Blog | Management Perspectives

Why a Holistic Approach is Right for Manufacturers

A holistic approach lets manufacturers blend complex systems, domain expertise, and strategy to transform digitally. Read our blog to find out how.

Two people are having a casual meeting inthe lounge

In considering digital transformation, often the significance of these two words is overlooked. Digitization focuses on the adoption of digital tools – the ‘how’ something can be changed – while the transformation aspect refers to the outcomes generated. A holistic approach towards digital transformation is therefore about bringing these two elements together and delivering these outcomes through technology.

It’s not as simple as just focusing on the latest technology and plugging that into operations and expecting to see improvements. This misconception, prevalent in manufacturing, stems from the disconnect between the digital tools and the envisioned transformation.

Instead, a holistic approach calls for an all-encompassing examination of manufacturing operation and system, to comprehend and address the challenges at hand. By following a holistic approach, manufacturers can bring together complex systems, domain expertise, knowledge, and strategic planning to address problems and pave the way towards a successful transformation.

Holistic Equals Efficiency

Every company strives to find better operational efficiencies. Reduction in time-to-market, waste minimization and gaining a market advantage are universal goals. In today’s manufacturing landscape, mitigating enterprise risks - including cyber and network security – and maintaining sustainability are critical. With this in mind, a holistic approach encompasses not just a product or a production system, but also incorporates every aspect of an organization, taking into consideration all influencing factors when addressing the needs and challenges of the day.

Digital transformation’s complexity cannot be overstated. It is not as easy as the two-word combination would make it sound and this all comes from the fact that production systems are not simple. The manufacturing industry’s complex operations, whether influenced by the changes that came several decades ago with Industry 3.0, Industry 4.0 a decade and a half ago, or by impending developments, the focus is on the outcomes that will be generated.

When manufacturers discuss strategic planning and execution, the C-suite executives of these organizations prioritize return on investment. This is where digital transformation can potentially have the greatest impact on a manufacturing company.

Today, ROI isn’t about providing tangible products, but rather about taking a holistic approach to every part of an operational process or strategy and being able to incrementally improve each area. Short-term problem-solving has its limits, and it is the manufacturers who understand their current status, future aspirations, and the digital solutions to get them there, that will prevail.

Future-Proofing with Holistic Operations

The advantages of a holistic approach to smart manufacturing extend beyond just the immediate benefits. It can act as a safeguard for future-proofing operations, creating a seamlessly connected, interoperable environment conducive to prolonged success and continued gains. An interoperable environment in any enterprise is one that fosters collaboration and real-time data exchange, to enable not just rapid decision-making, but also accurate and informed decisions.

Focusing on an enterprise functionality as a whole – as opposed to dealing with each individual element in isolation - paves the way for continuous learning and therefore continuous improvement. This evolution is wrapped within the framework of digital transformation, whereby exchanging data across the organization fosters collaboration and innovation.

For manufacturers looking to enhance their operations, the technology is only one aspect. By understanding how it can fit into the wider structure of a company and benefit all areas, transformation not only becomes more sophisticated, but also more effective.

Take the next step on your digital transformation journey, here.

Published March 20, 2024

Sachin Mathur

EMEA Director, Software & Control Business Segment, Rockwell Automation

Sachin specializes in navigating organizational transformational programs; identifying and enabling end-customer business outcomes via new technologies and partner ecosystems. He is a true believer in pushing “out of the box” execution strategies and driving digital transformation by joining forces with domain experts in a partner ecosystem.

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