
Why Does Manufacturing Lag in Technology Adoption? Building the Factory of the Future with Value Creation
The limited evolution in the practical application of data collected from new technologies in manufacturing operations is a significant challenge. Manufacturers often forget or neglect the "why" behind their decision to adopt new technology in the first place. Although technology adoption in manufacturing can seem like a viable path toward competitive advantage, it is often value creation in manufacturing that determines a project’s sustainable success....

Beyond Consistency: How Operational Excellence Unlocks Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, operational excellence remains a cornerstone of success. But achieving consistency alone is no longer enough to stay ahead. To gain a true competitive advantage, companies must go beyond the fundamentals of operational excellence and embrace innovation, value creation, and adaptability....

Loss Analysis: From Early Days to Advanced Tools for Manufacturing Efficiency
Loss analysis has come a long way in the manufacturing industry. From its humble beginnings to today’s advanced methodologies, it has transformed the way we uncover opportunities, eliminate waste, and drive value creation in manufacturing. In this post, we’ll explore how loss analysis evolved—from small manual efforts to data-driven systems leveraging loss analysis software—and why it’s critical for boosting manufacturing efficiency....

What is a Loss in Manufacturing? How to Identify and Eliminate Hidden Inefficiencies
In the world of manufacturing, one question often arises: What really is a loss? It’s an important question—and one that opens the door to transforming operations. A loss is more than just waste; it represents an opportunity. Whether you call it waste, inefficiency, or rework, the essence remains the same. Data suggests that nearly 30% of what we do in manufacturing involves waste. This could be wasted materials, time, effort, or energy. But instead of viewing it purely as waste, consider it as the distance between where you are and where you could be—a gap waiting to be bridged....

Manufacturing's Next Step: From CoE To Ecosystem of Excellence
A CoE is a business investment: A team that develops and shares best practices and orchestrates end-to-end transformation. In SmarterChains’ experience, however, it is only a stepping stone....

Machine Vision: 8 Companies that enable Industrial Robots to see
A list of companies that build Machine Vision solutions: Aquifi, LMI Technologies, Prophesee, 3D Infotech, VAIA Technologies, Stemmer Imaging and Industrial Vision....

Industrial Handheld Devices: Top 8 Solutions
A list of 8 companies that build Handheld Devices for Industrial use: Zebra, abas ERP, Alien Technology, Omron Microscan, Casio Computers, Sonim, Tasklet Factory and Ubimax....

Automated Load Carriers: 6 Companies that carve the way for the Industry 4.0 Plant
Top solutions for Driverless and Automated Guided Vehicles in the factory....

End-of-line Palletizing: 5 Solutions for the Factory of the Future
A list of the 5 most reliable solutions in End-of-Line Palletizing by CSI Portal, Dematic, Alvey Group, Brenton Engineering and End of Line Packaging Solutions....

Industry 4.0 Complexity and Uncertainty – Why Some Manufacturers Thrive
Why do some manufacturing companies gain more value from Industry 4.0 than others? Because they regard the adoption of Industry 4.0 as an overall strategic business objective....

Factory Culture of the Future: A sensible guide to Adhocracy
Imagine a synergistic organization, where silos are broken by common customer-centric objectives and a transparent flow of information....

Embracing the possibilities of Industry 4.0 in the COVID-19 era
Clearly, the time to move, to get ahead of the curve, is now by preparing and defining your future capabilities for what is next and beyond. At SmarterChains, our three-stage approach – Prepare, Define, Execute – helps manufacturers embrace the possibilities of Industry 4.0....
Ten Factory of the Future Dimensions – Your way to Industry 4.0 transformation
At SmarterChains we call these areas the 10 Factory of the Future dimensions....