Manufacturing in South Africa is under pressure. Labour costs are comparatively high, cheap Chinese goods are flooding the market and foreign investors are increasingly migrating to more politically stable countries for investment opportunities. 

Moderate growth expected in 2013

Notwithstanding all the doom and gloom of a recessionary climate, analysts are predicting moderate growth in the manufacturing sector in 2013. To claim a slice of the anticipated boon its essential business owners are up to speed with emerging trends and technology.

Industrial engineering companies are developing processes and systems tailored to new generation manufacturing trends. Business owners simply have to recognise these tendencies and implement accordingly. 

The top manufacturing trends for 2013 are:

Energy efficient manufacturing

Manufacturers will be encouraged to prioritise responsible clean energy use by developing energy efficient production streams, from product design and development to distribution.

Agile manufacturing

There’s a shift from lean manufacturing to agile manufacturing where companies develop systems, processes, machine design, tooling and expertise capable of adapting to diverse customer requirements and market change. A fundamental key to success is the development of shared networks and databases between designers manufacturers and retailers to pre-empt problems downstream.

Technology on tap 

Advanced technology will no longer be restricted to large industry players. Simple, safe and inexpensive manufacturing software solutions are becoming readily available across the board.

Mobile technology to drive full production

Mobile technology has become the new production line sweetheart. Smart phones and iPads are already in use on the factory floor to enable seamless communication and easy access to real time manufacturing data. In 2013 the trend will continue. Mobile manufacturing will enable the control of full production via intelligent software integrated with the mobile platform. In short, CNC will go mobile.

 Quality versus pricing

There’s a concerted focus on quality over lower pricing. Manufacturers are increasingly opting for quality machines, tooling and materials to appease consumers who are willing to pay more for quality goods that last. 

Innovation is key

Innovative companies that manufacture and produce inventive goods and services will grab the lions’ share of the market. Strategic investment in research and development and the up skilling of the work force is crucial to prolonged success.

The emergence of 3D printing

The capacity to turn a drawing or blueprint into a three dimensional object has been identified as the most significant technological advancement of all. As 3D printing is becoming more and more affordable, companies both big and small will be able to optimise product development.

To find out how you can prepare for the anticipated growth in manufacturing in 2013 consult an innovative industrial engineering company with dynamism and foresight.

About the Author: Hans Von Der Heyde (http://www.hvdh-sa.co.za) is a Cape Town based industrial engineering company. The company is focused on providing industrial automation solutions for manufacturers, solutions which improve both efficiency and manufacturing output.  To this end the company specialises in custom machine design, tool making and machining.