Cultivating competence: how to close the skills gap in smart manufacturing

The rise of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing is transforming the industry as we know it. Arriving at a pivotal time, can the innovations of our time be used to help ease the great manufacturing skill shortage and why is there an Industry 4.0 skills gap in the first place? Currently, there is not enough talent to go around and in order to adopt smart manufacturing advancements, more training, upskilling, reskilling and talent acquisition is needed to meet the manufacturing demands of tomorrow. The skills gap and talent shortage is not new to manufacturing. In fact, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) found it has been a key concern for […]

将来の製造業の労働力にとって適切なリーダーシップ研修が不可欠な理由

As the manufacturing landscape undergoes rapid evolution, what are some of the challenges of leaders within manufacturing conglomerates and how can leadership training solve for these? Leaders must spearhead innovation and sustain growth. This is why, in this dynamic environment, leadership training is crucial for senior executives and mid-level management; but what does leadership training excellence look like? According to the International Institute for Management Development, “leadership training is a structured experience designed to help individuals develop and enhance their leadership skills and abilities.” It’s essential that leadership training extends beyond conventional management practices to foster strategic thinking, encourage experimentation, and promote a growth mindset that empowers teams to innovate, […]

製造業の社会的持続可能性: 変化を促進し、ビジネスの成長を促進する

In the current modern marketplace, discerning consumers and investors are becoming more and more attuned to the need for commercial production to uphold rigorous environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, supporting their values of stewardship for the planet and the community. What does the “social” in ESG mean to manufacturers? Social sustainability in manufacturing involves ensuring fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain, fostering positive relationships with local communities, upholding human rights standards, and promoting the well-being of employees. In recent decades, the concept has expanded to include broader considerations such as environmental impact, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and ethical sourcing. Today, countries worldwide have regulations in place to […]

倫理的問題を回避するためにサプライヤー評価が重要な理由

Supply chain dynamics have never been more intricate, impactful, and complex. Within this complexity lies a critical concern: ensuring ethical standards are upheld throughout the supply chain. This is where the utilisation of a supplier assessment emerges as a vital tool for businesses to safeguard not only their ethical integrity but also their bottom line. But what is the purpose of supply chain assessment? By evaluating and scrutinising the practices of suppliers, companies can mitigate the risk of encountering ethical issues such as labour exploitation, environmental degradation, or human rights violations. As awareness and expectations regarding corporate responsibility continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability […]

持続可能な未来のための産業ネットワークソリューション

As part of our GETIT thought leadership series, CEO and Founder of INCIT Raimund Klein recently spoke with Tata Communication’s Srivathsan Narasimhan (Sri), Director of Strategic Solutions on how manufacturers can equip themselves for future growth and sustainability through industrial communications and digital integration. Here are five key highlights from their thought-provoking discussion “Industrial Network Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” 1. Addressing critical pain points in job shop connectivity Global manufacturers grapple with significant challenges, particularly in job shop connectivity and productivity measurement. According to INCIT data, job shop connectivity ranks among the lowest priorities for manufacturers. And while there is some existing connectivity for the job shop, it is […]

ESGデータガバナンスの欠如が製造業の持続可能性の進歩に与える影響

The rising influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expectations are starting to become more and more critical with every passing day for industries, inclusive of manufacturing, but there is a silver lining. It has been suggested by Forbes that ESG-focused activities can be “a golden opportunity to improve your business by adopting best practices that contribute value” but these new strategies also add another significant layer of complexity to manufacturing businesses during an already disruptive time. In relation to sustainability efforts, how important is ESG data governance? ESG data management’s role in sustainable manufacturing The practice of managing and applying ESG-related information effectively, ESG data governance, is increasingly opening […]

Data privacy and security in sustainable manufacturing in the age of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is widely recognised to have originated in 2011, and now, after over ten years, the manufacturing sector is well and truly in the midst of a data-driven revolution. According to a World Economic Forum whitepaper, Industry 4.0 will spur enterprises to join forces in interconnected value networks to leverage data and analytics applications to fuel productivity, cultivate new customer experiences, and make a significant impact on society and the environment. According to Gary Coleman, Global Industry and Senior Client Advisor, Deloitte Consulting has said that “the Fourth Industrial Revolution is still in its nascent state,” but as this era unfolds further, it will continue to unlock an unprecedented amount of […]

製造業の持続可能性のためのデジタルファイナンスは実現可能でしょうか?

