Exploring the Future of Process Manufacturing for Operations and Strategy 

What does the future hold for the process manufacturing industry? This is a heavy question with a surprisingly simple answer. The evolution of this sector depends on digitalization.  

But take a closer look, and you’ll find that this answer also has its own complexities. Although digital transformation is the way forward to improve processes, procedures and decision-making, there are many pieces to this puzzle. Yet, to address key industry challenges, such as inflation, stringent regulations and a rising demand for quality control and traceability, organizations must embrace a digital approach if they hope to drive greater resiliency on an enterprisewide scale. 

This was the key topic at hand during our LinkedIn Live event. With more than 85 years of experience between them, Hexagon industry experts Peyton Griggers, Cynthia Gomes and Rick Standish discussed the current challenges and opportunities in the process manufacturing sphere.  

Continue reading to learn some of the key takeaways from this insightful session.  

Key Industry Challenges  

Our experts began by considering the central challenges currently at play within process manufacturing. With market demands increasing and a consistent pressure to innovate, the question of “what’s next?” lingers. 

To address this, Peyton noted the importance of assets, that “we have to make sure that our assets are in the right condition to meet those market demands.” This includes ensuring they are designed, maintained and conditioned to a level that supports the creation of products safely, efficiently and of a high quality.   

To achieve this, organizations need to focus on several areas, but perhaps the three most significant challenges to address are integrating assets, ensuring the visibility and traceability of key insights and considering the intertwined relationship between project, asset and operational performance. Addressing all three with digital solutions will help manufacturers to improve operations and output across the board. Let’s explore these challenges further.   

Creating an Integrated Asset Management Strategy

“It's a huge challenge to integrate all the components of asset management because it's key that it flows all the way from conception and design through commissioning and turnover to operations,” said Peyton. Yet, developing a way for assets to work together, and in tandem, is essential for many areas of operation.  

An integrated approach to asset management ensures that everything is designed, managed and controlled optimally. Not only is it an important part of maintaining assets and operations, alongside the tools and processes in play, but it is also crucial for addressing regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. 

Balancing the lifecycle of an asset, alongside operations, is a tricky line to walk. That’s why digital solutions, and the deep insights and integrations they offer, are the best step forward for securing success in the evolving process manufacturing landscape. 

Rising to Regulations

With so many regulations to adhere to, digital tools are a key consideration for manufacturers – from safety to sustainability and sector-specific compliance requirements. But how exactly do digital tools come into play to help organizations meet industry standards and regulations more effectively? 

Rick commented that “Only when we can transform and fully integrate the digital resources of production, asset and facility configuration data, does it give us full transparency to make real-time optimizations, provide ready access to batch qualification and process documentation needed for regulatory compliance.”   

But, as Peyton addressed, these digital tools and resources are only effective when strategy and process are considered. Clear strategy and governance are a significant part of the use of digital tools in making the project a success.    

 Increasing Demand for Quality Control 

To improve processes and decision-making, data is indispensable. Insights, taken from the asset lifecycle, are central to meeting rising quality control demands. But how do you gain these insights?  

Discussing this in the LinkedIn Live, Rick highlighted the importance of increased visibility and traceability. “Visibility at an enterprise level is really about the capability of making actionable decisions based on real time insights ... whether it's for process efficiency (or) regulatory compliance.”     

As mentioned earlier, it is this knowledge that not only enables operational excellence, but also addresses other obstacles that must be overcome such as regulatory requirements, sustainability and asset maintenance activities. “But above all else” Rick continued, “visibility delivers better decision making through improved collaboration.” This would not be possible without the intervention of digital tools and digital transformation strategies.   

The Link Between Project, Asset and Operational Performance  

Another central theme covered by our experts in the live discussion was the symbiosis of project, asset and operational performance. Cynthia spoke about how “Projects can enhance or degrade asset and operational performance. While asset and operational performance can influence project execution and outcomes.”  

The conclusion made here is that project, asset and operational performance are needed to secure a successful management strategy. Cynthia added that “Effective management requires a holistic approach that considers how improvements or issues in one area can ripple through the organization, impacting overall performance and strategic goals.”   

Optimized project, asset and operational performance hinges on a longer-term approach to management that focuses on keeping assets healthy through upgrades, replacements and other asset life-extending processes.  

Starting a Digital Transformation Journey 

Whether you are looking to accelerate digital transformation in your organization, or improve existing efforts, the secret to success is knowing where to start and the best methods to follow.  

According to our experts, taking a holistic approach to digitalization is essential. Rick commented that this is “to ensure that all parts of an organization are aligned and focused during that digital transformation journey,” adding though that focusing on digital technologies alone is not enough. 

Cynthia mirrored this: “Digital transformation is not just about technology, it's about people. So, cultivate a culture that embraces change, encourages experimentation, values digital skills and provides training and support to help employees adapt. Defining clear objectives, that's key. Start by understanding what you hope to achieve with digital transformation.” 

For Peyton, the best first step to make is to secure governance and oversight; creating accountability and responsibilities so a solid strategic plan can be made for digitalization within an organization.  

Looking to build or expand your own digital transformation strategy within the process manufacturing industry? Explore how digitalization can drive enterprisewide success for your organization, now and in the future.