Manufacturers are collecting more data than ever before – every machine, production line and supply chain interaction generates vast amounts of data which, when properly harnessed, can provide valuable insights into performance, quality, and efficiency. According to a recent report, 37% of manufacturers plan to make better use of real-time data to drive positive business outcomes over the next five years – so for manufacturers who want to stay competitive, now is the time to start building a data-driven strategy.
The benefits of transforming data into action can be felt across the entire manufacturing and production process – from reducing overall costs to improving product quality.
Here are some of the significant improvements data-driven manufacturers are already seeing:
1. Enhanced operational efficiency
With access to real-time data, employees can pinpoint inefficiencies and bottlenecks in production processes, enabling faster and more agile decision-making. Whether that’s adjusting production schedules, responding to supply chain disruptions, or reallocating resources to meet demand – a data-driven strategy allows manufacturers to optimise across the board.
2. Improved quality control
Continuous monitoring and smart sensors allow manufacturers to identify defects early in the production process, resulting in less waste, fewer defects, and consistent product quality – ensuring only the best products reach customers.
3. Minimised downtime and disruption
Predictive maintenance analyses data captured by smart sensors, and identifies potential equipment failures before they occur, minimising downtime and keeping production running smoothly. This proactive maintenance reduces costly repairs and extends the lifespan of expensive equipment.
4. Scalable, sustainable growth
A strong and unified data foundation allows manufacturers to scale efficiently, enabling more agile and flexible working to meet demand. A data-driven strategy also allows manufacturers to optimise resources and reduce waste – driving sustainable growth
5. Optimised supply chains
Data-driven insights across the supply chain offer real-time visibility of inventory levels, accurate demand forecasting, and stronger collaboration between partners and suppliers, ensuring that production always runs smoothly.
6. Stronger data-first culture
When employees at all levels can access and understand data, they feel empowered to make data-driven improvements. This cultural shift drives collaboration, innovation, and accountability at every level – from senior managers to shop-floor employees.
7. Reduced costs and maximised profitability
By uncovering inefficiencies in operations, optimising production processes, and reducing waste, data analytics can help manufacturers significantly reduce operating costs and improve margins across every stage of production.
How data helped one manufacturer meet their customers' evolving demands
We worked with a UK-based manufacturer of garments and personalisation solutions to implement a digital strategy that would better enable them to meet customer demands. The manufacturer wanted to shift to a more efficient and unified digital platform, allowing them to integrate customer data across departments, and leverage that data to better understand their customer needs. Their data-driven successes include:
Minimised disruption
Their newly integrated digital platform gives the manufacturer the ability to perform system upgrades without website downtime, allowing web orders to continue processing even during updates. By reducing the risk of system glitches and continuously capturing real-time data, the manufacturer is able to use accurate data to personalise customer engagement and provide a better overall customer experience.
Enhanced operational efficiency
Centralising their data resulted in streamlined production and inventory management, allowing the manufacturer to respond to customer demand faster, without delay.
Improved scalability and flexibility
The new website platform’s ability to handle complex product catalogues, along with seamless integration into their ERP system made it the ideal solution for the manufacturer, who required agility and scalability to support their evolving business. With all their data now integrated into one system, they have adopted a data-driven strategy that enables them to transform insights into better customer experiences.
Top tips for becoming a data-driven manufacturer
Download our guide, Five ways manufacturers can become more data driven, and start transforming your data into intelligent insights today.
This guide highlights five key steps to harnessing the full potential of your data, from establishing clear goals to leveraging AI to drive improvement, and provides a clear roadmap to begin your digital transformation.
Join the discussion
Hear more about harnessing your data at the upcoming Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit in Liverpool (11–12 November), where Columbus experts Kevin Bull and Jack Binnall will host roundtable discussions about making manufacturing truly data-driven.
Ready to become more data driven?
Contact our digital advisors at Columbus to discuss your business needs, and find out how we can help you transform your data.
