How to make agile digital transformation strategy for manufacturing enterprises

edit

​

Preface

Manufacturing enterprises constantly improve their business 、 Production and operation process , To maximize revenue and profits . There are many ways to achieve these goals , But the most common strategies include improving overall productivity and efficiency , Maximize cost savings , Enhance the customer experience , Adapt to market dynamics , Reduce plant downtime .

From a technical point of view , Automation has been the driving force of continuous improvement for decades . We often see through the use of operational technology (OT) System ( Such as PLC and DCS) Information technology (IT) Solution ( Such as ERP and SCM)、 Robots and other types of coordinated control to achieve this . Besides , Manufacturing enterprises are also applying business process management methods , Such as TQM and Kaizen many years . These methods have proved to be very successful .

adopt OT System 、IT Application and integration of solutions , The enterprise has achieved two things ; First of all , Data and information are valuable assets ; second , By using emerging digital technologies , It can further automate various processes , Improve the ability to capture process related information , Culture it up and down , analysis , And share the same information among stakeholders , So as to enhance the ability of decision-making and Automation . These understandings urge enterprises to seek further improvement and optimization by using emerging digital technologies .

One Use the industrial Internet of things to achieve transformation

The core of digital transformation is the collection and use of massive data . Industrial Internet of things (IIoT)、 Edge of computing 、 Cloud computing 、 Big data and analytics 、 Artificial intelligence (AI) Such digital technology is created 、 An important tool for collecting and analyzing these data . therefore , See more and more manufacturing enterprises embark on the road of digital transformation , To make full use of the power of these technologies . Digital transformation is after proper planning , The process of achieving overall change by using emerging digital technologies to achieve overall goals , In a business environment , It usually includes improving the company's business 、 Production and operation process , Improve the value of customers and shareholders , Improve efficiency and productivity, etc . Through this transformation , Enterprises can cope with market challenges , Ensure customer satisfaction , Improve performance , Effectively improve competitiveness .

By using the power of digital technology , Manufacturing enterprises can greatly benefit . These digital technologies also help in different applications 、 database 、OT Systems and IT Sharing information between solutions , Instead of following the traditional information flow hierarchy . Manufacturing companies , By using digital technology , It can comprehensively and widely sort out and analyze data and information , Generate business intelligence and insight .

Usually , Digital transformation does not use a single digital technology , It is a combination of digital technologies used to achieve transformation goals . At the highest level , Manufacturing enterprises define digital transformation strategies , Bring changes required by business and production processes and operations effectively and comprehensively . This is not only a prerequisite for an enterprise to transition from the third industrial era to the fourth industrial era , It is also a necessary condition for continuous success .

edit

​

Two Prerequisites for digital transformation

The smooth progress of digital transformation depends on the digital form of company data and the availability of digital management company processes , And get the right data at the right time . in other words , Data digitalization and process digitalization are the basis of digital transformation . Data digitization refers to the image 、 voice 、 The conversion or process of converting information in the form of files into digital formats that can be processed by computers . for example , By using communication protocols , Such as fieldbus , From the transmitter to DCS The input signal of is converted from analog signal to digital signal ; Convert paper documents or pictures to PDF file . Process digitalization refers to the use of digital technology and digital data to achieve or improve the process . In view of the above preconditions , Companies that want to launch digital transformation plans need to ensure that the necessary data is in digital format , Processes are digitally managed . If the company wants to realize the digital transformation of factory floor operation , Then it must have appropriate OT System , Such as DCS / PLC /MES; If the company wants to realize the digital transformation of process , Then it must have appropriate IT Solution , Such as supply chain planning 、 Supply chain management . Digital data and digital technology management process is a prerequisite for promoting digital transformation .

Companies implementing digital transformation projects should keep in mind , In the long run , The most important thing is how to effectively use technology to achieve the desired change , It's not just how much investment has been made in digital technology . The ultimate success of digital transformation is measured by the ultimate improvement compared with the goal that the company began to achieve .

Quote Thomas, a researcher at the MIT digital economy initiative ·H· Davenport and George, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of management · Westman's words :“ Numbers are not just something you can buy and insert into your organization . It is multifaceted and decentralized , It's not just about technology . Digital transformation is a process of constantly changing the way of operation . It requires skills 、 project 、 Infrastructure investment , It usually needs to be cleaned IT Basic investment in system . It needs to integrate people 、 Machines and business processes , And all the changes brought about by it . It also requires continuous monitoring and intervention from the top , To ensure that both digital and non digital leaders make the right decisions in their transformation efforts .”

