In today’s globalized, competitive marketplace, being able to leverage technology to deliver faster turnaround times, meet lower pricing goals and provide customizable options can mean the difference between sustainability and irrelevancy. In this ebook, we’ll explore some of the leading solutions transforming the manufacturing industry: - Automation for cost savings - 3D printing for improved productivity - Smart data for quality assurance - Connectivity for safety and communication - Security solutions to protect it all Learn more: http://ms.spr.ly/6006Twegg

1. Faster, Safer &
Smarter Manufacturing
Optimized processes thanks to IT

2. Why manufacturing companies
need to evolve
Rising demand for high-quality, affordable products has put
the pressure on manufacturers to optimize their processes.
While this isn’t necessarily surprising, some manufacturers
still rely on legacy technology to complete everyday
tasks — hindering their ability to remain competitive
domestically and abroad.
Implementing automation can help reduce waste and
improve productivity — which in turn may lead to cost
savings and higher consumer satisfaction rates. Upgrading
solutions for connectivity, data and security can help
companies achieve economies of scale without breaking
the bank. And hiring, training and retaining talent to bridge
existing skills gaps will enable businesses to maximize
return while increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
In today’s globalized, competitive marketplace, being
able to leverage technology to deliver faster turnaround
times, meet lower pricing goals and provide customizable
options can mean the difference between sustainability
and irrelevancy.
Let’s explore some of the leading solutions that have
transformed the industry — and are continuing to
shape the future.

3. Increasing automation for cost savings
Gone are the days of archaic manufacturing where quotes took days to complete,
costs for small batches were exorbitant and processes were manual.Enter the new
age of instant data access,painless prototyping,shorter lead times,status tracking and
seamless production.
But there’s still room for improvement.A study by McKinsey & Company found that
“87% of the hours spent on activities performed by workers in production occupations
are automatable.”1
And a similar study by Smartsheet found that“nearly 60% of
workers …estimate they could save six or more hours a week — almost a full workday
— if the repetitive aspects of their jobs were automated.”2

4. Increasing output
Common repetitive tasks include data collection from transactions, invoices and
orders, requests and approvals for projects, software and security updates, and
inventory and productivity tracking. When you streamline these processes and
remove bottlenecks from production, you’re able to increase productivity and
decrease waste.
Types of automation that can be used to achieve faster turnaround:
• Fixed automation: Ideal for large-volume production such as assembly lines
• Programmable automation: Ideal for producing products in batches with changeover
and customization
• Flexible automation: Faster changeover that allows multiple products to be produced
at one time
The flexible model in particular can help manufacturers produce a greater variety of
products with a higher degree of customization to appease the growing demand for
personal goods from today’s consumers.

5. A safer, more efficient workplace
Automated processes also improve workplace safety while reducing human error.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported only 27
robot-related workplace deaths over the past 30 years — which is relatively low in
comparison to non-robot data.3
With real-time monitoring, automated systems can respond faster to emergencies
and raise red flags when there’s a malfunction that needs immediate attention.
This means fewer resources dedicated to unexpected downtime and fewer
workplace injury cases.
Achieving cost savings
The International Bar Association estimates that the cost of human labor has
become 15% higher than the cost of robotic labor.4
With that in mind, it may be
tempting to completely replace your workforce with robots. But a hybrid approach
may be more realistic and ideal. Consider the idea of “cobot” co-workers that allow
automation to take over the more time-consuming activities. This frees your team
to focus on more uniquely human tasks that require innovation and creativity.
How automation makes manufacturers more cost competitive:
• Higher upfront investment,but lower labor cost
• Reduced material waste for lower raw material cost
• Increased quality of work with greater accuracy
• Zero idle time for optimized workdays
• Availability of real-time data for complete visibility
• Enhanced customization capabilities for greater reach

6. Additional IT that leads to economies of scale
Technology has created a unique opportunity for businesses of all sizes — from
startups to budding enterprises — to achieve economies of scales. As stated in
the Insight 2020 Technology Report: IT Trends for Midmarket and Small Business,
97% of businesses with 251–500 employees, and 98% of businesses with 501–1,000
employees, have either implemented digital transformation initiatives in the last 12
months or plan to initiate them in the next 12 months.5
Whether your business is working toward vertical scalability with dominance in a
particular market, or horizontal scalability with expanded reach into other countries
or markets, emerging technologies can help give your business a critical edge.

7. 3D printing
“3D printing can provide the garage entrepreneur with the same productive
capabilities as the large corporations,” says Abe Reichental, Chief Information
Officer of 3D Systems.6
These tools enable companies to create prototypes with
high precision, consistency and adjustability.
According to Deloitte, businesses should consider asking themselves the following
questions before investing in 3D.7
• How will 3D printing directly affect the company?
• What technology is required to set up a 3D printing initiative?
• What key skills and abilities are needed to operate it?

