Unveiling My Fascination in Manufacturing Operations

In my 26 years of experience in information technology, I have had opportunities to work with various business industries, including education, media, printing, retail, restaurant, hospitality, insurance, and manufacturing. As a technology advisor, I have worked with many CIOs, VPs, and directors in these industries. However, my passion was always solving their business problems through technologies rather than simply focusing on their core business.

It all started changing over 6 years back when I met a few manufacturers and discussed their technology challenges, before starting Fogwing. Over the last 6 years, I have met many leaders in manufacturing and visited many plants to understand their assets and processes. Still, my hunger to learn manufacturing operations goes deeper. My perception started changing after I went deeper into it. 

We buy products from toothpaste to cars and use them daily, but never think about how they are made. Manufacturing is a very complex and dynamic process that plays a crucial role in shaping our modern world. From the production lines producing everyday consumer goods to cutting-edge technologies creating innovations, manufacturing is a fascinating realm that captivates my mind. 

I wish to share why manufacturing is inherently interesting and captivating for me.

1. Production Processes:

The production process can vary greatly depending on the products manufacturers make, the materials used, and the specific manufacturing techniques utilized. In some manufacturing companies, the production process may be relatively straightforward, involving repeated steps until the final product is complete. 

For example, producing a simple consumer product like a toothbrush might involve molding the plastic handle, attaching bristles, and packaging the product for shipment. 

However, automobile manufacturing can be extremely complex, involving various materials, machinery, and specialized techniques. For example, the production of an engine involves hundreds of components, each of which must be precisely manufactured to exact specifications. These components must be assembled in a highly controlled environment using specialized tools and techniques. 

2. Production Automation:

In the 70th, manufacturing industries underwent the transformation known as the Industry 3.0 era, where production automation was the key focus due to complex processes and a shortage of skilled laborers. 

Automation technology has been developed and implemented in manufacturing to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase production speed. However, this technology requires specialized knowledge and expertise to design, implement, and maintain.

Automation technologies involve complex mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic components programmed to work in specific patterns or designs. It is a complex implementation requiring extreme scientific, logical, and analytical thinking.

The continuous pursuit of efficiency, precision, and sustainability drives engineers and scientists to push the boundaries, creating new and exciting solutions to age-old problems.

3. Physical Endeavors :

Manufacturing differs from other industries, such as software development, where work is usually limited to a desk. Physical efforts are necessary in manufacturing. This includes moving around materials, planning, and executing processes that heavily depend on the availability of physical materials. Additionally, creative thinking is required to ensure the success of the manufacturing process.

Working on a factory floor is akin to a soccer game where teamwork is crucial in moving objects to achieve goals. Engineers and technicians are actively engaged throughout the day in the physical nature of the creation of products, whether assembling components on an assembly line or working with CNC machines to perform intricate tasks. This tangible aspect of manufacturing appeals to those who enjoy seeing the direct results of their efforts.

4. Problem-Solving Wonders

During my visits to our customers' plants for study and implementation, I often witness maintenance engineers handling at least one problem-solving incident in a short period. Maintenance in a factory inherently involves solving complex problems rapidly before it hits productivity. 

Process Engineers and designers in the manufacturing sector tackle materials, production processes, and product design challenges. From developing lightweight materials for trimmer applications to optimizing aerospace components in production facilities, manufacturing professionals are at the forefront of problem-solving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible by humans. 

We should applaud those who work hard to make our lives comfortable by buying products online.

5. Diverse Range of Industries:

This is the most interesting part of my curiosity and involvement in understanding manufacturing industries. Manufacturing business spans a vast array of industries, each with unique challenges and opportunities. Even though I have studied many automotive companies for implementing our Fogwing solutions, we noticed that each one varies within this spectrum. 

Whether it's automotive, OEM, pharmaceuticals, or electronics, the diversity within the manufacturing sector is staggering. This variety keeps the industry interesting and fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, with experts from different fields coming together to create innovative solutions.

In every factory visitor and implementation, we learn new things from them. This keeps me pushing to expand my curiosity in this industry. 

Conclusion:

Manufacturing is not just about producing goods; it's a dynamic and ever-evolving field that reflects the spirit of human ingenuity and progress. The manufacturing industry provides a rich tapestry of challenges and opportunities, from the intricate robotics dance on the factory floor to the strategic decision-making in boardrooms. 

As part of my profession, when I go through each customer and prospect operational process, manufacturing remains a cornerstone of innovation, economic vitality, and global interconnectedness, making it an endlessly interesting and essential aspect of our world.