What do you do if you're struggling to keep up with new technology in the manufacturing industry?

1 Assess your needs

Before you jump into any new technology, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. What are the problems or gaps that you want to solve or fill with technology? What are the benefits and costs of implementing it? How will it affect your current operations, customers, and employees? By answering these questions, you can prioritize your needs and focus on the most relevant and feasible solutions for your business.

4 Test and evaluate

Another challenge of adopting new technology is measuring its impact and performance. You need to test and evaluate the technology before you fully integrate it into your operations. You can use a pilot project, a trial period, or a prototype to test the functionality, usability, and compatibility of the technology. You also need to collect and analyze data on the outcomes, benefits, and costs of the technology. You can use metrics such as productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, or return on investment to assess the value of the technology.

5 Seek support

Finally, you don't have to adopt new technology alone. You can seek support from various sources, such as your technology provider, your industry network, or your local government. You can ask for advice, guidance, or assistance on how to choose, implement, or use the technology. You can also look for funding, grants, or incentives that can help you afford the technology. You can also join forums, groups, or communities where you can exchange ideas, insights, or experiences with other manufacturers who are facing similar challenges.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?