach, merchants have an abundance of opportunities to collect
information about their client segments and provide the best possible customer
experience. It is, however, worthless to have access to this knowledge if you cannot use
it. This necessitates the installation of appropriate systems. Since Dynamics 365
integrates traditional CRM capabilities with Azure, the company can collect and analyze
real-time data to respond to consumer demand; use preference details to up-sell; and
provide automated discounts to frequent buyers. It will even provide customers with
customized birthday promotions. While the above statement utilizes the retail business
as an example, it is easily replicable in the manufacturing industry, with updates to
customers on the status of their cargo and other items.
6. 4: Sustainable
environment
• With the rise of the internet and social media, people’s awareness
of social concerns has grown. Customers are becoming increasingly
conscious of the environmental consequences of their behavior. As
a result, manufacturers are under increased pressure to ensure
more sustainable and ethical production. The days of a client
buying whatever is produced without considering the consequences
of that creation are long gone.
• As a result, adopting more sustainable practices, such as going
paperless and sending receipts and invoices through email, using
paper packaging or bio-gradable packing as well as implementing
manufacturing techniques that consider sustainability and the
environment, would go a long way toward achieving this goal. Many
of the industries are working towards reducing their carbon
footprint and the same should be done by the manufacturing sector.
7. 5: System Usability
• Internal system users are no different from customers who
prefer self-service applications versus calling. Internal
users demand updated technology that helps them perform
better on the job. Updated systems often give increased
insight, flexibility, and speed, allowing staff to use the
applications more effectively and efficiently. This
enables employees to utilize the system as a tool to
fulfill their tasks rather than as a hindrance.
• However, the current AS/400 systems, which many in the
industrial industry continue to use, are incapable of
providing the user experience that today’s workers want.
• There are several options accessible to manufacturing
companies wanting to give a better customer experience.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (field service, customer service,
project service) and Field Service Mobile solutions, for
example, offer an updated user interface experience,
superior flexibility based on business procedures in
several business units, and allow users to work remotely —
including offline capabilities on laptops and smart
devices.
8. 6: Tracking of
shipments
• With so many entities engaged in a supply chain, it can be
difficult to have a full, real-time picture of activities
from beginning to end. When attempting to enhance supply
chain procedures, data from sales, suppliers, order
fulfillment, product performance, and customer service
must all be considered.
• The advantages of using intelligent technology to manage
supply chain activities are numerous. Manufacturers may
better respond to changes and advances by merging their
company data, supply chain data, and public data such as
maps and weather predictions in a system infused with
artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Implementing a comprehensive system that serves as a
“single source of truth” can aid in the creation of more
accurate schedules, predictions, and budgets, resulting in
a more efficient firm.
• A cloud-based, mobile-enabled system like Dynamics 365
provides the relevant individuals with fast access to
real-time analytics wherever they are, allowing issues to
be handled before they have a substantial impact on the
company.
9. 7: Customization
Technology has enabled businesses to engage and interact with their customers—and vice versa—in novel ways in recent years. As a
result, customer expectations have grown, and businesses must be able to satisfy those expectations by providing exceptional
service, keeping consumers informed, and dealing with any difficulties in a timely and decisive manner.
Having all of your company and customer data in a single system allows your customer service employees to rapidly discover the
correct information and answer concerns about order status or delivery.
By fixing problems before they affect your consumers, you can solidify your expertise and establish loyalty and trust throughout the
production process.
The consolidated, intelligent platform of Dynamics 365 enables manufacturers to respond and adjust to different at any point in the
cycle. Users may send rush orders from the first sales order, update or amend orders all through the production process, use multi-
level production orders to streamline make or purchase choices, and conduct “what-if” scenarios to better plan for and forecast the
impacts of changes.
Predicting client wants and offering answers before they even realize there is a problem is the key to elevating your customer
experience strategy from good to outstanding.
10. 8: Scheduling
• Finding the correct tools to assist
production processes is a major problem
for manufacturing businesses.
Manufacturers are under pressure to
satisfy increasing orders as technology
advances.
• Manufacturers, on the other hand, can
invest in scheduling software to
alleviate manufacturing issues with an
easy-to-use graphical dashboard and
reporting tools. By using software that
incorporates resource scheduling,
manufacturers can swiftly change the
plan and discover available resources
to accomplish the work in time to meet
the projected dates.
11. Conclusion
• If you are a manufacturer considering using Dynamics 365,
don’t hesitate. Contact us right away
at sales@dynatechconsultancy.com, and you’ll be well on your
path to development and success!
• DynaTech Systems is a Microsoft Gold-Certified Partner with
vast expertise helping customers improve business outcomes.
We deploy end-to-end solutions incorporating the continuing
convergence of ERP, Analytics, Azure Cloud, AI, and IoT. We
are experts in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 product line.
Request a free consultation right now!