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Adopting new technologies within your manufacturing operations is a lot like climbing a mountain. You can only go so far so fast – and pushing too hard without the right support can leave your systems overwhelmed. Instead, you need to plan your approach carefully and adjust as you go. Luckily, choosing the right tools at the right time will let you adapt just fine.

In smart manufacturing, modern tools can transform your operations step by step, ensuring a smooth ascent up the digital mountain. 

Starting Out From Base Camp

Technology adoption provides a wide range of benefits for manufacturers in terms of productivity and efficiency, but even the most streamlined implementation process can face some challenges. Organizations should be cautious to make major operational changes all at once, so starting out slow will unlock benefits without creating too much disruption. 

As you set out scaling digital transformation, one of the first smart manufacturing tools to implement is real-time production monitoring. This tool improves transparency and helps your team take control of production performance without drastically changing existing processes and workflows.

An effective production monitoring solution gives your team the visibility and KPIs to make smart decisions from the plant floor to the top floor. Aggregating data from machines and other systems into one place makes monitoring production much easier, while also preventing data silos from hindering collaboration.

With real-time production monitoring, your team saves time on manual data collection and management, has access to clear visualizations and insights, and can better analyze operations. Minimal investment in terms of budget, time, and commitment makes production monitoring an easy first step in your digital transformation.

Gaining Elevation

Production monitoring is a powerful tool, but is far from the summit of what modern technology can do for manufacturing efficiency and productivity. Beyond data collection, a range of systems offer enhanced control and visibility over every aspect of your operations.

A modern manufacturing execution system (MES) is a perfect example. Automating tasks will save time and prevent errors, reducing costs and increasing profitability. Comprehensive production lifecycle oversight, communications, and traceability are all key features that your team can benefit from.

Enhancing enterprise visibility with a modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) system lets you address performance at all levels of your operations. Your team can streamline how you tackle compliance and mitigate risks with smart manufacturing tools covering financial, operational, and IT strategies.

These are just two areas where modern smart manufacturing tools have made a world of difference, but the synergy between these systems and others into a unified solution is where you experience the greatest impact. 

The Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform brings together MES, ERP, and other systems to harness that synergy.

Reaching the Summit

Bringing your core systems together into a unified smart manufacturing platform can have incredible benefits, but you can still go higher. Many tools don’t just enhance conventional processes, but bring something entirely new and unique to the table for modern solutions.

Plex MES Automation and Orchestration uses the latest technology to support machine connectivity and establish a new paradigm of transparency and control. Your team can achieve incredible automation and synchronization across your plant floor, all with complete customization through intuitive low-code integration.

Additional tools provide similar capabilities in other aspects of your operations, ranging from asset performance management to supply chain planning and beyond.

Prepare for Your Trek With the Right Smart Manufacturing Tools

Our 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing white paper reports that manufacturers feel they lack the technology to outpace their competition compared to the previous year. If you’re considering new technology but aren’t sure about the commitment and challenges involved, you’re not alone.

Plex has solutions to support your team, whether you’re just starting out with smart manufacturing tools or looking for the most in-depth and capable implementation possible. Watch this brief video showcasing how we helped Brass Aluminum Forging Enterprises on their digital transformation journey.