Harnessing Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage

In a panel discussion titled “Data Analytics & Smart Manufacturing: Leveraging Big Data for Insights & Competitive Advantage,” industry experts illuminated the transformative potential of data analytics in the manufacturing sector. Moderated by Timothy Oriedo, Founding Chief Data Scientist, Predictive Analytics Lab, the panel featured insights from industry leaders Bernard Rono (CIO, KETEPA), Mudiaga Eboh (Senior Manager, Technology & Service Delivery, Sproxil), Oladimeji Kazeem (Data Architect, Kaplan UK), and Marius Wessels (Manager Professional Services, SYSPRO Africa).

The Smart Industry Summit provided an exceptional platform for sharing invaluable insights from seasoned tech industry speakers. The discussion took a comprehensive approach to leveraging data for gaining a competitive edge, implementing robotics and automation to drive improvements, and addressing the significant concerns and impacts of AI.

To alleviate employee concerns, Marius Wessels tackled the common stereotype that technology implementation jeopardizes job security. He assured the audience that job roles would evolve rather than disappear, with humans shifting from physical manufacturing to overseeing and optimizing automated processes. According to Marius, “You are not going to be out of a job, your job will simply evolve. Instead of performing physical manufacturing tasks, machines will handle that, but someone still needs to oversee, optimize, and make it work.”

Mudiaga Eboh tackled the mindset surrounding smart manufacturing, emphasizing the need to address apprehensions, especially those related to job displacement. He stressed that human workers would play a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing automated processes. Embracing technology as a tool for efficiency and optimization, rather than viewing it as a threat to job security, is key.

The discussion transitioned to defining success in technology implementation within manufacturing organizations. Marius Wessels stressed that successful implementation depends on aligning technology with existing business processes. He underscored the importance of collecting clean, up-to-date data to inform strategic decisions and enhance operational efficiency. Marius stated, “It’s a ‘garbage in, garbage out’ scenario, so it’s crucial to establish processes correctly, ensure the data being recorded is relevant, and maintain its cleanliness and up-to-date.”

The conversation also underscored the significance of data integration in smart manufacturing. Robust data platforms were recommended to facilitate data collection, analysis, and integration. These platforms empower organizations to access, analyze, and derive insights from data spanning various business processes, offering a holistic view of operations.

For organizations seeking to gather machine-generated data and prioritize automation, the panelists advised taking a strategic approach. Timothy Oriedo suggested evaluating the readiness of different business processes, including finance, sales, HR, engineering, logistics, and warehousing, to determine data availability and challenges. Prioritization should align with the organization’s strategic objectives and goals.

The panel acknowledged ethical concerns and compliance issues in smart manufacturing. Companies must exercise caution when implementing data-utilizing technologies. While compliance regulations in this field are evolving, the panelists stressed the importance of developing internal policies and strategies to ensure data privacy, regulatory compliance, and ethical data usage.

Organizations are encouraged to embrace data analytics as a strategic partner, utilizing technology to optimize operations, maintain competitiveness, and foster growth.