The manufacturing industry is based on certain sets of skills that are required to complete simple & complex tasks. To govern and be an expert on those same skills, requires years of experience. With the advancement in technologies, machines and tools have been upgraded to automation, leading to requirements of people knowing the same. Many tech skills are influencing modern manufacturing. 

1) Digital technology

The key factor in manufacturing is digital technology. It has enhanced the level of production and has made the worker training faster and more effective. Automation has dominated the industries and has reduced the hectic labour of simple and repetitive tasks. Digital technologies give a different vision to perform a complex task, thereby reducing human errors. Sensors and interfaces are made in a way that connects labour to machines more smartly and most easily. Training has been integrated into many ways possible. The data collection has become easy and reliable. Every minute detail is noted and processed. A system that can highlight the data which requires immediate action is formulated, eventually optimizing the manufacturing process. Production time has been reduced significantly, as much as 75%. These results show why the industries are shifting rapidly to digital technology. It also allows being innovative and creative, experimenting with new things. Research & Development has been enhanced, resulting in better quality products with less time & cost, spent on the product specification and design. Digital transformation has revolutionized operation management. It helps to monitor real-time data, optimizes efficiency, enhances the quality of products & compliances, and many more. 

2) Automation

Automation has had a huge impact on modern manufacturing in many ways. According to some predictions, the next few decades will see 60 per cent of all occupations convert 30 per cent of their tasks to automation. This modification has its effects on transportation too. Automation is the future of industries. It reduces production time, increases the volume of production, and human errors are reduced. Certain industries have already moved to Automation. It’s a one-time capital cost but the benefits are everlasting. From Robotic grabber arms to scanners, assembly lines to the packaging of products, automation has made these tasks very simple and fast. 

3) Programming & Coding 

The relationship between computer software and manufacturing is very deep and resourceful. Initially, when the technology was being adapted, software systems like ERP were developed, Computer-aided design (CAD) and industrial robotics emerged in the 1980s. The other industries were still struggling to be familiar with all these types of Programming & Coding software, whereas manufacturing companies were the first to inhabit these systems.  It has helped a lot in developing medical-related software too, in which the medical history of patients can be recorded, new designs of capsules and medicines are developed. Artificial Intelligence has led computers to think like humans. Super-computers that work faster and better have been incorporated by big tech companies, and it is the future of the world. 

4) Product Design

Product design is prominent in manufacturing industries. Technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) help designers visualize products at a much earlier stage of the process. Stimulation and analysis platforms facilitate them to evaluate the potential design. High-standard products can be developed with ease by experts. One can know any flaws in the product, which is not even ready physically, eventually saving money for the company. Software such as Solid Works, CATIA, Solid Edge, Adobe Illustrator, and many more provide an interface to design the products accordingly. 

Technology has changed the perspective of how we see the world. Adaptation of technology is becoming mandatory, as its advantages are unlimited. The 21st century is proving to be a Tech- century. People are now more focused on innovation, Research & Development and delivering something exquisite and exciting. 

(The given article is attributed to Nikhil Kaushik, Managing Director, Fortcaps Healthcare and as been exclusively created for BW Disrupt website)