5 Manufacturing Trends to Watch For

By Anudeep Garg, Plant Manager, Automotive Brake Systems, Gurgaon, Continental Automotive India

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly indicated the need for a new approach in nearly all parts of our life. In India, post the historic lockdown, the manufacturing industry has started slowly getting back on its feet. As the world moves into the era of social distancing and low human contact, various long-term trends will find a stronger foothold even as some new practices become the norm.

The manufacturing sector has been adopting technology in various ways over the past few years. Broadly grouped under Industry 4.0 Practices, this was meant to improve efficiency and optimize operational cost. The process is now amplified, hastened by the need of the house.

So let’s take a look at five trends that will emerge in the post-COVID-19 world.

AR / VR In Manufacturing

Manufacturers have been using Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in various forms. Some companies are using it for remote assistance, while others are using it to improve product design and processes. In the current situation, when travel will be limited and risky, and the lack of workforce constrains normal operations, AR and VR can help improve productivity and output.

Cobots In Manufacturing

Using Cobots and AI on the shop floor will also increase the efficiency of the manufacturing units operating with a lower workforce by taking care of repetitive tasks. While Cobots can work along with the human workforce, AI/ML empowers technologies like automated quality checks, Automated Guided Vehicles for transportation of goods, etc.

Predictive maintenance will also gain the interest of manufacturers in the coming years. It allows manufacturers to identify impending failures and reduces the chances of breakdowns. Overall, the industry will move towards smarter manufacturing.

Wearable Devices Enhancing Safety

5G connectivity and IoT are empowering units to explore newer areas. One such area that is gaining popularity is the usage of wearable devices. Manufacturers of all scales are increasingly investing in wearable devices with different sensors that can be used by their workforce.

One of the simplest uses of wearable devices is safety awareness. Wearing a wristband, connected clothing, or headbands can give employees a warning when they are approaching potentially dangerous equipment or location.

Another use case that is being employed is in job training. With the help of AR/ VR, these devices can provide remote training from anywhere in the world. It also opens doors for easier management. Usually, the entire data goes back to a central hub, where managers can quickly track the status of the manufacturing plant.

Skill Development

The introduction of new technologies on the shop floor or any part operations needs a staff that is capable of harnessing the power of this technology. For this, the industry needs to reskill and upskill their employees continually. An agile and skilled workforce improves an organization’s ability to quickly respond to future spikes in demand, changes in automation, or an upcoming product roll-out.

Many manufacturing companies already have few skill programs in place to make sure their employees are always prepared to handle the new challenges. This is bound to become a standard practice across the industry as it moves towards more modern technologies. The transformation also demands a way to induce them to the new organizational culture.

Going Local

With COVID-19 impacting the global economy, it has led to uncertain global geopolitical and macroeconomic climates. This might further lead to increased tariffs on overseas produced items. Many countries, including India, have started promoting locally produced products.

While this might change at some point, in the coming few years, companies will benefit more from locally manufactured products than the products made overseas.

About the author

Anudeep Garg is currently the Plant Manager of Continental Automotive Brake Systems plant in Gurgaon. A dynamic business leader with nearly two decades of experience in global automobile R&D, factory operations, business growth management, mechatronics product development, and localization, Anudeep was responsible for the exponential growth of safety mechatronics products in India. He has also earned an international patent while establishing his competency during his tenure.