Innovation in production after a pandemic: full speed ahead

The pandemic of 2020 stressed our manufacturing systems and global supply chains in unexpected (and unwanted) ways. It has exposed new vulnerabilities and exposed old inefficiencies. New technologies have helped the production system adapt, but not as much as we could have wished for. Could the pandemic shock now pave the way for a change in the pace of manufacturing innovation?

The combination of multiple disruptions and a global recession creates an even more competitive environment than ever before, where the stakes for successful innovation become as high as survive or quit for many companies: “Supply chains are torn apart and the global vacuum of demand continues to push poor performing and inflexible manufacturers out of business. Conversely, the strongest and most innovative companies survive and thrive, and come out leaner, more agile and with a more limited competitive environment.”I recently read on LinkedIn, written by a leading CEO within Automated Manufacturing.

In a static world, lower prices are the easiest way to compete. But in a world of rapid change, the best way to compete is to be one step ahead of the rest by being flexible and adaptive. With consumer demand still subject to great uncertainty, companies are under tremendous pressure to improve margins. This can be done, for example, by using innovation to increase efficiency.

As painful as it has been, the pandemic shock has provided more clarity. For many engineering teams, the pandemic has clarified exactly what is most urgent about digital transformation. While it is impressive in 2020 to see what will power, creativity and competence can do within the manufacturing industry, it also exposed weaknesses in the way goods are made and supply chains managed. This also underlines the need to move away from the ‘old’ way of doing business and switch to an agile and resilient way.

Most manufacturing companies I have spoken to in the recent period believe the answer lies in accelerating the adoption of Digital Industry 4.0 technologies. At Batchforce we have doubts about this and think that 2021 will be a year in which we will start working on digital transformation. We now know that this transformation is not a ‘nice to have’, but is essential for factories, companies and production ecosystems.

Having your parts custom made by Batchforce and its Manufacturing Partners brings peace of mind to your Supply Chain and reduces the so-called Supply Chain risk by applying a spread of production over possibly 1,500+ manufacturers in 13 countries worldwide, each with their own specific capabilities. You no longer have to maintain your Supply Chain as intensively and can switch more easily to increase capacity or diversify parts. After all, we know our partners and their strengths through and through. Batchforce manages the Supply Chain on your behalf. From quotation request, production and delivery of parts in single pieces, small series or larger batch.

Start your digital transformation today and work with Batchforce to make your Supply Chain flexible and resilient.