Technology is the process of applying scientific discoveries and other forms of enquiry to applied situations in the real life. Technological innovations in production therefore involve applying the work of scientists and business researchers to develop new products, processes and solutions.
Why are technological innovations important in production?
Technological innovations are important in production for a number of reasons.
They have enabled the evolution of the production process from job production through batch and mass production (flow production) up to mass customization. With the introduction of modern computers and robots, there have been even more improvements to the production process allowing for efficiently producing products of high quality.
At the same time, there has been the widespread application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to a wide range of production methods including computer databases, broadband services or company intranet systems.
Overall, technological innovations are essential for improving production efficiency, product quality and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Examples of innovations in production
There is a range of new technologies that are being applied throughout businesses around the world improving production methods and outputs.
The most recent development in production of products has been achieved thanks to combining the flexibility of job production with cost reductions of mass production (flow production). Here are several examples of innovations that made it happen:
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is a manufacturing approach that uses computers to control and integrate all aspects of the production process, from design and engineering to manufacturing and distribution. These systems typically use a variety of software and hardware technologies, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), robotics, and automated material handling systems. Both CAD and CAM have allowed much quicker developments of new products that feature many common components and using robotic machinery that can be switched to making a range products.
- Computer Aided Design (CAD). Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer-based software to create, modify, analyze, or optimize a design. This software is used by a wide range of industries, including architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and product design. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software allows users to create 2D drawings or 3D models of physical objects. 2D drawings are typically used for drafting and technical documentation. 3D models can be used for a variety of purposes, such as product design, prototyping, and manufacturing. It is widely used for computer animation and special effects in movies, architectural design, advertising and other applications where the graphic design itself is the finished product. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used to design physical products in a wide range of industries where the software performs calculations for determining an optimum shape and size for a variety of product and industrial design applications. It is also used throughout the engineering process from design of products, through analysis of component assemblies to the structure of manufacturing methods.
- Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the use of software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of work pieces, components or complete products. This software generates toolpaths, which are the paths that the cutting tool will take to create the desired shape. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software also generates G-code, which is the language that CNC machines understand. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical devices. It is used to produce a wide variety of parts, from simple to complex. Through the use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), a factory can become highly automated as processes are carried out by various robotic tools. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system allows for a high degree of precision and consistency can be achieved that is not possible with machinery that must be controlled by people.
- Robotics. Robots involve automatic control through either being programmed by key instructions or being able to learn to copy movements carried out by a human operator. Robots and other automated equipment are now performing a wide range of tasks in manufacturing, from welding and assembly to painting and packaging. This has led to significant increases in productivity and quality, as well as reductions in costs and waste. The use of robots and other technologies has enabled some manufacturers to have production lines or their entire factory controlled by computers. Computer-controlled robots are able to complete simple or complex task very quickly and more accurately than workers. As robots become smarter, they increasingly have some system for checking progress such as an electric eye or camera.
- 3D Printing. Products can be designed and displayed in three dimensions (3D) on computer screens using special computer software that can be used to test different features of the product’s design. 3D printing is a rapidly growing technology that allows for the creation of complex objects from digital models. For some time, this has revolutionized the way prototypes are made, and is also increasingly being used for the production of finished products. Once a product has been designed and tested it can be produced much more quickly with the aid of computer technologies.
- Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting machines and devices to the internet, allowing them to collect and share data. This is enabling manufacturers to gain real-time insights into their production processes, identify potential problems early on, and make adjustments as needed.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in a variety of ways to improve production methods, such as optimizing machine schedules, predicting maintenance needs, and detecting defects. This is helping companies to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase uptime.
These are just a few examples of how recent innovations in production methods are being used in different industries. These recent innovations in production methods are helping manufacturers to produce products more efficiently, cost-effectively and sustainably.
