UK manufacturers have witnessed rapid change, continuous disruption, and numerous challenges in recent years, and staying on top of the constant changes is not an easy task. Whether you are manufacturing furniture, airline jets or industrial machinery, it has become essential to adapt to the ever-evolving market to avoid threats to market share and profitability.
The UK manufacturing industry was responsible for £400 billion in sales in 2021 and is the ninth largest manufacturing nation worldwide, success which comes from the sector’s ability to utilise technology and not sit on its hands in the face of disruption. Robots have become a familiar sight in factories, and new computers and 3D scanners are helping to drive efficiency and productivity by automating tasks where possible. Behind the scenes, software is helping manufacturers to make data driven decisions and create efficient processes to introduce new products quickly and adapt to challenges proactively whilst securing market shares and protecting profits.
When it comes to adapting to rapid change, we have explored our three top tips and examine how technology can help to achieve them.
To say that manufacturers have experienced supply chain disruption is an understatement to say the least; Brexit and trade tariffs, bottlenecks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, HGV driver shortages, availability of cargo containers, shortages of some raw materials, high fuel costs and the war in Ukraine have all put supply chains under considerable strain in recent years. A modern ERP solution will give complete visibility into all aspects of supply chain management so you know exactly how much stock you have left and when you can expect new stock, it can help you mitigate new deals and partnerships by giving you real-time data to drive sensible decision making and help you anticipate risks and adapt to them.
Modern ERP solutions help gather smart data in real time that can be used to make accurate decisions based on facts rather than guesswork. With data driven insights you can make tough decisions on pricing, resources, new products, and stock procurement, whilst working towards your short- and long-term goals.
Customer expectations are changing, and product demand is evolving as customers are increasingly demanding personalised products such as made-to-order furniture, for example, rather than mass produced products. On-demand manufacturing is becoming the new normal and technology is making this achievable by synchronising workflows, improving communication, and streamlining processes.
The UK manufacturing industry is one of the most important worldwide so adapting to change has become even more essential to protect profits and market share, and technology is making this happen. Equipping your business with a good ERP solution is essential to help manage complexities such as supply chain disruption and evolving customer demands and data-driven insights are crucial to smart decision making.
To learn more about the award-winning ERP solution, Opera 3, and how it can help your manufacturing organisation to adapt to change then please contact us today to discuss the complexities facing your business and discover how we can help.
Posted On: November 10, 2022
