In the digital age of 2018, manufacturing is rapidly changing. There’s a higher need to control costs while manufacturers look for more ways to meet growing demand. There’s a constant stream of new technology which means more competition between producers. Every new trend in the industry brings along its own unique challenges.
How can manufacturers of today make the most of these trends while still keeping their costs low and use the best technology available? Also, how will these industries react to the growing need for environmental protection? To understand these challenges, let’s break them down individually.
1. Green Manufacturing
Being green is no longer optional. Climate change is a very real force impacting our world today, and some of the biggest contributors are in the manufacturing sector. Consumers and governments alike are demanding more environmental regulations to control electronics manufacturers from releasing excessive chemicals or pollutants.
Luckily, there are a lot of green initiatives developing to meet these challenges. With things like carbon caps and local regulations, research continues to show new ways for companies to keep up with the demands of our Earth while still meeting demands.
2. Smarter Electronics
Everyone has a smartphone today, at the very least. Most of us go beyond this with tablets, smart TVs, and a wide array of tech-savvy devices. While these technologies have been around for years now, they’re really starting to take off today. This means electronic manufacturers are looking for new research opportunities and partnerships to continue creating smarter devices.
As consumers become used to new technology, it’s important that companies of today know how to keep innovating. What was new yesterday is old news today, so moving forwards is necessary to succeed.
3. Lowered Energy Consumption
Manufacturing products used to mean excessive energy costs. This is not only harmful to the environment, but it’s expensive. A recent push for energy-efficient electronics is encouraging manufacturers to not only produce devices with lowered electricity needs but also to use less energy themselves during the production process. Energy conservation is something everyone cares about today.
One way companies are combating this is with more efficient product testing. With technology like one-stop product development services by 3ERP, manufacturers are able to test prototypes without paying an arm and a leg. This leads to less waste and better use of energy.
4. Rapid Delivery
Consumers want what they want, and they want it now. Logistics for manufacturers are working hard to find ways to speed up delivery times to get more products to consumers rapidly. The one thing that will keep electronic manufacturers alive in this competitive time is increased speed. There’s always something new in the world of devices and electronics, so only the more innovative, cutting-edge, and speedy will survive.
5. Medical Technology
One of the most influential trends in 2018 is the need for medical technology. This is both a challenge and a sign that the future of healthcare is expanding its reach. Medicine has always been quick to adapt to new technology, but now these responsibilities are shifting to the patient.
With patient-centered technology that allows people to manage their own healthcare at home is revolutionizing the market. Companies have the opportunity to hit the ground running when it comes to medical tech, but they’ll also need to work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure they’re making the best decisions for patients.
6. Need for Partnerships
Like all industries of today, electronic manufacturing does not exist inside of a vacuum. Partnerships between other manufacturing industries and separate sectors together is a must. These strategic partnerships will help reduce the overall costs and reduce any variable costs.
Things like outsourcing are becoming a mainstream practice. For example, many producers are choosing to outsource things like product design to keep their internal costs low. Finding new ways to strategically partner will be a challenge going into the future.
Only time will tell just how these trends will continue to challenge the production of electronics. The only that’s certain is that there will be a growing demand for new consumer electronics as our society relies more and more on technology. Only the companies willing to meet these challenges will survive into the future.