The process of promoting digital transformation is like embarking on a journey . The journey is to find continuous business improvement , The destination is the horizon . Although each step has a specific goal , But this road may be tortuous , Full of unforeseen obstacles . However , Every step brings a new goal into view , Just like Chris · What Murray said “ new 、 Previously hidden opportunities will come into view .”“ Companies that choose this path must realize , They are advancing on the basis of Technology , Technology is developing rapidly , This requires them to respond quickly to changes .”

Journey of digital transformation , Like all other journeys , Start with a simple step . Companies carrying out the journey of digital transformation must determine the business in advance 、 Production and operation process , The improvement of these processes will improve their performance , Choose the specific goals pursued through the following two methods ： Specific business scenarios or long-term path planning . And start the journey of digital transformation with stable steps , Fully understanding this will be a long process , More steps need to be followed . To ensure the success of the digital transformation program , Companies should really adopt agile project management methods .

3、 ... and How to set goals

1 Benchmarking method

There are many cases that have been proved successful , It can be used as a roadmap for enterprises to start digital transformation projects . Predictive maintenance of pneumatic air compressors and other equipment used by some companies is such a use case . Many manufacturing enterprises have pneumatic air compressors and other auxiliary equipment , These devices need regular inspection and maintenance , Including downtime and loss of revenue . Some companies have embedded Internet sensors in air compressors 、 Edge computer, etc , These sensors can sense and process parameters ( Such as compressor frame vibration 、 Pressure and bearing temperature ), And communicate with the information processed in the cloud or local server .

Use analytics software that resides in the cloud or internal servers , Compressor performance is monitored , To detect its deterioration and foresee possible faults . According to the generated information and its analysis , The factory decides whether and when to arrange maintenance , What needs to be done with the equipment .

Another example is the application of power transformers . Power transformer is an important part of power grid and distribution network , Its failure will lead to downtime and corresponding financial costs . Some distribution companies have installed Internet sensors , It can remotely monitor various parameters of the transformer , Such as oil level and temperature 、 humidity 、 Voltage and current , And generate appropriate reports , Provide information about the condition of the transformer 、 Information such as status and location details . According to the generated information , Take predictive maintenance measures , Prevent failure .

Through predictive maintenance companies can improve profitability and performance , Save time and money , And eliminate unnecessary work . This strategy can also be easily applied to other fields , Such as control valves and other key equipment .

2  The overall planning

Another strategy is , The company starts the journey of digital transformation by identifying the physical assets of the factory , The performance improvement of these assets helps to improve profitability and performance . then , After consulting with the technical experts who determine the assets , The company must decide on additional monitoring and analysis that may be required to achieve its goals . First, the identified physical assets are converted into a network that collects the required information in digital form - Physical systems . then , Start the implementation process , Set achievable milestones , Every milestone has a clear goal , Track the target , Evaluate performance , As the journey continues, correct the direction , Set new goals and track them . Have operating skills 、 System integrators or consultants with information technology skills and manufacturing technology knowledge as implementation partners , It will be of great help to ensure the success of the digital transformation project .

3 Agile management

According to the definition of the Project Management Association ,“ Agile project management is an iterative method of delivering projects throughout the project lifecycle . The association points out that , Agile project management methods involve several iterative or incremental steps towards successful completion of the project . Iterative or incremental steps allow the project team to make adjustments or route corrections , Instead of following a rigid path . Agile was originally developed for the software industry , The purpose is to simplify and improve the development process , In order to quickly identify and adjust development problems and defects .

The core principle of agile method is to manage by dividing the project into a series of steps . It involves continuous cooperation with stakeholders and continuous improvement at each stage . The focus is on the ultimate goal and cross functional team collaboration —— Always prioritize testing and learning methods , Instead of strictly following the plan . Continuous cooperation among all stakeholders is essential . Here are some agile principles that apply to project management :

• The most important thing is to meet the requirements of customers

• Provide the necessary environment and support for the project team , And believe that they can achieve the project objectives

• The most effective way to communicate with the project team and team members is face-to-face conversation .

