Even though technology investments are higher than in the past decade, many industrial companies are losing money and opportunities by failing to invest in process automation and integration.
A survey by CNI, the National Confederation of Industry, shows that 69% of Brazilian industrial companies currently use digital technology in Brazil. But that percentage cannot be considered satisfactory when compared to other countries.
China's industry, for example, keeps investing in technological solutions and, because of that, may become the world's largest economy by 2030. The US, fearing that outcome, plans to inject billions of dollars into production and areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
More than ever, Brazilian industries need to change their industrial policy to compete with these and other powers — and to stay up to date with technological progress.
The companies that took part in the CNI survey and already use digital technology report that adopting these technologies is contributing greatly to strong industrial performance. There were productivity gains, improved product quality, and cost reductions. But that is not all. The improvements also benefit the customer experience.
In that sense, there is no doubt: the 31% of Brazilian industrial companies that do not use technology need to change their perception of the market and embrace digital transformation once and for all.
Technologies needed for the transformation
When applied effectively, technologies enable companies to improve decision making, strengthen their business relationships, and prepare for the future.
Below are the three best technologies for accelerating digital transformation:
Robotics
Some technologies have become indispensable in the industrial routine. Chief among them is robotics, which uses robots to automate complex tasks that require high levels of precision.
Today, industrial robotics can be applied to complement a worker's activity, for example. Also, to optimize repetitive work and move parts, products, and materials from one place to another.
Robotics can also be used to carry out activities that require care and involve a high degree of danger, such as cutting and welding tasks.
In addition, operating costs drop with industrial robots, since they reduce the human workload, improve production and process quality, and deliver more agility.
Artificial Intelligence
Beyond robots, we cannot forget artificial intelligence (AI), which is responsible for bringing automated systems to life.
Combining this technology with other important concepts such as IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), machine learning, and even robotics has already proven capable of helping industrial companies collect and analyze large volumes of data, optimize strategy building, and increase production performance.
Cloud Computing
Another technology that has become crucial for the industries of the future is cloud computing.
Solutions that run in the cloud, such as the Useall ERP, allow data to be stored and information to be accessed in real time from anywhere. This has become a trump card for industrial companies to increase data security, cut costs, and optimize processes.
How technology helps optimize processes
Until a few years ago, all industrial operations were done manually. There were tools such as machines and computers to assist human labor, but there was also a limit to how far those pieces could fit together.
People could not perform tasks 24 hours a day, and even though machines, equipment, and computers could stay connected continuously, they lacked the intelligence to perform functions on their own.
Today, however, the scenario has changed.
Using robots on the factory floor to perform tasks has allowed industrial companies to optimize operations and shorten delivery times for products and services. Applying artificial intelligence has made it possible to collect and analyze data automatically, speeding up decision making. And cloud computing, with cloud solutions that integrate departments and other technologies, has expanded control over finances, people, and processes.
Look at all the possibilities digital technology has brought to industry and how its applicability can impact the internal experience of workers, suppliers, and customers. The gains in productivity, competitiveness, and results undoubtedly outweigh every investment.
Beyond today's gains, we cannot forget to mention the possibilities still to come with these technologies. As solutions advance, industries tend to become increasingly agile, automated, and intelligent. And the results of these transformations can be very significant when viewed from a global perspective.
If the time comes when every Brazilian industrial company uses digital technologies, the country will certainly become a powerhouse. And with that, the gains can be expected to become even more expressive for companies, workers, and the economy alike.
If you want to prepare your company for the future and keep pace with other major market powers, request a Useall ERP proposal and see, in practice, how it can support the management of industrial and other businesses!
Originally published in Portuguese at useall.com.br.