Manufacturers Have Much to Gain From Big Data Analysis

Big data is transforming the manufacturing world. Of leaders surveyed by IDC Manufacturing Insights (IDCMI) who have a handle on big data, 51% expect to generate new revenue streams from the insight they glean.

In addition, IDCMI predicts that big data initiatives will remain one of the top priorities for the manufacturing sector in the foreseeable future.

However, when compared to other industries, manufacturers seem to be on the trailing edge of this development rather than the leading edge. That’s not surprising given the huge IT and factory-infrastructure investments that can be required to tap into the business-transformative power of seemingly infinite loads of data about manufacturing functions.

“When compared to other industries, manufacturers seem to be trailing in big data analysis rather than being on the leading edge of this trend.”

There are some manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, who are taking the plunge and leading the way. One example is Caterpillar. It’s “Cat Connect” network, for example, connects Caterpillar’s customers to dealers. “It monitors everything our machines are doing, so engineers can see whether it has a high exhaust gas temperature or is running low on oil—all the things the engineer needs to know to run that machine in his fleet more efficiently,” Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman told Chief Executive’s Smart Manufacturing Summit audience in May.

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES
The difficulty of tapping into big data is compounded in some processing environments where extreme variability is a fact of life even after lean techniques have been applied, McKinsey & Co. consultants say. So companies in these industries need a more granular approach to diagnosing and correcting process flaws—an approach provided by advanced analytics.


MORE LIKE THIS

  • Get the CEO Briefing

    Sign up today to get weekly access to the latest issues affecting CEOs in every industry
  • upcoming events

    Roundtable

    Strategic Planning Workshop

    1:00 - 5:00 pm

    Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process

    Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:

    1. Lack of systematic approach (70%)
    2. Laundry lists without prioritization (68%)
    3. Decisions based on personalities rather than facts and information (65%)

     

    Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns.  They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning.  Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process.  This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented.  If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form.  The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

    New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

    Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

    2:00 - 5:00 pm

    Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations. 

    Limited space available.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

    Golf Outing

    10:30 - 5:00 pm
    General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
    Sponsored by UBS

    General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.

    The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.

    To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.