The manufacturing industry has been widely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has necessitated many changes organisations have had to operate on a daily basis. As we have learned from previous crises, whether that was by way of financial crashes, world wars or terrorist attacks, changes made often become a permanent fixture. Things simply do not revert to the way they were previously.
Acceleration Of Change
Changes through automation, improved technology in manufacturing machinery and the ability for remote control of production equipment had already been recognised as the way forward for many manufacturing businesses and the COVID-19 pandemic has seen these trends accelerate, likely at a far quicker pace than would have happened otherwise. Companies that are embracing the technological shift will likely have an easier time than those forced to change due to outside factors such as the pandemic.
Major Changes
Some businesses are facing a huge rise in demand for their products, such as those manufacturing protective equipment, for example. However, it is possible that at least some of these may have had to make changes in how they supply their products, especially if they have faced restrictions on how many staff on the premises they can have to meet social distancing requirements.
Supply chain issues are also a big problem for many organisations as they are finding it more difficult to control supplies from overseas, and are looking now to protect supply chains going forward, looking to be less reliant on one source or from outside of their home bases.
Making a shift
The shift to a more automated manufacturing process and to bringing more of the production and packaging process back in-house will aid our business and national resilience and as a result, sustainability could also increase. The ability to automate many labour intensive low skilled worker roles, will create new jobs for those with digital knowledge. It will aid potential restrictions on numbers of employees working within sites and provide opportunities for off-site and home working opportunities. Remote diagnostic techniques robotics and automated data reporting will speed up and reduce production costs and enable virtual fixing when things break down, a key to a stronger manufacturing future.
We do not know when or even if, manufacturing businesses will be able to bring back the numbers of staff previously required to operate. Therefore ,it is critical to make the best use of technology based production and management tools to reduce operating costs and business supply issues.
If your business is considering bringing your packaging process in-house and are looking for a way in which this process could be made simpler, easier and more sustainable, Trakrap can help. Our sustainable packaging and technology could provide the perfect solution to the changes you want to make on your production line post-pandemic.
