Top predictions for small manufacturers in 2018

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Top 8 Predictions for Small Manufacturers in 2018
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1 Staffing will become more complex
Contract or freelance workers will play an even
bigger role in small manufacturers, especially as
technology and software developments make it
easier for companies to practice pull
manufacturing. While this trend may result in
leaner labor costs as companies save money by
only hiring workers when production demand
requires it, it may also mean that seeking out
quality employees will take up more of
managements time.
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2 2018 will be the year to finally take cyber
security seriously.
Many small manufacturers have put cyber security
on the back burner, frequently due to lack of
finances or ignorance or both. Yet we have seen
time and time again how data breaches cost money
and damage reputations. Unfortunately, its no
longer as simple as changing your passwords.
Researchers have identified flaws in the chips
found in processors in laptops, servers and
smartphones around the world, dubbing the
weaknesses Spectre and Meltdown. SMEs will
have to take steps to ensure their data is
secure, especially since their customers will be
demanding it.
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3 All-or-nothing retirement will fade into the
past.
Human beings are living longer and staying
healthier than ever before. Many individuals now
choose to keep active and stay productive long
after the previous generations retirement
age. Smart companies will tap into their
expertise and offer older workers the chance to
stay on in modified roles or part-time
schedules. Its a win-win, as companies will
benefit from this experience and employees will
continue to learn new skills and pass on their
knowledge to younger colleagues.
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4 Manufacturing software and apps will be
increasingly designed for usability.
Software design will need to accommodate the rise
of seasonal and short-term contract workers and
the increasing presence of older employees in the
labor pool. Companies simply wont be able to
spend weeks or months training workers who may
only be with them for a matter of weeks or
months. Manufacturers will seek out easy-to-use
apps and software, and software companies will
have to meet their demands.
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5 Increasing numbers of small manufacturers will
use robots to support or replace parts of their
workforce.
Automation is not new, yet theres still room for
increased adoption among small manufacturers.
With new advancements in technology, robots have
become smaller and more affordable, putting them
within reach of many SMEs. Already there are
robot farmers, warehouse workers, shoe makers,
butlers, and customer service assistants 2018
will see even more jobs added to this
list. Small manufacturers will be able to use
robots to make the most of their human staff by
freeing them from menial tasks and allowing them
to focus on more creative and complex work.
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6 The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will
help small manufacturers become more productive
and efficient.
IIoT refers to the combination of sensors,
machine-to-machine communication and automation
set up to gather data and transmit it over the
Internet. This allows manufacturers to get
real-time information from the factory floor,
even if theyre at home or on holiday. Just as
we saw IoT devices such as the Google Home and
Amazon Echo surge in popularity during the 2017
holiday season, so too will 2018 see a surge in
SMEs benefitting from this technology.
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7 Natural disasters will continue to disrupt
global supply chains.
Due to global warming, 2017 was the hottest year
on record. Scientists are already predicting 2018
will see an increase in deadly earthquakes. Storm
s, hurricanes, and all sorts of extreme weather
have become regular occurrences. Manufacturers
must be prepared, or they risk interruptions that
can cost millions of dollars.
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8 Augmented reality will help troubleshoot the
production process.
Forward-thinking manufacturers will use AR tools
to simulate production. They will provide insight
into the process and help identify potential weak
spots before the production phase even gets
going. Like pilots use flight simulators to
train for all possible scenarios in the air,
companies can use AR to prepare for a variety of
scenarios on the factory floor.
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