By Theresa Bontempo
As a manufacturer, you have to constantly look for new ways to improve your operational efficiency and adapt to the changes brought about by the changing market environment. With the help of technology, you can make the most of your products and deliver them in the most effective manner. One of the most common steps that manufacturers take is to implement ERP systems to improve their business processes.
Although many believe that implementing an ERP system is the end of the process of digitization in the manufacturing industry, there is a growing number of companies that claim that using only one solution does not provide all of the potential benefits that digitization can offer. Instead, it is the start of a whole new journey.
One of the most important advantages that manufacturers can get from implementing an ERP system is the ability to improve their shop floor operations. Through the use of digital data entry systems, they can now gain a real-time view of their operations and make better decisions. This eliminates the need for manual entries and provides a more accurate and timely analysis of their data.
As part of the digitization process, teams and managers are required to create and implement procedures that will help standardize work. This can increase the systems' robustness and enable them to withstand changes. It also makes operations more flexible and scalable.
Digitizing data can help improve the quality of products and increase the company's efficiency. This can be done through the use of real-time monitoring, which can help identify potential issues. In addition to improving the quality of products, digitization can also help reduce the output variation and improve customer satisfaction.
Digitization
Digitizing data can also help improve the efficiency of a company by allowing them to understand the actual utilization of their resources. This can be done by implementing task automation and real-time feedback. One of the most important factors that can be considered when it comes to implementing a comprehensive inventory management system is the ability to track and monitor the usage of their inventory.
Being customer-centric has become an outdated concept in most industries. Instead, companies should adopt a more customer-centric approach to develop and release their products. Doing so can help them differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Through digitization, manufacturers can enhance the experience of their customers by providing them with better communication and product quality, as well as faster order fulfillment. This can result in higher loyalty and satisfaction.
Newer companies can gain a competitive advantage by operating in the digital space without having to deal with legacy issues. These organizations are disrupting how products are developed and released, and they are coming up with new business models that are more innovative. Manufacturers can keep up with the changes brought about by these forces by embracing digitization.
Due to the existence of strict regulations and industry standards, manufacturers have to constantly adapt to meet the needs of their customers and comply with the latest legislation. By implementing digital solutions, they can streamline their processes and improve their efficiency by collecting and keeping track of data. This eliminates the risk of violations and increases transparency.
Digitization can help manufacturers improve their product quality by increasing accuracy and consistency in their operations. This can be achieved by implementing technology and digital tools, which can help detect and reduce defects and rework.
Through the use of digital workflows, manufacturers can reduce human errors and improve their processes. In addition, through the implementation of enhanced traceability, they can identify and eliminate quality issues. With the help of data-driven insights, they can continuously improve their manufacturing operations.
Digitization can enhance the quality of goods, decrease imperfections, and ensure that products meet consumers' needs. The process of digitization can help manufacturers become more agile and efficient, as it allows them to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, which can lead to higher utilization of resources.

Digitization can also help teams and functions work together more effectively. Flexibility in resource allocation and production planning can help manufacturers adapt to their customers' needs.
What’s the Purpose of Advanced Technology?
New technology tools help employees simplify their daily tasks by allowing them to focus on their core business. For instance, software such as Project Management helps workers manage their projects and keep track of their deadlines.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools can provide employees with real-time information about their tasks and performance, which can help them improve their efficiency and identify areas for improvement. They can also be used to customize software solutions that work for the individual.
Various ergonomic tech tools, such as AI-driven climate controllers and programmable sit-stand workstations, can help make the workplace more conducive to wellness. It reduces stress levels and promotes a more comfortable work environment.
You can easily enhance how your team manages projects and communicates with one another using digital tools. Cloud-based solutions allow users to access their files from anywhere, resulting in increased flexibility and efficiency. Office backup systems can also safeguard data, ensuring their security and reliability.

