Digitization for reliable and efficient manufacturing

Manufacturing is an important economic activity and all manufacturers are fiercely vying to grab the scarce market space using quality and price competitiveness to achieve their objectives. The paper highlights digitization as a means to achieve greater reliability and efficiency in manufacturing operations. Mathematical models capable of analyzing enormous data using statistics and optimization algorithms along with the development of affordable electronics and software algorithms does translate manufacturing from traditional to one that is data driven. Digitization does lead to enhanced efficiency in manufacturing operations. The shortcoming of these is that, it needs cultural change, which is difficult, but not impossible to implement in a manufacturing system. The methodologies explained might enable practicing managers to translate their manufacturing systems into ones that are data driven, reliable and efficient. Though there are evidences that suggest the use of data analytics in other domains, such as e-commerce, but the technology has not yet been exploited for data-based manufacturing. The manuscript gives an insight into how digitization can act as a driver for higher reliability and efficiency in manufacturing domain. The paper attempts to fill this gap. The methodologies explained in the manuscript may act as a good guide for practicing operational managers.