Implementing New Technology on the Factory Floor

As technology continues to transform the manufacturing industry, companies must adopt new technologies to stay competitive. However, implementing new technology on the factory floor can be a challenging task. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the success rate of software adoption varies widely across industries. The report found that the adoption success rate in the manufacturing industry is around 30%, compared to a success rate of 80% in the financial services industry.

That said, the report also found that companies that follow best practices for implementation are more likely to have higher adoption success rates. To ensure successful implementation, manufacturers must build a cohesive digital strategy, get executive buy-in, and drive meaningful adoption for frontline workers and supervisors. Here are some best practices to consider when implementing new technology on the factory floor.

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Building a Cohesive Digital Strategy

Before implementing new technology, manufacturers must have a cohesive digital strategy in place. A digital strategy is a roadmap that outlines how technology will support the company's business goals. To develop a digital strategy, manufacturers should consider the following:

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Identify the Business Objectives: The digital strategy should align with the business objectives. The objectives could be reducing downtime, increasing productivity, improving quality, or reducing costs.

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Assess the Current State: The manufacturer should conduct a thorough assessment of their current technology landscape to understand the gaps and identify opportunities for improvement.

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Identify the Right Technology: Based on the business objectives and the current state, manufacturers should identify the right technology that meets their needs.

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Plan for Implementation: Once the technology is identified, manufacturers should plan for implementation, which includes budgeting, training, and change management.

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Getting Executive Buy-In

Getting executive buy-in is critical for the success of any new technology implementation. Here are some tips for getting executive buy-in:

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Clearly Articulate the Benefits: Manufacturers should clearly articulate the benefits of the new technology and how it aligns with the business objectives.

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Build a Business Case: A business case should be built that outlines the costs, benefits, and ROI of the new technology.

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Get Key Stakeholders Involved: Key stakeholders such as the operations team, IT team, and finance team should be involved in the decision-making process.

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Driving Meaningful Adoption for Frontline Workers and Supervisors

To ensure meaningful adoption of new technology on the factory floor, manufacturers should consider the following:

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Involve Frontline Workers and Supervisors: Frontline workers and supervisors should be involved in the implementation process. They should be trained on the new technology and given the opportunity to provide feedback.

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Provide Adequate Training: Adequate training should be provided to frontline workers and supervisors to ensure they are comfortable with the new technology.

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Communicate Clearly: Clear communication should be established to ensure that everyone understands the purpose of the new technology and how it benefits them.

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Recognize and Reward Success: Manufacturers should recognize and reward success to encourage adoption and motivate employees.

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Conclusion

Implementing new technology on the factory floor can be a challenging task, but following best practices can increase the likelihood of success. Manufacturers should develop a cohesive digital strategy, get executive buy-in, and drive meaningful adoption for frontline workers and supervisors. By doing so, manufacturers can improve their operations and stay competitive in the ever-changing manufacturing industry.

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