Work flow planning and project management can be streamlined with the help of software such as Asana and Trello. Similarly, communication platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams can help keep your team connected regardless of their location. Image courtesy of Seek Vector Logo.
Impact of Modern Day Technology
Virtual reality headsets and other such devices can transform meetings and training into experiences that are more engaging. These tools work together to create an effective online environment, making it easier for employees to work from anywhere.
Modern office technology can also help you lower your facility's energy consumption and improve its sustainability. Systems that are equipped with sensors can efficiently regulate various aspects of the environment, such as air conditioning, lighting, and water.
These technologies can also help you reduce your facility's greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing its resource utilization. Having the necessary controls can make sure that your equipment operates efficiently and effectively.
Modern office technology is expected to play an important role in making workplaces more sustainable. With the help of advanced systems, which can adapt to varying weather conditions and occupancy, a facility can greatly reduce its ecological footprint and operational costs.
In the future, the use of green power sources is expected to grow. This technology will not only help offices become more energy-efficient, but it will also contribute to the environment's sustainability. As a result, adopting eco-friendly practices has become a vital part of modern workplaces.
The rise of virtual reality and augmented and mixed-reality technologies has revolutionized the way people work, which allows individuals to collaborate and communicate more effectively by making online meetings appear like they are happening in the same space. These also provide employees with realistic training simulations that let them improve their skills.
Future workplaces will utilize VR and AR not only for special purposes, but as integral tools that will redefine how tasks are performed and how people collaborate. By integrating virtual and physical spaces, remote work will become more productive and interactive.
The way people work has fundamentally changed due to the emergence of new technology. From the increasing number of flexible work arrangements to the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the workplace, we've seen how these innovations have affected the way people work.
Digital Transformation
The concept of digital transformation involves the use of new technologies and processes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your business. It's a completely new approach to doing something that's very core to your organization.
Before implementing a digital transformation project, it's important that organizations thoroughly consider the various factors that will affect their business. This includes the cost of the project, how it will affect their customer relations, and how it will align with their business objectives. A successful digital transformation can help companies grow and become more competitive.
One of the most daunting factors when it comes to implementing a digital transformation project is the complexity of the enterprise software. This is because new technologies can be very intimidating. Before you start a project, leaders should consider this aspect and look for the ideal integrated systems.
Most of the time, employees are resistant to the changes brought about by new technologies and processes due to their perception that they are already doing everything correctly. To help employees get used to the new tools, organizations should provide them with continuous performance support and training.
Due to the lack of skilled personnel in various areas, such as cybersecurity, data migration, and software integration, many organizations are not able to successfully implement and manage their digital transformation projects. To help solve this issue, many companies outsource their digital transformation work to experts and consultants.
The ROI for digital initiatives may not be quantifiable or apparent, which can make it challenging to justify investing in future projects. This can result in a lack of enthusiasm and a reluctance to undertake such initiatives, hindering progress.

The ROI for digital projects is different from traditional investments in that they do not have an immediate quantifiable or apparent value. In addition, the digital initiatives' value can extend beyond financial metrics. This makes it harder to determine ROI accurately, which can prevent organizations from progressing with their digital initiatives. Image courtesy of AppsFlyer.
Managing Digital Transformation Challenges & the Role of Shift
The goal of digital transformation is to transform an organization's operations and culture. It involves a comprehensive change in how a company operates and interacts with its customers. This process can be carried out in a variety of ways, and it requires a lot of change management.
When it comes to implementing new technologies and processes, many employees are reluctant to change due to their concerns about how they're currently doing things. To help employees get the most out of their new tools, organizations should provide them with the necessary onboarding and performance support.
Despite the various advantages of implementing digital technology, it's not always easy to measure the success of a project. In addition, the ROI of digital initiatives typically goes beyond financial metrics. This can make it hard to convince investors that the project is worthwhile. This can also lead to delays in the development of new digital initiatives.
Why Shift?

Providing important information to your team members can be challenging, especially when it comes to scaling. With Shift, you can deliver information in an instant and on a consistent basis! Image courtesy of Shift.
The Shift platform helps workers train by providing them with a central hub that enables them to create and distribute training materials, which also allows them to track their progress.
The platform helps distribute training updates, announcements, and other information to all employees in one place. It enables the creation of various training materials, such as onboarding programs and continuing education opportunities.
The ability to track employee participation and progress is very valuable, as it allows organizations to gain a deeper understanding of their effectiveness and engagement. Employees can access and complete training materials on various devices. The platform can also work with other systems such as learning management software, which makes the ecosystem more robust.
Get your team engaged in the conversation by promoting employee interaction through shoutouts, bios, and surveys. In addition, the Shift team will review every submission to ensure it is appropriate.