DevOps is the most sought-after IT practice across organizations today – no matter how big or small. The primary reason is its ability to foster an environment of collaboration and accelerate digital transformation. Did you know, the global DevOps market is projected to reach $57.90 billion by 2030, with a CAGR growth of 24.2% between 2021 and 2030? The DevOps methodology is not restricted to just the IT services industry anymore; the manufacturing sector is also a major adopter. In many ways, the DevOps methodology is better suited for the manufacturing sector due to the industry’s supply and demand chain.
The manufacturing sector today demands high scalability, lesser turnaround times, and faster innovation, which requires a comprehensive strategy in the supply chain. This makes the manufacturing business need DevOps even more!
The need for DevOps in manufacturing
Several methods, including the use of robots, automation, and advancements in software, are helping manufacturers increase their productivity and efficiency. The main reason for these advancements is the elimination of the need for siloed approaches to software upgrades and changes, allowing for seamless collaboration between developers and operations teams. Together, DevOps is helping manufacturers increase output, do away with inefficient and expensive operations, and keep up with the rapid pace of modern business.
How can DevOps be implemented in manufacturing?
DevOps methodology can assist manufacturers in achieving these objectives by facilitating communication and collaboration across all departments. By concentrating on the following three areas, manufacturers can apply these DevOps principles to their daily operations.
Collaborate
DevOps, at its foundation, encourages cross-functional collaboration in a company. By collaborating as a team rather than as individual teams working in silos, all stakeholders can provide their inputs earlier in the development or production process, better collaborate and simplify creative project strategies, ensure quality throughout production, and exercise predictive maintenance.
Automation
Automation is already a significant part of modern production strategies, particularly on the factory floor. Human resource management, data input, and even financial administration can all benefit from more automation. By “automation,” we mean the adoption of automated solutions for time-consuming jobs, not the replacement of humans by machines. Humans will always be an essential element of the equation, but they do not need to be the entire equation; everyone benefits when employees have more time to focus on tasks that advance the organization.
Innovate
DevOps provides all conceivable avenues for innovation. Utilizing DevOps in manufacturing allows businesses to prioritize production speed and quality control. In addition, DevOps helps in problem resolution to optimize runtime and supports all phases of software development. By reducing the time required for process execution, DevOps enables decision-makers to focus on new concepts by delegating old processes to internal teams.
Benefits of DevOps in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies have spent the last few decades improving the method of mass production. The rise of technologies in recent years has compelled the industry to reconsider its business models, systems, and services. DevOps has helped businesses revolutionize their operations in areas ranging from production efficiency to product customization, while also enhancing speed to market, service efficacy, and the creation of new business models. The adoption of DevOps methodology has resulted in benefits like
● Greater insight into the day-to-day operations
● Transparency across the manufacturing operations
● Real-time performance data
● Improved tracking of problems and course correction
● Rapid detection and elimination of bottlenecks in performance
● Optimizing performance by mapping weekly losses and finding the major drivers and trends
● Development of holistic and reproducible solutions
● Empowered cross-functional teams with a singular goal
● Implementable customer, product design, and supply chain insights
● Complete accountability
● Minimum waste, optimum efficiency, and increased output
Conclusion
Technology, people, and processes are brought together through DevOps, enabling continuous innovation and better solutions. By adopting DevOps, manufacturers can fully embrace Industry 4.0, as DevOps and digital transformation go hand in hand.
