Description: Manufacturing strategy refers to the plan and approach that a manufacturing organization adopts to achieve its objectives. This strategy encompasses a series of decisions and actions that determine how production processes, resource management, product quality, and customer satisfaction will be carried out. In the context of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing strategy transforms by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation. This allows companies to optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and quickly adapt to market demands. The main characteristics of an effective manufacturing strategy include alignment with business objectives, flexibility to adapt to changes in the environment, sustainability in processes, and continuous innovation. The relevance of this strategy lies in its ability to influence a company’s competitiveness, enabling it not only to survive but to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic industrial environment.
History: Manufacturing strategy has evolved since the Industrial Revolution when factories began adopting mass production methods. In the 1980s and 1990s, approaches such as lean manufacturing and just-in-time production emerged, focusing on waste elimination and continuous improvement. With the advent of digital technology and automation, manufacturing strategy has taken a significant turn towards digitalization and connectivity, leading to Industry 4.0.
Uses: Manufacturing strategy is used to guide decision-making in areas such as production planning, supply chain management, product quality, and innovation. It is also applied in the implementation of advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and adaptability to market demands.
Examples: An example of manufacturing strategy in Industry 4.0 is the implementation of smart factories, where IoT sensors are used to monitor machine performance in real-time and optimize maintenance. Another example is the use of data analytics to forecast demand and adjust production accordingly.