8. Data
Fast-paced and dynamic in nature, manufacturing organizations are well-suited
to benefit from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology. ERPs can manage
large volumes of data and help workers make better decisions. When companies
have greater visibility into sales, inventory and departmental metrics, it’s easier to
stay aligned to business goals and find areas of improvement.
Manufacturers often find themselves with a large yield of data collected over time
from an array of projects. If this applies to you, it may be beneficial to invest in an
on-premises system, cloud backup system or hybrid approach to store it all.
Additional benefits of data management software and storage solutions include:
• Quality assurance software and devices ensure reports are accurate.
• Cloud services enable virtual sharing of data from any location,quickly
and efficiently.
• High-performance compute keeps iteration turnaround time low.
• Edge computing provides deeper insights,faster.
• Data tracking based on consumer requests may lead to product design
improvements and improved demand forecasting.
• Predictive analytics can help detect disruptions and prevent downtime.

9. Connectivity
Establishing a rapport with consumers means not only providing high-quality goods,
it also means providing high-quality service. Manufacturers need to be able to
communicate with their partners, suppliers and teammates anytime, anywhere —
from the warehouse to factory.
Unified Communication (UC) technology converges audio, video, email, voicemail,
instant messaging and multimodal conferencing for optimized interactions between
all party members.8
Wearables can also help improve worker safety and can even provide data to support
smarter business decisions. A study in the U.K. found that 78% of executives and
decision-makers already make use of industrial sensors, 60% have invested in alarms
and alerts, and 59% have implemented human-machine interfaces.9
IoT sensors on shipping containers allow more accurate tracking. And barcode
scanners aid inventory control to avoid surplus or shortage.
Of course, these types of connected solutions must be adopted with caution.
Employees will want a balance between efficiency and privacy. It’s up to the company
to have protocols in place that strictly track, store and analyze business data — not
personal user data — unless otherwise noted in a signed contract or waver.

10. Security
Technology has paved the way for manufacturing innovations, but it can be a
double-edged sword: As more companies build and integrate their systems through
the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the more opportunities for threats emerge.
In fact, 41% of business decision-makers say ensuring security of data in dispersed
environments is a top concern.10
Specifically, manufacturing is the third most vulnerable business sector to
cyberattacks; but nearly 30% of all network attacks can be prevented with the
addition of better security reviews and controls.11
Examples of cybersecurity
solutions that could help, include:
• Perimeter security: Firewalls,intrusion prevention systems & spam protection
• Intranet security: Anti-malware software & regular software updates
• Network security: Multifactor authentication
Since manufacturers are also responsible for protecting consumers’ intellectual
property from theft and industrial espionage, implementing a segmented network
can also help reduce accessibility and protect sensitive information from prying eyes.

11. Bridging the skills gap
According to a report from The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, the industry
may have “as many as 2.4 million jobs to fill between now and 2028.”12
The same
study also reveals that most manufacturers believe this shortage will be attributed
to the shifting skill sets needed to accommodate new technology advancements.
Companies that invest in training opportunities around both emerging areas, such
as automation and artificial intelligence, as well as traditional practices, will have
better luck filling open roles. While training may seem like a lofty expense upfront,
it can prove beneficial in the long run. Workers that feel engaged, supported and
prepared for the job at hand are 87% less likely to leave their organizations.13
And,
cost savings may surface when a company doesn’t have to spend extra resources
on high employee turnover rates, workplace mistakes due to unqualified workers or
a slowed production pace.

12. 1.800.INSIGHT | insight.com
Insight Enterprises Inc. empowers organizations of all sizes with Insight Intelligent
Technology Solutions™ and services to maximize the business value of IT. As a
Fortune 500-ranked global provider of Digital Innovation, Cloud + Data Center
Transformation, Connected Workforce, and Supply Chain Optimization solutions
and services, we help clients successfully manage their IT today while transforming
for tomorrow.
About Insight
1
McKinsey & Company. (September 2017). Human + Machine: A New Era of Automation in Manufacturing.
2
Smartsheet Report. (2017). Automation in the Workplace.
3
Midwest Engineered Systems. (2018, Sept. 26). Benefits of Increasing Worker Safety Through Automation.
4
International Bar Association. (April 2017). IBA Global Employment Institute: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Their Impact on the Workplace.
5
10 Insight 2020 Technology Report: IT Trends for Midmarket and Small Business.
6
Financial Post. (2012, Nov. 28). New Technology Could Reduce Dependence on Economies-of-Scale Model.
7
Deloitte. (n.d.). Disruptive Manufacturing: The Effects of 3D Printing.
8
Singanamalla, D. (March 2014). Top Challenges and Benefits of Unified Communications in the Manufacturing Industry. The Mindful IT Company.
9
The Manufacturer. (2018). Connected and Intelligent: Smarter Manufacturing for SMEs.
11
IMB. (2018). IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2018.
12
Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. (2018). Skills Gap in Manufacturing Study.
13
Wenthe, M. (n.d.). How to Bridge the Manufacturing Skills Gap. ITA Group.