2020 was a year of turmoil for most manufacturers dealing with the worldwide pandemic. Along with the ongoing pandemic, the following are other trends manufacturers will need to watch.
COVID-19 Safety
Even with the launch of the nationwide vaccination program, 2021 will still see COVID-19 presenting challenges for the industrial industry. With the new, more contagious strains of the COVID-19 virus, maintaining workplace safety through local mandates, CDC guidelines and OSHA regulations is still critical. As a result, companies need to continue social distancing, encouraging proper hygiene, not allowing unhealthy employees to work, and restricting visitors for much of the new year.
Workforce Connection
As COVID-19 dominated in-plant procedures in 2020, it has also reinforced the trend to provide technology to allow staff to connect remotely. This practice has been on the rise in the industrial world for a number of years, as an older workforce leaves and younger employees enter. The era of shared data in manufacturing continues to evolve. Manufacturers need to find the tools and technologies for a growing remote workforce to be productive and collaborative.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) remains a trend in the industrial market. The growth of IoT technology will allow manufacturers to make knowledgeable decisions based on real-time data for positive impact profits.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance evaluates the condition of machinery to determine when maintenance should be performed. Using a range of metrics and automating the data collection process using IoT technology, manufacturers can reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life. Ultimately, this in-depth understanding of equipment and process result in saving time, money, and resources.
Since 1948, Bopp Busch has implemented new process, technology, and procedures to best serve our customers, employees, and community. We will continue to meet this obligation during the current COVID-19 crisis while supplying quality parts to our customers. To learn more about Bopp Busch and our capabilities, contact us today.
