Kenya is considered the leading technology and innovation hub in Africa. The development of a large-scale telecommunications infrastructure in Kenya, capable of delivering efficient and affordable info-communications services is recognised as a critical prerequisite for the country’s economic growth.
Covid-19 has demonstrated the importance of embracing digital technologies in manufacturing.
Throughout the pandemic, manufacturers faced operational challenges that illuminated the weaknesses in their existing businesses.
For instance, having real-time data about the supply chain could enable manufacturers to respond faster to supply shortages and demand spikes during the pandemic.
This has prompted customer’s expectations and increased competition to be the main drivers of digital transformation in manufacturing as with other industries.
By leveraging digital technologies, manufacturers have also improved speed and efficiency, increase production, decrease costs and have provided a better customer experience.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytical techniques are involved in most of digital transformation applications in manufacturing.
The impact that digital transformation in manufacturing has on businesses, their suppliers, customers and other third parties is staggering.
Digital technologies help manufacturers improve operational efficiencies and optimise different business areas, from product development to the supply chain.
Advanced manufacturing technologies have numerous advantages, such as helping companies unlock digital business models, adapt to changes faster, or even anticipate changes before they occur – all crucially important to manufacturing.
The state of manufacturing is constantly changing due to volatility in global, economic and policy landscapes.
Not to mention, many manufacturing businesses were severely hit by the pandemic and needed to adapt quickly to stay afloat.
Outside of these changes, we are seeing many technological advancements promising to disrupt the sector.
Greater network capabilities of 5G, a push for IoT, Industry 4.0, machine learning and data-driven predictive analytics all leave a mark on manufacturing. They brought about a new concept of smart factories, driven by enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
Customer expectations and solving customer pain points are equally important drivers for digital transformation of manufacturing.
With eCommerce for manufacturers, CRM, ERP platforms and manufacturing execution systems, customer data is more visible than ever and poor experiences become too big to ignore.
However, embarking on a digital transformation journey may be challenging.
The reality is that digital transformation is not just about technologies but is also about organisation’s ability to adapt to these changes.