3 Smart Ways to Achieve Smarter Manufacturing Profitability

No matter the product being produced, it’s imperative to find ways to streamline production and manufacturing processes. Doing so can lead to improved speed of production, faster speed to market, increased cost savings, improved product quality, as well as higher customer satisfaction and loyalty levels. Simply put, it makes dollars and sense to seek out continuous improvement throughout your manufacturing processes. Let’s take a closer look at three smart ways to achieve smarter manufacturing.

Make a SMART Analysis of Your Current Workflows

It’s impossible to move from A to B — unless you know where A is. This means all improvements toward achieving smarter manufacturing begins with benchmarking and analyzing your current workflows. Here are general steps you can use to get started:

People. Do you have the right people with the right skills in the right place? More so, have you defined Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-Related (SMART) goals?
Process. How long has it been since you’ve mapped out and evaluated your processes? Where did you identify obstacles and bottlenecks?
Technology and Tools. How well maintained is your equipment? Do you utilize the most relevant tech to meet business-critical applications? And how easy is it for you to modify these processes?

Implement a Smart Factory Logistics System

In the age of smartphones, smart TVs, smart doorbells, and everything else, now is the perfect time to optimize your warehouse and supply chain with Smart Factory Logistics. Empowered by the Internet of Things, Smart Factory Logistics enables your computers and machines to communicate in real-time. At Bossard, we offer both software and physical systems to automate your C-parts supply chain to help you work smarter. Our Smart Factory Logistics system is comprised of the following core components.

SmartLabel

As the name suggests, SmartLabels are intelligent, connected modular labels that can be affixed to your existing storage units designed to hold stock. Once programmed, a plethora of information can be seamlessly communicated to other components via the SmartLable Cloud:

Name
ID numbers
Delivery date
Real-time order status
And more

Each label uses an e-paper display and can last up to five years. In addition, an easy-to-use button on the label triggers ordering.

SmartBin

The SmartBin is a stand-alone container that features integrated weight sensors. These sensors are responsible for continuously monitoring stock levels through the SmartBin cloud. If inventory drops to the point of reordering, it will automatically send the order through to Bossard. All order items will be consolidated into a single shipment and sent to the point of use or dock.

SmartLocker

If you have valuable or restricted inventory, the SmartLocker restricts access to those who have the proper RFID card. With the SmartLocker, ordering is also automatic .

Use Smarter Analytics

ARIMS is a cloud-based, digital, interactive platform that links all Bossard Smart Factory Logistics systems together to improve lean management and increase supply chain transparency. It allows you to access the platform via computer or through the mobile app from your personal smartphone or tablet. And once access is gained, you’ll have the ability to perform and manage an array of functions — whether you’re on the factory floor or at your desk.

ARIMS places volumes of data and accessibility at your fingertips. You can analyze your deliveries, orders, locations, and articles in real-time by leveraging easy-to-understand: