There are major technology advancements that have made today’s economy more connected than ever before. Whether you recognize these technologies or not, they will have an impact on your business. Your competition may already be ahead of you in taking advantage of these, but you can put yourself in the driver's seat to steer your business in the right direction.

1. Cloud Computing

Cloud is now an essential component of modern manufacturing so if you aren’t, you’re likely grappling with siloed transactional systems, data management, and lack of visibility. Cloud unifies your business across geographically dispersed locations, which is why so many manufacturers are choosing cloud-based software to run their businesses and operations. With cloud computing, you get unparalleled security, agile processes, total system access, and scale—so you can focus on growing and streamlining your business. You avoid large up-front capital expenses and annual maintenance costs since the latest functionality is available to you without disruption or downtime.

2. Mobility

Mobility goes way beyond the hand-held device. Manufacturers today are arming the production environment with sensors, RFID, beacons, Bluetooth, and other communication technologies that increase data sharing wirelessly, and this trend is only going to grow. Mobility offers greater visibility into production status, inventory movement, machine efficiency, and more. The growth of wearable devices like smart glasses is also growing since they deliver an inexpensive, hands-free experience to workers.

3. Analytics

The data you generate on the shop floor can be used to drive insights, autonomous decisions, and predictive behavior to drive higher levels of efficiency. Manufacturing Analytics sift through and pick out meaningful data points, connect those, and then present information in an actionable manner. More manufacturers are using analytics to also facilitate machine learning and generate prescriptive actions.

4. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

IIoT is poised to change how manufacturers design, plan, make, and service products. Innovations like connected sensors, smart devices, and Internet-enabled machines provide data used to improve equipment and manufacturing process performance. IIoT also facilitates information delivery from end users and even products themselves to change the way products are developed and serviced, with information available to users anywhere over any device.

Each day you choose to stick with the status quo is another day your competitors take the leap ahead. Make no mistake, these technologies offer significant improvement opportunities for your business, take advantage of them today to set yourself up for success tomorrow.

Read The Definitive Guide to Connected Manufacturing to take the first step toward the future now.