Money is no longer just cash or coins. Today you’ll find more instances of digital transactions compared to physical money, with cash use declining year each year. The growing adoption of digital solutions has naturally reshaped the financial landscape, leading to industries worldwide adopting new digital financing options to support their business initiatives. With sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) now a critical consideration for manufacturing companies worldwide, manufacturers are increasingly turning to digital financing to support their sustainability initiatives. Digital financing, also known as online financing, refers to the use of digital platforms and technologies to facilitate financial transactions, including lending, investing, and fundraising. This method of financing […]

FMCG 業界のサプライチェーン規制の複雑さへの対応

The manufacturing sector is undergoing a dynamic technological shift with the introduction of advanced smart manufacturing tools and solutions. More manufacturers are starting to take proactive steps to digital transformation, with robotics and automation, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms among the top priorities according to a 2023 Deloitte report. Alongside these radical transformations affecting the manufacturing industry worldwide, supply chain regulations are also shaping the operational landscape for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). The global supply chain regulations enterprises are facing range from trade compliance and product safety standards to environmental and labour regulations. These regulations are not static; they constantly evolve in response to geopolitical shifts, […]

持続可能な繊維サプライチェーン管理：より環境に優しい結果をもたらす戦略

In an interconnected world linked and driven by world trade, maintaining efficient and sustainable supply chains can make a significant difference in operational effectiveness and achieving greener outcomes. The focus on supply chains is not misplaced – it’s been found that around 50% to 70% of operating costs and over 90% of an organisation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be attributed to supply chains.  Having the right supply chain management strategy is therefore essential for a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. A sound supply chain management plan involves integrating environmentally and socially responsible practices into the procurement, production, and distribution processes to minimise the environmental impact of the […]

Green leadership: driving sustainable change and employee engagement

When was the last time you thought about how extreme the weather has become? The effects of climate change are being felt daily worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone. All industries, including manufacturing, must act urgently and devise strategies to address environmental issues, and hold each other accountable to ensure a greener and more sustainable future. While it is imperative for everyone to take positive action towards a greener world, the onus is on both Government and business leaders to lead the charge. At a […]

普遍的な持続可能性基準が製造業の変革にとって重要な3つの理由

We live in a world governed by invisible yet fundamental standards that guide individuals, businesses and governments daily. Globally, there are several clearly defined sets of universally understood reference data that help determine what to expect, and ensure that things like processes, materials, and services are held to a specific level of consistency and dependability. Put simply, standards are “an agreed-upon norm used by people, industry, and government that outlines the best way to complete a task – whether it’s about developing a product, providing a service, controlling a process, or interacting with the world”, according to the IEEE Standards Association. Like all industries, manufacturing isn’t immune from the need […]

The impact of the industrial metaverse and generative AI on smart manufacturing

Artificial intelligence in computing has paved the way toward new and smarter processes, enabling more accurate predictive analytics, autonomous systems, and more. Recently, more advanced AI – generative AI – which leverages machine learning algorithms has emerged, opening new doors to even smarter capabilities than before. Generative AI, developed partly from generative adversarial networks (GANs), is a type of AI that involves training two neural networks to work together to generate new data. Over the past year, generative AI has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity with the advent of AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT. In manufacturing, generative AI is also becoming increasingly important in smart manufacturing solutions alongside other […]

How AI-driven hyper-personalisation is changing the manufacturing supply chain

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been spearheading the rapid digital transformation of the manufacturing sector in recent years. Since Industry 4.0 and the proliferation of smart manufacturing technologies, AI has been playing an increasingly important role in improving manufacturing functions like supply chain management and production optimisation. Together with cloud-based supply chain management tools and intelligent solutions, AI has empowered manufacturers to track and manage the physical flow of goods, operational performance, sustainability metrics and more. AI has also enabled hyper-personalisation in the supply chain to meet changing customer needs. With the demand for personalisation and customisation growing, how is AI-driven hyper-personalisation evolving the manufacturing supply chain? Impact of AI-driven hyper-personalisation […]

5 cybersecurity challenges manufacturers face in their digital transformation journey

Advanced technologies and new digital solutions in recent years have made daily life more convenient, helping businesses attain new levels of operational efficiency. However, these new tools have also created new cybersecurity problems with data breaches becoming more frequent and causing significant privacy and financial losses. A report by IBM estimates that data breaches in 2023 have cost an average of US$4.45 million globally. With the rise of Industry 4.0 and advanced digital technologies adopted in manufacturing, leaders are wary of the industry’s growing cybersecurity risk exposure, leading to growing investment in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity market in the manufacturing sector is expected to grow to US$29.85 billion by 2027, up […]

