How to View Digitalization as an Opportunity, Not as a Threat

 

It’s understandable that digitalization causes fear and uncertainty. Even if you understand that it could have a positive impact on your organization, it’s hard to know where to start! There’s always a fear that your competitors will adapt to new technologies more quickly and efficiently than you, leaving your organization in the dust.

 

The Pros of Digitalization

At Bossard, we believe that digitalization’s pros outweigh its cons. That’s why we offer our Smart Factory Logistics to help you usher your factory into the era of digitalization. Here are some of the opportunities that our Smart Factory Logistics — and digitalization in general — can offer your factory:

1. Improved Efficiency

A digitalized Smart Factory is more efficient on all fronts.

2. Reduced Time to Market

Put products in the hands of customers quicker with better, leaner, and smarter manufacturing processes.

3. Reduced Throughput Time

React to customer requests faster and manage throughput efficiently with digitalized systems and strategies.

4. Better Insights

Gain insights from large amounts of data thanks to machine learning algorithms and the Internet of Things.

5. End-to-End Integration

Integrate and improve your entire supply chain, from end to end.

6. Increased Competitiveness

Stay on the forefront of technology and gain an edge over your competitors.

7. Increased Economic Growth

As we reach the limits of traditional manufacturing models, we need to do whatever we can to ensure future economic growth. We believe digitalization is the answer.

8. Lower Manufacturing Costs

With digitalization, new possibilities emerge. Digitalization makes it possible to manufacture a batch size one at the same cost as a batch of many.

9. Better End Products

Instead of just manufacturing the same products in a better way, digitalization offers the opportunity to manufacture better products—ones that are more functional and smarter 9in addition to costing less to produce!)

 

The Cons of Digitalization

Though the advantages look excellent on paper, what if digitalization isn’t all it was cracked up to be? Though this list is significantly shorter, we feel the need to address a few downsides of digitalization as well:

1. Cost of Implementation

You might worry about the upfront cost of implementing systems and strategies. It’s true—digitalization can be a hefty investment. Thankfully, it’s usually possible to digitalize step by step, doing a few areas at a time rather than overhauling everything at once. This is helpful when cost is a concern. Plus, once you make the investment, it will pay for itself with the benefits digitalization provides.

2. Risk of Systems/Strategies Becoming Outdated Quickly

Technology is being developed at a breakneck speed. You get a brand-new smartphone, and its technology is outdated within months. You buy a new car and the next thing you know, they’ve released a model that is far safer or smarter than the one you just purchased. It’s natural to be concerned about the same thing happening when digitalizing your factory. However, most of today’s new technologies are adaptable. They can move forward as technology improves, rather than having to be entirely replaced every few years.

As you can see, the downsides of digitalization can be mitigated, and the opportunities far outweigh the threats. Learn more about how you can get ready for Industry 4.0 and Digitalization in the E-Book 7 Steps to Get Ready for Industry 4.0 / Digitalization (Without Robots).