Becoming a modern manufacturer is essential to stand out and sell more.
Indeed, modernising your work processes allows you to be more efficient in your production and to attract new prospects thanks to a better visibility. It is also an effective way to stand out from the competition and to position yourself as an eco-responsible manufacturer.
But how can this be achieved?
In this article, we reveal 7 essential steps to becoming a modern manufacturer!
Steps to becoming a modern manufacturer
At BIM&CO, we recommend a few steps to follow to become a modern manufacturer.
Getting to know Industry 4.0 technologies
First of all, it is important to familiarise yourself with the key technologies of Industry 4.0. But what are they?
Industry 4.0 is simply the new era of industry. It incorporates advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI). Not to mention Building Information Modeling (BIM) and data analysis to optimise production and manufacturing processes.
And to further modernise your business, you can also learn about production control systems, supply chain management systems and safety and cyber security standards.
Developing digital skills
Once you have familiarised yourself with the technology, it is time to develop your technology skills.
At BIM&CO, we believe that manufacturers seeking modernity and added value can acquire skills in the following 5 areas:
- CAD (Computer Aided Design). To keep up with the construction market, it is interesting for manufacturers to master design software. We can find AutoCAD, SketchUp or Rhino to create plans, technical drawings and 3D models.
- BIM (Building Information Modeling). Architects and design offices are increasingly interested in BIM, and are the prospects of manufacturers. Thus, to meet their needs in terms of 3D products, it is necessary to master modelling software. For example, Revit, ArchiCAD or Tekla, which can create detailed digital models of buildings. These tools also improve collaboration between the different stakeholders in a project.
- Data analysis. To become a more modern and efficient manufacturer, you can develop skills in data analysis. This will enable you to harness information from sensors, monitoring systems and other sources to optimise building performance, reduce costs and improve quality.
- Digital project management. To digitalise and thus modernise your processes as a manufacturer, use project management software such as Microsoft Project, Trello or Asana. They will enable you to plan, monitor and communicate effectively on the construction projects you are involved in.
- Augmented reality and virtual reality. As a manufacturer, mastering augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools will improve your project presentation. It will also facilitate collaboration and training, and reduce construction errors.
Investing in research and development
Investing in research and development (R&D) is also a key strategy for becoming a modern manufacturer. This investment can bring several benefits to your business.
For example, it can help you develop new products that meet customer needs and are in line with market trends.
Also, you can improve your production processes by finding ways to increase efficiency, reduce costs and minimise waste.
To invest in research and development, you can work with companies that specialise in R&D or even hire specialists in this field.
Implementing flexible production processes
Secondly, it is important to implement flexible production processes. This way, you can adapt quickly to changes in market and customer demand.
A concrete example is to adopt a just-in-time production approach. This allows construction manufacturers to reduce waiting times and storage costs. It also allows smaller quantities to be produced and quick responses to customer requests, thus providing flexibility.
Another possibility is to adopt production tracking technologies, such as RFID chips and QR codes. These allow products to be tracked at every stage of production. This reduces waiting times and increases production flexibility.
Investing in research and development
Investing in research and development (R&D) is also a key strategy for becoming a modern manufacturer. This investment can bring several benefits to your business.
For example, it can help you develop new products that meet customer needs and are in line with market trends.
Also, you can improve your production processes by finding ways to increase efficiency, reduce costs and minimise waste.
To invest in research and development, you can work with companies that specialise in R&D or even hire specialists in this field.
Encouraging collaboration
The next step is collaboration. This is an essential component of being a modern manufacturer. By working together with partners, suppliers, customers or research institutes, you can enjoy a number of benefits.
As a manufacturer, you can share skills and knowledge with other professionals in the construction industry that can benefit your business. For example, technical knowledge, product ideas or marketing strategies. In this way, you promote innovation in your company.
Moreover, by collaborating with other companies you can reduce development, production and marketing costs. Not to mention that collaboration will strengthen your relationship with your partners. You can build mutual trust and a common understanding of each company’s goals and values.
On the other hand, collaboration will enhance your risk management, problem solving and profitability.
Digitalising your product catalogue
The final step is the digitalisation of your product catalogue, thanks to Building Information Modeling (BIM). This is a digital construction process that allows the exchange of reliable and structured information throughout the life cycle of a construction project.
As a construction manufacturer, your place is central in this BIM process. Indeed, the data and characteristics of the buildings are essential in this methodology. And, these are highly dependent on the characteristics of the installed products.
Thus, in order to construct ever more efficient buildings using BIM, the actors collaborating in this process need product information…
This is when architects, engineers and other users of BIM objects will turn to you for the information produced. After all, you are the one who can provide the most reliable data.
By digitising your product catalogue and publishing your BIM objects on a public platform such as bimandco.com, you guarantee yourself better visibility. And also, an added value through your modernity and an interesting return on investment.
Find out more about the benefits of BIM for manufacturers in our dedicated blog post.
Manufacturers, take the turn of the digital transition!
By adopting these steps, construction manufacturers can modernise, and be able to adapt to rapid changes in the market and offer superior products to their customers.
If you want to implement these steps, and make the transition to digital for manufacturers, don’t wait.
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