Recap of INCIT’s participation at ITAP 2023: Transforming the future of manufacturing

INCIT with Ms. Glory Wee (left) and Ms. Sharon Tan (right), Vice President and Assistant Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).   Wednesday, 25 October 2023, Singapore – The International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT) proudly took part in the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) 2023 tradeshow from 18 – 20 October 2023 as a silver partner, an event synonymous with innovation and industry excellence for the manufacturing sector. With a focus on practical solutions and meaningful engagements, our journey through ITAP was marked by valuable interactions and insightful dialogues. From product showcases to collaborative discussions and comprehensive stage presentations, here is a recap of our experience at […]

マイクロファクトリー：小規模で高度に自動化された工場が製造業の未来である理由

It is no question that Industry 4.0 digital transformation has significantly altered the manufacturing landscape. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation enable manufacturers to boost operational efficiency, achieving a significant lift in productivity (up to a 15% to 30% increase) and a significant reduction in downtime (a decrease between 30% and 50%). These technological innovations have also led to the wider emergence of microfactories. Microfactories are smaller factories that leverage cutting-edge tools and solutions to gain a competitive advantage while offering new levels of flexibility and scalability that larger, conventional factories struggle to achieve. Using AI, machine learning, big data, and other innovative technologies has made waste elimination, process […]

4 steps manufacturers should take to digitalise supply chains and build resilience

Supply chain disruptions can have serious consequences for manufacturers, as many may have already experienced from the pandemic. From lost customers and dwindling revenues to even potential legal issues, the effects of supply chain disruptions can be long-lasting and damaging. Manufacturers that have earned the dubious honour of having a bad track record of supply chain disruptions may also be shunned due to reputational damage. As border restrictions have become a thing of the past and most factories have reopened and are able to operate at full capacity, manufacturers no longer have the excuse of the pandemic for supply chain disruptions. In fact, with geopolitical risks at an all-time high, […]

INCIT’s increasing global outreach: Techup and Greenup for Next Industrial Revolution 2023

Our CEO and Founder, Raimund Klein, represented INCIT during this two-day interactive workshop titled ‘Techup and Greenup for Next Industrial Revolution 2023’. Held on August 14 and 15 in Malaysia, the event was attended by distinguished participants including government ministries, industry associations, banks, fintech organisations, SMEs and MNCs. Event highlights This workshop, featuring diverse presentations and breakout sessions, delved into vital subjects including Industry4WARD readiness assessments, credit risk assessments, and comprehension of ESG dimensions. Additionally, inspirational success stories from SMEs underscored the promising prospects of Malaysia’s Industrial Revolution 4.0. Participants also engaged in insightful discussions and knowledge exchanges, highlighting the profound influence Industry 4.0 has on Malaysia’s industries. With a […]

ウェアラブルロボットが製造業に革命を起こす - このイノベーションの顕著な意義を探る

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, labour shortages were already on the rise. The industrial landscape, particularly the manufacturing sector, found itself grappling with an influx of new challenges. The manufacturing workforce is considered relatively old, and young people are not motivated to work in warehouses under tough physical conditions. Industrial accidents have been on the rise as well. The trajectory of manufacturing companies was at a crossroads; they were tasked not only with the sustainability of their operations but also with safeguarding the well-being of their workforce. It is also their responsibility to protect their workforce from injuries, such as musculoskeletal disorders. However, from within these challenges, there emerged an […]

Cutting-edge data analytics: why newer technologies alone cannot power the factory of the future

Data has been captured in various forms and has been an essential part of processes for centuries – from simple tallying markers and notes to complex spreadsheets and cloud storage. Today, the amount and volume of complex data, or big data, that is created and stored is staggering, with an estimated 2.5 billion gigabytes generated daily. In manufacturing, there is a rapidly growing amount of data that is created and distributed with smarter and interconnected technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices now integrated into operational systems. However, without a proficient grasp of big data utilisation and analysis, the data will be reduced […]

How does the circular economy sustain high-tech electronic needs?

