In our previous blog, we talked about the importance of sustainable manufacturing digital continuity strategy. It is a key success factor for companies to remain competitive and meet their sustainability goal.

Recap of top 5 SMDC strategies discussed in the previous blog:

1. Adopt a circular economy approach
2. Implement a digital supply chain
3. Deploy a manufacturing execution system (MES)
4. Utilise data analytics
5. Explore AI use cases

However, implementing SMDC requires careful planning, coordination, and execution to be successful. In this blog post, we will discuss the key steps and considerations required to develop a roadmap for SMDC.

Step 1: Assess Your Current State

Before embarking on an SMDC implementation journey, it’s important to assess your current state and identify areas for improvement. This assessment should include a comprehensive review of your existing manufacturing processes, supply chain operations, and sustainability practices. Some key considerations to keep in mind during this assessment include:

• What are your current manufacturing processes and how can they be optimised for sustainability and efficiency?
• How are your supply chain currently structured, and what opportunities exist for greater collaboration and transparency?
• What sustainability metrics are you currently tracking, and how can they be improved or expanded?
• What digital tools and technologies are you currently using, and how can they be leveraged for SMDC implementation?
• By conducting a thorough assessment of your current state, you can identify areas of strength and weakness and develop a clear understanding of the steps required to achieve your SMDC goals.

It is always preferred to perform such assessment across different functions in an organisation and involved experienced solution provider to bounce ideas.

Step 2: Define Your SMDC Goals and Objectives

Once you have assessed your current state, the next step is to define your SMDC goals and objectives. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, and they should align with your overall business strategy and sustainability vision. Some potential SMDC goals and objectives to consider include:

• Improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing waste
• Enhancing supply chain collaboration and transparency
• Increasing visibility into sustainability metrics
• Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
• Enhancing product traceability and quality control

By defining your SMDC goals and objectives, you can create a clear roadmap for implementation and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned around a common vision.

Step 4: Develop Your SMDC Roadmap

Once you have assessed your current state, defined your SMDC goals and objectives, and identified the key software solutions required, the following step is to develop your SMDC roadmap. This roadmap should include a detailed plan for implementation, including timelines, resource requirements, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Collaboration and communication across all departments and stakeholders are crucial for effective implementation of SMDC. The roadmap should involve input from all relevant stakeholders, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, IT teams, your supplier partner in software solution, and equipment automation.

Success Stories in SMDC Implementation

Example of success stories in SMDC—ENEL, a multinational energy company, implemented a new MES system at its power plant in Catania, Sicily, Italy’s largest solar panel factory. Tracing and monitoring across the end-to-end manufacturing of HJT solar cells to solar panels are the criteria to be fulfilled in the process flow definition, data tracking, equipment integration, process security, and statistical process control. The new MES Modules from camLine provided real-time data monitoring and analysis, enabling the plant to identify and resolve issues quickly.

The company already deploys photoluminescence and electroluminescence analysis in the existing factory and plans to increase deployment of these automated techniques to monitor its processes and product quality. The manufacturing process includes a series of digital control systems and sensors that give the workforce an overview of the evolution of energy consumption, singling out glitches in production. The assembly process follows a similar approach. “We are pushing more and more for automated inspections with increasingly sophisticated AI-based image recognition systems,” said Gerardi, Head of Innovability, 3Sun Gigafactory.

Another unnamed global leader in energy management and automation has seen significant improvements in sustainability, efficiency, and cost savings since implementing SMDC. These companies have reduced energy consumption by 2 – 10%, reduced water consumption by 5 – 20%, and increased recycled waste up to 20%. Another unnamed manufacturing solutions provider has also experienced similar success, achieving up to 50% reduction in water usage and around 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, SMDC implementation is a crucial strategy for companies seeking to remain competitive and meet their sustainability goals. By following the key steps and considerations outlined in this blog post, companies can develop a clear roadmap for SMDC implementation, and achieve significant improvements in sustainability, efficiency, and cost-saving.