5 Inevitable Manufacturing Trends of 2016

The world of manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly with the help of technology. The application of technology has always played a very crucial role in shaping up the manufacturing industry. Now, as we have started a new year 2016, let’s have a look at the biggest manufacturing trends that companies will look at this year.​

1. E-Commerce in manufacturing

The inception of internet has left its mark in all industries and the manufacturing industry is no different. The number of web-savvy and technologically sound customers has increased exceptionally over the last few years. The commencement of e-commerce in the manufacturing industry has started a decade ago on paper but the last few years have been phenomenal. This has opened the door of opportunities in front of the business owners and customers.
Manufacturers are now using e-commerce as the way of experimenting with their new products. Instead of setting up physical stores, they can now promote their products through online stores without any significant investment.
According to the reports of Manufacturing Business Technology, the 5 most useful e-commerce trends of 2016 are:
1) Increasing the share of aftermarket parts sales.
2) Customized e-commerce solution for customers.
3) Integration of e-commerce systems with IoT initiatives.
4) Adoption of modern parts management system by the dealers and integrate the systems by their own.
5) Sale of more parts to the customers through the dealer channel.

2. Advanced Analytics in manufacturing

Manufacturers this year will be more focused on advanced analytics. The power of analysis has always been extremely advantageous for manufacturing companies. Now, advanced analytics will take it to the next level. Here are a few areas where the application of advanced analytics may bring massive changes in terms of the growth and safety of the company.
Improving Quality
Improvements in the process of data storage may prove to be the biggest step when it is about improving the quality of the products and service of a company.
Forecasting Demand
Predictive forecasting about the changes in demand of the products through proper analysis may be helpful for the companies to make the best use of their resources.
Maximizing Equipment Value
Bringing out the maximum value out of the machineries of any company is always the target of the manufacturing engineers. Advanced analysis helps the engineers to ensure the condition of the machineries.
Increasing Equipment Uptime
Failure of the machineries can also be predicted by analyzing the patterns and symptoms of breakdown. And proper steps can be taken accordingly.

3. Application of Robotics

The application of robotics in the manufacturing industry will certainly play a crucial role in this year. This has always been very essential in this industry. The use of robotics in the manufacturing industry has been there since 1950. With time and the improvement of technology, the character and intelligence level of the robots have also improved. China, being the leader in this matter is planning for large investment in robotics.
Industrial robots are becoming more intelligent with time. They are now capable of handling multiple tasks and in the near future they will be able to perform majority of the manufacturing process without the interference of the humans.
The reports of International Federation of Robotics have stated:
In 2014, robot sales increased by 29% to 229,261 units, by far the highest level ever recorded for one year. Sales of industrial robots to all industries increased compared to 2013. The automotive parts suppliers and the electrical/electronics industry were the main drivers of the growth. China has considerably expanded its leading position as the biggest market with a share of 25% of the total supply in 2014.

4. Clean and neat Manufacturing area

The conventional perception of manufacturing industry is changing with time. Unlike the earlier days when manufacturing area used to be a dirty place. Now with the application of advanced technology, the picture in the manufacturing area is changing rapidly. A clean and tidy place with everything available easily, people are showing their interest in the manufacturing industry as well.   
The image of manufacturing industry is changing with the proper application of technology and the notable factor is this change has influenced the outcome of the manufacturing process in most of the scenarios. So, in this year, keeping the dirt away from the manufacturing place will be given priority by the manufacturers.​

5. Security and logistics improvement

With the advancement of technology and large use of internet, manufacturing companies will look to invest more in order to ensure the safety and security of the intellectual data of the company. Business information, customer’s information, transaction details; everything is under equal threat if possible steps are not taken. And the security of network is the prime preference in that case. The same sort of concept has been reflected in the reports of Booz Allen concerning the manufacturing trends related to security in 2016. It says:  
When a cyber-attack does occur, companies will also have to demonstrate a propensity for responding in a timely manner. Security must be enhanced during the design, production, sourcing, and distribution phases, and even after the purchase is made.
Another important trend will be increasing the logistic efficiency of the companies. Building up better relationship with the customers will largely vary on the logistics strategy. Businesses of all sizes will look forward to improve the efficiency of logistics in terms of transportation, shipment, supply chain control etc.