Branching Out Online
It has never been easier for businesses to make use of digital tools and platforms to operate more efficiently. The accessibility of having a number of options just a few clicks away makes it a straight forward transition once you decide to start branching out your business online. You want to deliver an experience that can resonate with a digitally savvy customer base in order to operate in this day and age.
Although the numerous e-commerce platforms may feel overwhelming at first before you do your research, you will find that there are some options that are more prominent than others. Notably, WooCommerce covers about 28% of all online stores. There are many benefits and one of the fundamental points would be that it is free to use.
Apart from an e-commerce platform, you will also find the option to use their inventory management. If you are only handling finished products, using WooCommerce inventory management will work for you. If you need a more in-depth system that can track all of your raw material inventory you will want to make use of third party software with a robust WooCommerce integration so that it works seamlessly together. That way you get the best of both worlds.
Leading The Way To Innovation In Manufacturing
The digitalization of manufacturing must be part of a comprehensive strategy for scaling manufacturers. It is estimated that more than 70% of companies are struggling to integrate technology adequately. However, if you fail to adopt new technology solutions effectively you risk falling behind competitors.
A digital transformation cannot be limited to your online platform and visibility, digitally advancing by adding incremental tools to existing manufacturing processes is vital for sustainable growth. Running a factory that can incorporate technology with a flexible and innovative approach can improve your business efficiency as a whole. In addition, you want to empower your employees by making sure they have a grounding in the digital world and at the same time understand the manufacturing process.
The manufacturing industry will come to boom if there is a transformation across value chains and production systems. However, it is not only the industry itself that will come to benefit. As manufacturing represents 54% of the world’s energy consumption, technology-driven solutions can help reduce materials consumption and CO2 emissions drastically. Minimizing negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources is a goal that runs alongside any aim for smart manufacturing that implements technology.
Cybersecurity for Smart Manufacturing
Modern manufacturing implements digital and computer technology in most aspects of its work. Processes and other areas are often carried out using digital data which raises the need for security and protection of the technological processes that keep the manufacturing going.
Infiltration from a cybercriminal could shut down a plant’s operations or even make equipment produce faulty products. Most manufacturers are small businesses that don’t have an established IT security practice to combat or cope with a cyber incident. They are therefore particularly exposed to the risk.
As you operate in a more connected world your business becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. It is important to familiarise yourself and your employees of cybersecurity to protect yourself and have a security plan in place should anything happen.
