Translating Legacy Knowledge with Automation in Manufacturing Operations

Today’s shop floors are rich with legacy knowledge from long-tenured workers whose intuition and hands-on experience traditionally guide decision-making. Integrating automation into shop floor operations allows manufacturers to sustainably improve efficiency and productivity even as their workforce shifts. For manufacturers, automating operations is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Automation isn’t a threat. It’s a promise for greater efficiency that also preserves invaluable human expertise.

Leveraging Automation to Preserve Legacy Knowledge

Legacy knowledge on the shop floor has been key to anticipating and responding to equipment issues. For example, experienced workers in manufacturing plants often rely on sound and vibration to detect potential equipment failures. While this expertise is invaluable, it’s also difficult to scale and transfer.

Automation tools, such as predictive maintenance systems, address this challenge by leveraging sensors to track metrics like vibrations, temperature and other critical indicators. This approach minimizes downtime while reducing maintenance costs.

Driving Efficiency Through Automated Processes

Automation isn’t limited to predictive maintenance. It can also streamline complex processes. For instance, machine learning tools can analyze stock data to optimize inventory levels, reducing excess inventory while preventing stockouts.

Shop floor management also benefits from automation. By forecasting demand fluctuations, these systems enable manufacturers to plan production more effectively. This level of foresight helps companies meet demand without overproducing or underutilizing resources.

Production reporting is another area where automation shines. Transitioning from manual methods, such as chalkboards or spreadsheets, to real-time automated reporting systems provides greater visibility and reduces human error. Manufacturers gain actionable insights faster, which improves decision-making on the shop floor.

Demand forecasting is further enhanced through automation. Advanced algorithms analyze seasonality, market trends, and product mix with greater accuracy and at a lower cost than manual methods.

These capabilities give manufacturers the insights they need to remain competitive even in the most dynamic markets.

Preserving the Human Touch with Automation

One of the central concerns with automation is the potential loss of human intuition and skill. However, automation can complement—rather than replace—legacy knowledge. For example, operators in a textile manufacturing facility, where processes have remained unchanged for centuries, can use automation tools to improve product quality and streamline production management. Training and education empower these workers to leverage automation as a tool to enhance their expertise.

Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management: Scalable Automation

As manufacturers consider integrating automation, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management provides the flexibility to scale these solutions without disrupting processes or the employees who perform them.

Key features of Dynamics 365 for manufacturers include:

• Real-time inventory tracking ensures optimal stock levels by analyzing data from sources like RFID tags and shipping data.
• Predictive maintenance that cuts costs by identifying issues before they are critical.
• Demand forecasting provides actionable insights to help manufacturers stay ahead of market trends.

Sikich partners with manufacturers seeking to integrate automation solutions within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. Manufacturers can confidently modernize their shop floor operations by partnering with Sikich and leveraging solutions like Dynamics 365 while maintaining the invaluable human expertise that sets them apart.

Contact us to find out more.