Connecting your different departments enables efficient communication
Are the different departments in your company working seamlessly together? Does everyone easily have access to all the information they need from other departments? Unfortunately, the answer to these questions is often ‘no'. When departments operate as isolated silos, each functioning independently, several challenges arise.
Common challenges:
Companies
that do not integrate their departments face isolated data, making errors and
duplicate data entry inevitable.
Departments struggle to communicate efficiently with each other and do not always have the right information available.
Not
integrating your departments can get in the way of solid service. Departments
do not have the same information available, which can lead to communication
that contradicts each other.
Not
integrating your company's departments often results in higher IT costs because
of the different smaller applications used.
Without
integrated systems, scaling your business can be challenging. It can be
difficult to seamlessly integrate new departments, processes or locations into
existing operations.
Effectively documenting processes and specific product quality standards can be challenging without a unified platform.
Why a digital common thread could be a solution for these challenges
By integrating disparate business applications used across various departments within your company, you can establish a unified platform that fosters seamless collaboration. This integration creates a digital common thread spanning your entire organization.
In essence, this virtual thread interconnects the diverse departments, enabling efficient data sharing at the right time and in the right context. The digital common thread replaces traditional siloed thinking with one shared truth.
As we look toward a competitive future, this digital common thread becomes indispensable. Each company contributes its unique interpretation of this essential link. Let us collaboratively pave the way toward a successful and fully integrated digital future for your business!
*The digital common thread comes in many versions depending on what type of company you are in. This is an example from a project-based manufacturing company.
Benefits of a digital common thread per department
During
the development of new products, your engineering department can leverage data
from other departments within the design process. For instance, by considering
factors such as price, available inventory quantity and environmental impact
when selecting components with multiple options. Furthermore, by gathering
feedback from your final products, you can also design different and better
models.
In
an integrated workflow, work instructions originating from engineering can
seamlessly transition to production. Additionally, an automated transformation
process facilitates the conversion of engineering Bill of Materials (BoM) to
production BoM. Furthermore, version control mechanisms enable the
synchronization of product versions.
By
integrating insights into production schedules, procurement ensures timely
availability of necessary parts. Additionally, understanding sales forecasts
becomes crucial, especially for components with extended delivery times.
The supply chain team gains a comprehensive view of all project-relevant items. They can monitor the status of ordered items, including delivery timelines, as well as track items currently in production. Additionally, leveraging insights, this department can make informed decisions regarding whether to manufacture certain components in-house or procure them externally. Furthermore, the team oversees the distribution of intricate finished products, which are shipped in multiple partial deliveries.
The finance department has the capability to request interim billing for a project, which is contingent upon the actual progress made. By receiving insights throughout the entire project lifecycle, rather than solely at its conclusion, the finance team can promptly assess whether costs align with project milestones. Additionally, the finance department enjoys access to cost reports at various levels, including both project and machine levels.
The
service department gains valuable insights into specific customer products,
allowing for a comprehensive view of collaboration with each customer.
Service technicians benefit from access to product information, including manuals for older products, service history, and knowledge about available spare parts.
Marketing teams gain access to product illustrations, pricing information, delivery details, and insights into customer service interactions. These resources empower marketing efforts to provide accurate information to potential new customers.
Sales teams can utilize 3D illustrations during interactions with new prospects, ensuring precise offers and timely access to delivery schedules. Additionally, this integration aids in creating accurate sales forecasts.
Infused with AI
In the contemporary fast-paced, data-driven landscape, it is imperative for companies to grasp and harness the enhanced value of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is precisely why the digital common thread is seamlessly integrated with AI. Leveraging AI enables process optimization, enhances decision-making, and provides a competitive edge.
Below you will find out how you can use AI in different departments through some examples:
Within
the sales department, you can make the daily job of your salespeople easier and
more efficient through AI. For example, you can have AI generate automatic
responses to customer emails, or you can predict what a particular customer's
next purchase will be.
AI
can help the engineering department generate designs more easily and optimize
routine tasks.
In turn, the manufacturing department can benefit from AI to predict machine downtime and expected service calls.
Within
supply chain, AI can help optimize processes by predicting demand, or improving
inventory levels.
Are you leveraging AI in your company?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving fast. And moving forward AI should be central part of your digital transformation.
A digital common thread for every business
A digital common thread is essential for companies aiming to successfully undergo digital transformation. However, each company is unique, and their interpretation of this common thread, along with the solutions they implement, varies.
Would you like to explore what the digital common thread could entail for your company?
