{"id":911,"date":"2018-01-09T11:42:02","date_gmt":"2018-01-09T11:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/?p=911"},"modified":"2020-12-10T14:26:40","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T14:26:40","slug":"top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 8 Predictions for Small Manufacturers in 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Modern-manufacturing_3347740006.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Modern-manufacturing_3347740006.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Modern-manufacturing_3347740006-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Modern-manufacturing_3347740006-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The holidays are over. The decorations are down and the champagne glasses polished and put away. Yearend reports are done and dusted. Everyone is settling back into business as usual. Now that we\u2019re in the first quarter of the new year, it would be wise to take a moment to look ahead to the coming months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of this year\u2019s predictions reflect trends that have been in motion for several years already. Yet small businesses are often the last to get on board due to budgetary limitations and other constraints. Thanks to more affordable and easier-to-use technology, though, these companies can now join their larger counterparts and become more productive than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #343333;color:#343333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #343333;color:#343333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#Heres_whats_in_store_for_small_manufacturers_in_2018\" >Here\u2019s what\u2019s in store for small manufacturers in 2018.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#1_Staffing_will_become_more_complex\" >#1 Staffing will become more complex.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#2_2018_will_be_the_year_to_finally_take_cyber_security_seriously\" >#2 2018 will be the year to finally take cyber security seriously.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#3_All-or-nothing_retirement_will_fade_into_the_past\" >#3 All-or-nothing retirement will fade into the past.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#4_Manufacturing_software_and_apps_will_be_increasingly_designed_for_usability\" >#4 Manufacturing software and apps will be increasingly designed for usability.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#5_Increasing_numbers_of_small_manufacturers_will_use_robots_to_support_or_replace_parts_of_their_workforce\" >#5 Increasing numbers of small manufacturers will use robots to support or replace parts of their workforce.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#6_The_Industrial_Internet_of_Things_IIoT_will_help_small_manufacturers_become_more_productive_and_efficient\" >#6 The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will help small manufacturers become more productive and efficient.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#7_Natural_disasters_will_continue_to_disrupt_global_supply_chains\" >#7 Natural disasters will continue to disrupt global supply chains.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mrpeasy.com\/blog\/top-8-predictions-for-small-manufacturers-in-2018\/#8_Augmented_reality_will_help_troubleshoot_the_production_process\" >#8 Augmented reality will help troubleshoot the production process.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heres_whats_in_store_for_small_manufacturers_in_2018\"><\/span>Here\u2019s what\u2019s in store for small manufacturers in 2018.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Staffing_will_become_more_complex\"><\/span>#1 Staffing will become more complex.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Contract or freelance workers will play an even bigger role in small manufacturers, especially as technology and software developments make it easier for companies to practice pull manufacturing. While this trend may result in leaner labor costs as companies save money by only hiring workers when production demand requires it, it may also mean that seeking out quality employees will take up more of management\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_2018_will_be_the_year_to_finally_take_cyber_security_seriously\"><\/span>#2 2018 will be the year to finally take cyber security seriously.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many small manufacturers have put cyber security on the back burner, frequently due to lack of finances or ignorance or both. Yet we have seen time and time again how data breaches cost money and damage reputations. Unfortunately, it\u2019s no longer as simple as changing your passwords. Researchers have identified flaws in the chips found in processors in laptops, servers and smartphones around the world, dubbing the weaknesses \u201cSpectre\u201d and \u201cMeltdown.\u201d SMEs will have to take steps to ensure their data is secure, especially since their customers will be demanding it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_All-or-nothing_retirement_will_fade_into_the_past\"><\/span>#3 All-or-nothing retirement will fade into the past.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Human beings are living longer and staying healthier than ever before. Many individuals now choose to keep active and stay productive long after the previous generation\u2019s retirement age. Smart companies will tap into their expertise and offer older workers the chance to stay on in modified roles or part-time schedules. It\u2019s a win-win, as companies will benefit from this experience and employees will continue to learn new skills and pass on their knowledge to younger colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Manufacturing_software_and_apps_will_be_increasingly_designed_for_usability\"><\/span>#4 Manufacturing software and apps will be increasingly designed for usability.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Software design will need to accommodate the rise of seasonal and short-term contract workers and the increasing presence of older employees in the labor pool. Companies simply won\u2019t be able to spend weeks or months training workers who may only be with them for a matter of weeks or months. Manufacturers will seek out easy-to-use apps and software, and software companies will have to meet their demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Increasing_numbers_of_small_manufacturers_will_use_robots_to_support_or_replace_parts_of_their_workforce\"><\/span>#5 Increasing numbers of small manufacturers will use robots to support or replace parts of their workforce.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Automation is not new, yet there\u2019s still room for increased adoption among small manufacturers. With new advancements in technology, robots have become smaller and more affordable, putting them within reach of many SMEs. Already there are robot farmers, warehouse workers, shoe makers, butlers, and customer service assistants; 2018 will see even more jobs added to this list. Small manufacturers will be able to use robots to make the most of their human staff by freeing them from menial tasks and allowing them to focus on more creative and complex work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_The_Industrial_Internet_of_Things_IIoT_will_help_small_manufacturers_become_more_productive_and_efficient\"><\/span>#6 The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will help small manufacturers become more productive and efficient.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>IIoT refers to the combination of sensors, machine-to-machine communication and automation set up to gather data and transmit it over the Internet. This allows manufacturers to get real-time information from the factory floor, even if they\u2019re at home or on holiday. Just as we saw IoT devices such as the Google Home and Amazon Echo surge in popularity during the 2017 holiday season, so too will 2018 see a surge in SMEs benefitting from this technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Natural_disasters_will_continue_to_disrupt_global_supply_chains\"><\/span>#7 Natural disasters will continue to disrupt global supply chains.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to global warming, 2017 was the hottest year on record. Scientists are already predicting 2018 will see an increase in deadly earthquakes. Storms, hurricanes, and all sorts of extreme weather have become regular occurrences. Manufacturers must be prepared, or they risk interruptions that can cost millions of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Augmented_reality_will_help_troubleshoot_the_production_process\"><\/span>#8 Augmented reality will help troubleshoot the production process.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Forward-thinking manufacturers will use AR tools to simulate production. They will provide insight into the process and help identify potential weak spots before the production phase even gets going. Like pilots use flight simulators to train for all possible scenarios in the air, companies can use AR to prepare for a variety of scenarios on the factory floor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The holidays are over. The decorations are down and the champagne glasses polished and put away. Yearend reports are done and dusted. Everyone is settling back into business as usual. Now that we\u2019re in the first quarter of the new year, it would be wise to take a moment to look ahead to the coming [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":918,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[94,56],"tags":[3],"class_list":["post-911","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips","category-news","tag-manufacturing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top 8 Predictions for Small Manufacturers in 2018<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here\u2019s what\u2019s in store for small manufacturers in 2018. 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