As we move forward in the digital age, a factory's ability to adapt not only determines its competitiveness but also its potential to lead in the global market.
The challenges posed by fluctuations in global supply and the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on shipping and supply chains have amplified the complexities of manufacturing processes.
While the number of U.S. manufacturing plants has fallen by roughly 25% since 1997, there has been a recent resurgence in recent years. The real challenge is that an increased import dependence has left key U.S. manufacturing supply chains exposed to greater global risks. U.S. manufacturing companies that successfully restructure their supply chains to boost local production will have to make changes on many fronts.
To address this, manufacturers have increased their digital investment over the past few years and accelerated the adoption of technology. Many manufacturers are trying out new (even smart) technologies. One in five manufacturers is already experimenting with new technical solutions.
This is forcing US manufacturers to bring more of their manufacturing capabilities back to the United States. However, one study found that recent factory planning projects have reported cost increases and time delays due to non-transparent information between different planners.
One of the ways that we can overcome these obstacles in the United States is by automating our way out of challenges. Manufacturers already have mountains of data that they're utilizing to digitize their manufacturing process. But now that manufacturing is resurging, that means companies need to open more facilities.
How can companies connect those new factories or repurpose old facilities for this new work that's coming in? That’s where BIM and integrated factory modeling work together to get your lines up and running as fast as possible.