• Evolving needs are indispensable for effective project implementation

• The final work solution is the ultimate measure of success

• Simplicity is a basic element , It is the art of maximizing unfinished work

• The team regularly reflects on how to become more effective , Then adjust and optimize their behavior accordingly

• The best solution comes from the organization's team .

Through flexible methods , Agile project management provides a quick way for project teams to minimize the impact of unforeseen obstacles in project progress . The benefits of adopting an agile project management approach include higher levels of productivity 、 Greater possibility of achieving the goal 、 Higher quality deliverables and greater collaboration and satisfaction among stakeholders .

edit

​

Four Nine steps of digital transformation strategy

Manufacturing enterprises that want to realize digital transformation must clearly determine the business objectives they want to achieve in advance , And make an overall plan to achieve this goal . Because there may be many goals , So it's best to start with a clearly defined goal . Ensure the cooperation and support of all stakeholders , And the availability of necessary resources and skills , Critical to the success of digital transformation initiatives . If necessary, , Hire a system integrator or consultant with the necessary skills, resources and experience in successful digital transformation projects to work with the internal project team .

Digital transformation strategy 9 One step is

• Build a collaborative and empowered team ;

• Develop a vision ;

• Ensure the availability of resources and skills ;

• Identify business objectives , Set up DT Target and prioritize ;

• Consider priorities , Make an implementation plan ;

• Start implementing the identified goals ;

• Regularly monitor and evaluate progress ;

• Take demand based corrective actions ;

• Celebrate success , And continue on to the next goal .

The vision blueprint describes the compelling ideas and goals of the digital transformation plan, including benefits . The commitment of leading the team and the collaboration between team members are extremely important for the success of the plan ; This must be taken into account when building a team .

Besides , The team must have a broad base , To represent the views of all business groups , Authorization and CEO leadership . Team members must be open to technology and change , Have soft skills and effective communication skills . Digital transformation involves using evolving digital technologies to achieve business goals . Industrial Internet technology is the core of digital transformation , To improve and business 、 Processes related to production and operation processes , Improve the ability of operating technology systems and information technology solutions . therefore , The skills and capabilities required to drive transformation are extensive , And cover all technologies 、 The process 、 And OT and IT Related industrial software systems , And system engineering . For the success of the project , Most companies may have to supplement their internal resources .

With the help of subject matter experts , Digital transformation teams must evaluate various goals , And achieve specific goals at the beginning . Specific goals can be achieved through research and evaluation of many proven successful industrial applications , This can be used as a guideline , Or by identifying the company's assets and processes , Its improved performance can help improve profitability and performance . After determining the specific goals to pursue , It is necessary to formulate implementation plans and strategies . The implementation plan details the steps necessary to achieve the goals . It also sets the schedule for completing each step and the sequence of steps , So that the project team can stay on track , And can monitor and evaluate the progress of the project .

It is necessary for the digital transformation team to regularly monitor and evaluate implementation activities and progress . This helps identify bottlenecks and obstacles , It can be further studied and analyzed , To initiate demand based corrective action , In order to achieve the progress of the implementation process and project objectives . Here are the moments to celebrate the achievement of the set goals , It's important . Celebrate success and motivate team members , And establish a strong bond between them ; Stimulate the enthusiasm and success mentality of the team ; Build confidence , Set new goals , Pursue with confidence , And successfully implement them . Digital transformation includes successfully pursuing and achieving a series of development and improvement goals .

To ensure the success of the digital transformation program , Companies that want to carry out digital transformation should be willing to understand the complexity of digital transformation from the experience of other companies that have tried digital transformation . About the complexities involved in successfully implementing digital transformation , There are also many published reports . It requires external wisdom , Accepting external wisdom requires changing the way of thinking . Such changes are not easy to happen , Digital teams must recognize the unique nature of digital transformation . Recognizing the complexity involved in advance will have a long way to go to ensure the success of the project .

Adopting agile method is a good way to realize digital transformation . The core principle of agile method is to manage the project by dividing the project into a series of steps . It involves continuous cooperation with stakeholders and continuous improvement at each stage . The focus is on the ultimate goal and cross functional team collaboration , Always prioritize testing and learning methods , Instead of strictly following the plan . Continuous cooperation among all stakeholders is essential .

--------END--------