ChatGPT said:
Everyone feels it: change is in the air. And surely some companies are asking themselves:
We want to start digitizing our production. But: “Should I start selecting an MES right now in the middle of the crisis? Or would it be better to wait until the situation calms down and it becomes clearer where things are headed?”
An interesting question.
It includes both the aspect of “When is a good time to select an MES?” and “What conditions should be in place?” Personally, I would also add: “What will it bring me, what will the outcome be?” and, very importantly, “Why should I do this?”
Digitization does not sleep.
The past weeks have shown how quickly situations can change. We live in an information society — I think this has become very clear by now.
This applies to both private and business life. Companies that have addressed topics like home office, remote access for maintenance, or digital monitoring of production slowly or not at all were caught off guard.
You cannot overhaul an existing logistics process, order management, or shift system overnight — or at least not without “enormous pain.” A key aspect is the flow of information and data between all parties. When all key players and experts are on-site, it’s easy to make quick adjustments or respond to special situations. It’s different if these key players and experts are at home. To respond flexibly, you need the most important process, order, logistics, and production information in a single system. Only then can you maintain an overview. This, of course, requires that you’ve done your “homework” in the past.
It becomes clear: whether we want the information society, digitization, or Industry 4.0 doesn’t matter. Sitting it out will definitely not work! The old saying applies: “If you don’t move with the times, you’ll be left behind.” That’s exactly right.
“The cat is out of the bag!”
This definitely applies to topics like home office, online conferences, online training, online consulting, etc. You don’t need to be a prophet to see that there will be no going back to “normal” — the pre-COVID state 1:1. For example, Twitter has just announced permanent use of home office.
A thought:
Due to the exceptional situation, we couldn’t do many things: go to restaurants, go to the office, or meet people face-to-face, whether in private or work settings. What did we do instead? We ordered food online or stayed in touch with friends and colleagues via web conferencing. We used online university courses and other training opportunities. And we realized: it’s not bad at all — it even works very well. In short, we developed new “online habits” that will continue to influence our actions, no matter how long the exceptional situation lasts.
I see it positively: the current exceptional situation is turning many beliefs and patterns upside down. With the positive feeling of what is possible, I am confident that exciting new perspectives will emerge for future collaboration within the company, as well as with partners and customers!
The past weeks have shown that many things are possible that were strictly rejected or questioned before COVID. The necessary software tools have existed for years, are increasing, and are becoming better, safer, and more efficient. The last few weeks have also impressively shown that thanks to digitization (i.e., the use of infrastructure and technology), social life as a whole has been maintained.
There is still a lot of catching up to do. This is confirmed by this year’s Cisco Digital Readiness Index, which shows Germany dropping 8 places, especially in infrastructure and technology usage.
Meaningful digitization in companies helps not only to operate production and value creation efficiently but also to unlock entirely new potential. Data and information can tell us how things are changing and developing. This applies not only to changes in production, machines, and products but also in logistics, workforce, billing methods, customers, and suppliers — in short, changes inside and outside the company. These are many streams of information and data that must be collected, processed, and above all, analyzed. This requires the right mindset in the company — seeing data as an important “resource” and acting accordingly.
Companies that recognize this are already pursuing various digitization projects and programs. They know it takes time to build projects and a mindset. Especially now, when every company must make strategic considerations, digitization should be at the top of the agenda. And please, not just because “we have to digitize.” Instead, do it with a clear idea of why you are digitizing and where you want to start.
What is your opinion? Invest now or wait?
What is your path to Industry 4.0?
Are you working on strategy development and want to deepen your thoughts on digitization?
Take advantage of the opportunity and schedule a free strategy session! I assure you: it’s worth it — enjoy the clarity and the good feeling of having definitely taken a step forward.
Simply click the blue button below this blog post. I look forward to speaking with you!