In the context of manufacturing, a circular economy refers to closed-loop production, in which materials and products are kept within the system to be continually reused and repurposed, even at the end of its life cycle. This reduces our reliance on finite resources, especially for rare earths that make up a significant component of our everyday high-tech electronic devices, such as our mobile phones and laptops. Given ongoing and widespread digitalisation and today’s ever-growing demand for high-tech electronics, manufacturers urgently need to find ways to do more with less, while also becoming more sustainable – and the circular economy could be the way to achieve this. 5 ways a circular […]

グリーン製造：リーン手法と消費者主導型製造の影響

Today’s rapidly changing business landscape has increased the sense of urgency for manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices. The rise of smart manufacturing has put a spotlight on the importance of more energy-efficient and agile processes that drive productivity while reducing waste. This is especially crucial with stakeholders, consumers, and financiers placing closer scrutiny over environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics in recent years due to its close correlation with business risks and long-term value creation. The effect is clear: global leaders are quickly realising that sustainable practices not only benefit the environment, but also bolster cost savings, enhance reputation, and improve customer loyalty. As a result, there has been […]

デジタルトランスフォーメーションが繊維製造業の生産性をどのように向上させるか

Textiles are an integral part of everyday life. From clothes and furnishing to bedding and medical textiles like Personal Protective Equipment and surgical masks, it’s virtually impossible to do without them.   To meet this demand while grappling with supply chain issues and rising costs of energy, textile manufacturers have had to find ways to improve productivity by creating more with less – and digital transformation could be the key. Why is digital transformation important to the textiles industry? The productivity crisis in manufacturing has worsened in recent years, and this is especially true for the textiles industry. Three factors play a big part in this.  Firstly, the textile supply chain […]

How digital transformation in manufacturing is enabling shopfloor intelligence for improved operations

Manual processes often result in siloed departments, as manufacturing and quality managers are often physically checking products and processes and recording their findings with pen and paper. This information may or may not reach the organisation’s decision-makers, leading to transparency issues.  With the use of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), manufacturers can create a digital manufacturing floor and establish shopfloor intelligence from the get-go. With proper support, shopfloor intelligence can drive significant savings with better-quality products as it reduces risk of warranty issues, create streamlined and efficient processes, and reduce waste.  4 benefits of shopfloor intelligence – and how to integrate these into your facility  There are four main benefits […]

2023 outlook: 3 trends that will impact manufacturing growth

As the world transitions to a post-COVID-19 world, industries like manufacturing are aiming to recalibrate their processes in the search for growth amidst continued global uncertainty.  With supply chain issues gradually improving and ongoing digital and business transformation across the globe, opportunities will arise in 2023 that could help manufacturers improve, grow and expand. In particular, the world is watching closely as China emerges from lockdown.   Here are three manufacturing trends in 2023 that business leaders should be aware of, and how to address these.  Talent and skills management remains a primary concern The manufacturing talent pool is shrinking. Even in the late 2010s, alarm bells rang about the ageing […]

Smart Sustainable Manufacturing – bringing together cleantech and advanced manufacturing

The rise of automation, machine learning and advanced technology in recent years has accelerated the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, leading to smarter and more efficient manufacturing processes. Through this integration of recent technological advancements into various processes and systems, manufacturing businesses have managed to boost productivity and efficiency – but more importantly, become more flexible, agile and future-ready. Now, with attention firmly on environmental and social responsibility, smart manufacturing has shifted towards greener, more sustainable practices. Time is running out for the world to reach net zero by 2050; and stricter environmental regulation, increasing investor requirements and changing customer expectations, among other factors, are pushing sustainability to the […]

製造サプライチェーンのレジリエンスの向上

The pandemic and recent geopolitical events, coupled with macroeconomic headwinds, have led to disrupted supply chains in some sectors. In light of ongoing turbulence in the global business landscape, how can the manufacturing sector establish resilient supply chains to better cope with unexpected changes in the future?

Digitally transforming the Gulf Cooperation Council region

With digitalisation and sustainability currently in focus, can nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pivot away from oil and advance their manufacturing sector while adopting digital transformation strategies to keep pace with the rest of the world? “What would we be able to produce if oil and gas did not exist?” asks Qatar Development Bank CEO Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa. With the GCC known for its energy and power industries, it may seem difficult to imagine a time when the region is not producing oil for the world. But with digitalisation and sustainability now in the spotlight, and more countries pledging to achieve net-zero and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, […]

インダストリー 5.0 とは何か、またインダストリー 4.0 とどのような関係があるか?

Industry 4.0 has revolutionised the manufacturing industry in recent years. Today’s digitally enhanced factories have leveraged smart technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics and the cloud to optimise production and reduce waste, leading to better productivity than before. These technologies have provided numerous benefits – from 30% to 50% reductions in machine downtime to 85% more accurate forecasting. With this constant improvement, Industry 4.0 is gradually progressing towards Industry 5.0. But what are the key differences between these stages of industrialisation and how should business leaders prepare for the next phase in manufacturing modernisation? The Fifth Industrial Revolution Industry 5.0 isn’t really a new developmental stage in industrialisation. Instead, it should be […]