|
Manufacturing businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are no strangers to the growing pains associated with using manual processes and spreadsheets in their operations. Despite the digital age's rapid advancements, many manufacturing firms still rely heavily on outdated methods. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), approximately 47% of small manufacturers in the United States were still using manual processes and spreadsheets for various aspects of their production and supply chain management. These businesses often grapple with inefficiencies, increased error rates, and a lack of real-time visibility into their operations, leading to missed opportunities, customer dissatisfaction, and lost competitiveness.
The drawbacks of manual processes and spreadsheets become increasingly evident as manufacturing businesses scale up or face volatile market conditions. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that manufacturers using these outdated methods are more likely to experience production delays, with 64% of them reporting delays due to inaccurate data entry and 53% citing difficulties in adapting to changing customer demands. Moreover, the lack of automation and integration hampers their ability to respond swiftly to market shifts and reduces overall agility. As a result, these companies often struggle to remain competitive in an environment where lean, data-driven, and agile manufacturing practices are becoming the norm.
If you are facing the challenges of outgrowing your current processes, be sure to check out this month’s article below for helpful information, or contact us to learn more about how you can start optimizing your business and forge a path of growth and success.
|
