As an organization in the manufacturing industry, you want to stay ahead of the competition. You might primarily do this by ensuring reliable production with competitive prices. However, you might also be missing out on opportunities. Because in this increasingly digital world, a data-driven approach offers unprecedented opportunities. In this blog, we'll share 3 inspiring real-world examples of working with data.
Why work data-driven?
Do you want data-driven To get started with data, you need to go through a number of steps. The first step is very simple: look at what data you already have and what data you need to achieve your goals. And those goals are much more diverse than you might initially think. Working faster, more efficiently, and cheaper – we all want that. But you can also use data to optimize customer satisfaction or to discover new revenue models.
The extent to which data is used within the manufacturing industry varies. Some organizations are still questioning its usefulness or are simply too busy with daily business. To show you what opportunities you are missing, we have selected a few inspiring examples for you!
Example #1: Working More Efficiently Through Real-Time Insights
To achieve better results, you don't need to work harder; instead, be smarterA good example of this is Just-in-Time (JIT), the principle that products needed by the customer or supply chain partner are delivered exactly on time.
The core of this logistical approach is to synchronize production and delivery in such a way that inventory storage becomes almost unnecessary. This saves on storage costs and related expenses. However, there is a risk that even minor disruptions in the supply chain can lead to major problems, given the lack of buffer stocks.
The solution: always having reliable and up-to-date data at your fingertips. This is often achieved with an inventory system that is updated in real-time. Crucial for this are, on the one hand, the stability and speed of the IT infrastructure and, on the other hand, an adequate translation of processes into the digital world.
Example #2: From ‘product-centric’ to ‘customer-centric’
Data helps manufacturing companies better understand their market. By collecting and analyzing data, you gain insight into what your customers need and how you can tailor your products and services accordingly.
The Rijk Zwaan case is a good example of this. Building a complete 360-degree customer view is central to the approach of the vegetable breeding company. “What you want is for all relevant information about a customer to be brought together in one place,” said Tom Post, Specialist Digital Commerce/CRM & Client Management at Rijk Zwaan, in a earlier article on our website. This gives us a complete and true picture of the customer. The goal is to be able to quickly inform new colleagues about customer needs.“
By collecting and analyzing a wealth of data, Rijk Zwaan gains insight into what customers need and how it can tailor its products and services accordingly. As Tom described it: “Our offering goes beyond the seed itself; it includes advice, marketing support, and we connect links in the chain.”
Example #3: Less Downtime Through Predictive Maintenance
Poor machine maintenance causes them to be idle more often than they should be. And that is something every manufacturing company wants to avoid at all times. After all, the loss of productivity due to downtime can amount to 20%. Predictive maintenance based on data helps manufacturing companies reduce downtime. How exactly does this work?
After the machines in the factory are connected to the internet, the generated data is processed by a smart algorithm (AI). This detects deviations in fixed patterns and sends out a signal when a failure is imminent. Instead of being unexpectedly confronted with a broken machine, maintenance can often be planned preventively in this way, resulting in significantly less downtime.
Another example of predictive maintenance is applied by ThyssenKrupp. When one of its elevators detects a problem, it sends an error code to the technician, along with the three or four most likely causes. This is good for the customer – the fault is rectified sooner – and for the manufacturer, who saves costs.
Start data-driven working now
Data. Every company has it, but not everyone uses it equally effectively. What a shame, because data-driven work has many advantages. The main obstacle: to collect and analyze data in a smart and responsible way, you need the right tools and expertise.
Bluedesk CRM helps manufacturing companies find the right CRM solution and implement it. However, beyond being CRM experts, we are also business consultants, enabling us to collaborate on manufacturing company processes. Once a process is established, we can identify the necessary analysis or reporting to manage or improve it.
In short, besides providing the right system for manufacturing companies to work more data-driven, we also offer the service and expertise to optimally utilize that data. We grow together!
Would you like to know how we can help your manufacturing company? Contact us contact Meet us!
