_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Innovation
human time required to count inventory , and providing granular consumption data that allows manufacturers to carry lean inventories without the possibility of stockouts .
The more innovative factories have data readily available to everyone . Another simple win can result from using monitors and displays to track production and workflow . Large format LED screens on the manufacturing floor are visible to everyone and share real-time data about where various projects are , how they are progressing , and when they are completed .
Another small but impactful approach to innovation can be to leverage the powerful computer in everyone ’ s pocket , their smart phone . By using smart phone apps to collect data from work processes , organizations can ensure broader levels of adoption using mobile apps versus the industrial handhelds of the last decade . Simple app technology pushes data to central locations where information about workflow and processes is captured and analyzed , leading to continuous operational improvement without the need for bulky data collection devices . Such data enables central planners to more effectively resource and manage their departments .
4 . Form an internal ‘ innovation team .’ Empower a team to act on your ‘ big picture innovation ’ strategy and give them the authority to start rethinking those objectives . Give the team a large budget — not of money , but of time . 5 . Tackle some simple ideas . Simple ideas like implementing a mesh wireless network to connect mobile apps throughout the factory floor , going paperless , automating inventory management , and setting up monitors can generate big innovation results . 6 . Be patient . Remember that small wins lead to big innovation . Don ’ t be afraid to implement an idea that fails . 7 . Don ’ t wait ! Your competition has already started . Even the smallest innovation can give you an edge over the competition and disrupt an entire marketplace .
True innovators are driven by the desire to revolutionize industries , kept up at night dreaming of altering their marketplace ’ s landscape . Incremental innovation is the new big business that can give even small companies the edge over large organizations . Implementing smart technologies in an incremental innovation strategy is the place to start . ■
Practical steps to innovation in the manufacturing space
1 . Define a big picture strategy . Step back and take a 10,000-foot view of your company . Define some big picture objectives , and then prioritize technology improvements that work toward the goals . 2 . Start small for big innovation . Focus on bite-sized pieces of technology that are designed to stand alone and offer a quick ROI . ( For example , implement a broader range of high-quality Wi-Fi throughout the factory floor so simple smart phone apps are always collecting data .) 3 . Create time as a commodity . Find ways to give innovative thinkers time to work on small innovation projects .
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Andrew Johnson www . shelfawarevmi . com
Andrew Johnson is an entrepreneur , inventor , and business owner . Formerly the sales manager at the family distribution company , he is now the CEO of ShelfAware , which is redefining industrial supply chains by leveraging RFID technology , the internet , and the power of data . ShelfAware is an automated supply chain platform designed specifically for suppliers and consumers of physical inventory goods .
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