COLLABORATION
Matthieu Bourguignon, Senior Vice President for the Network Infrastructure Division, Nokia. “We are seeing that manufacturers are looking towards their supplier to help them improve productivity, which in turn helps them drive efficiency and improve margins. Innovation can come from anywhere, and manufacturers expect their suppliers to approach them, showing ‘partnership behaviour’, expecting them to recommend new ways of doing things that can lower costs or improve revenues, that can be done. “We are also seeing that security is very common in operational discussions, both people safety and information security, in addition to sustainability, which is not just a buzzword anymore. “All of these can significantly impact the business relationship. These conversations are collaborative in nature as they teach us what they need. At Nokia, we have brought digital efficiency using our own technology into our manufacturing facilities, which has improved productivity by 50%.” Q What are the challenges in the sector? Katie Fradley “Where to start! It’s good to be aware of challenges, and there are several in the sector, including keeping up to date with the changes in the industry. The world is rapidly advancing, particularly in technology, and it is important to continuously update your products to remain competitive. What may be seen as an advanced feature can quickly become a standard requirement for customers, and it is important to stay ahead. Sometimes, a change may also need to be made due to changes in law, and that can vary between different countries. It is therefore important to have a knowledge of the regulations in the countries you are providing your product to, to ensure you remain compliant. “Another challenge is quality control. First impressions are important, and that goes for systems as well. If your product does not work as required and takes time to correct, you are going to lose custom. Taking time to undertake User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and even UX reviews can prevent issues prior to reaching a customer. “Finally, I think it’s worth mentioning potential disruptions to supply chains. The
COVID pandemic is a good example, and in previous projects, I have had to make changes to planned shipments, which has impacted timelines and costs. “It is important to be aware of the factors that may impact your supply chains and have backup plans in place. Another key factor currently impacting supply chains is global conflict. This reduces the accessibility of materials and transportation routes, resulting in increased demand and inflating costs that are ultimately passed onto the customer.” Matthieu Bourguignon “There are always challenges. As manufacturers ourselves, we completely understand the pressures of stalled production lines and how costly that can be. We understand the need for unflinching quality in the end product and how technology can help overcome the economic reality of component costs and markets that often expect the same quality for less money. “Another challenge on the market is the predictability of business in a world increasingly impacted by geopolitics and macro events. However, by using technology cleverly, we can make environments more efficient and safer while freeing highly skilled staff from menial tasks.” Don Valentine: “The manufacturing sector faces a number of challenges and hurdles, including high costs, rapid technological advancements, global trade issues, political instability, and supply chain risks. Manufacturers face fierce competition in a global market, necessitating a shift from outdated paper-based workflows and basic spreadsheets to advanced end- to-end ERP systems specifically tailored for manufacturing. These systems should encompass front-office and back-office operations, including financials, sales, inventory, planning, and scheduling. “Furthermore, supervisors, often possessing decades of industry experience, serve as the linchpins of operational efficiency. However, the sector grapples with the risk of losing vital information due to personnel changes or retirements, as knowledge may be solely reliant on individual expertise. “To meet this challenge, manufacturers must bridge the gap between traditional practices and digital innovation, integrating critical knowledge into ERP systems to ensure continuity and mitigate disruptions.”
CONTINUED
Katie Fradley Product Development Director
flowlio.co.uk
The world is rapidly advancing, particularly in technology, and it is important to continuously update your products to remain competitive.
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