Estimated reading time: 7 min
The digital transition is a major challenge for many industries, and the manufacturing sector is no exception. In an ever-changing global environment, companies need to embrace digital technologies to remain competitive and successful.
For Quebec manufacturers, this digital transition represents much more than simple modernization: it paves the way for greater efficiency, product customization, cost reduction and agile adaptation to market demands.
Listen to the podcast on La Chaise Bleue:
[Spotify] – 33. François Blackburn – Digifab – La Chaise Bleue | Podcast on Spotify
[Apple Podcast] – La Chaise Bleue: 33. François Blackburn – Digifab on Apple Podcasts
François Blackburn – Expert in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence
To demystify the subject, we call on François Blackburn, a specialist in the digital shift and doctoral student in engineering, with a specialization in the digital transformation of manufacturing companies. He also specializes in the integration of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence in business.
François Blackburn is also currently an expert in the digital shift at Digifab QG, a center of industrial expertise set up by the French Ministry of the Economy, Innovation and Energy.
This article will help you :
- Know the signs to look out for in your company
- Distinguish between the different digital challenges facing the manufacturing industry
- Identify the benefits of going digital for your company
- Evaluate the development opportunities offered by the SIPEM (Soutien à l’Innovation pour la Productivité des Entreprises Manufacturières) program.
Signs to watch out for before making the digital shift
The famous question that all managers ask themselves: at what point should we initiate a digital shift? It’s not an easy question to answer, since, as François attests, every company is unique and has different needs. However, he has identified a number of issues that may give you pause for thought.
Inadequate project management
One of the most critical signs that it’s time to take action, according to the specialist, is poor communication within the plant. In other words, when the tools and systems in place don’t allow employees to be fully productive, and the result is slowdowns in the production chain.
“[Among the warning signs] are problems and discontinuities in information that mean the company is no longer able to move forward.” – François Blackburn
This problem can be recognized when :
- Problems with the flow of information between departments;
- Problems with real-time data capture, forcing companies to adopt a reactive rather than proactive posture;
- An absence of automated systems because the tools don’t talk to each other.
Labour shortage
Another sign that should raise a flag, according to our expert, is the loss of output caused by labor shortages. As François shares with us, there are a number of time-saving solutions available to teams, including process automation. By implementing this type of solution, managers can compensate for the lack of human resources in their plants.
The challenges facing the manufacturing sector
The Quebec manufacturing sector is definitely facing a series of major challenges that are intimately linked to digital transformation. Quebec companies need to be able to adapt quickly to changing demand, while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Based on François’ experience, there are certain types of challenge that stand out.
Fear of change
One of the main factors driving companies to put the brakes on their digital transformation is what François calls “human issues”. This is mainly due to managers’ fear of changing the processes already in place within the company. This often favors the status quo and prevents the company from optimizing or changing its processes.
It’s a fairly widespread phenomenon, according to the expert. He even used Kurt Lewin’s change management model to demonstrate that it is possible to create a smooth transition within a company. Many companies go through a period of “thaw”, when they have to identify the issues to be changed and the stakeholders to be involved. This stage usually leads to the development of a plan of the elements to be modified within the production chain. This is followed by a “change” phase, during which all the recommendations listed in the thaw period must be implemented. Finally, the action plan concludes with a refreezing period during which the company ensures that the new procedures are properly implemented.
Lack of technical knowledge
According to François, another major issue facing Quebec manufacturing companies is the lack of in-house technological expertise. Many decision-makers have difficulty understanding the importance of a well-programmed data architecture. Some companies believe that paying for new technologies is an expense rather than an investment. In many cases, managers are unaware that existing technologies can solve their problems while optimizing production processes.
“You have to expose [customers] to their problems and show them that it’s expensive not to work on automating their processes” – François Blackburn. François Blackburn
The role of specialists like François Blackburn is to identify the various issues and offer solutions that are consistent with the customer’s business model. Fortunately, there are several specialized firms on the market, like Digifab, to support manufacturing companies and help them reach new heights of productivity.
The benefits of investing in your company’s technological innovation
Our expert is unequivocal: digital transformation offers a range of considerable advantages for manufacturing companies in Quebec. By adopting innovative technologies, these companies can improve their operational efficiency, reduce production costs and increase their competitiveness.
Project management optimization
What’s more, digital transformation promotes better supply chain management, reduced production lead times and optimized inventories, which translates into better overall profitability for Quebec manufacturing companies.
“[The advantage is] to have a good digital foundation to enable scaling without stakes [of one’s business] . You can scale up without hiring new people. – François Blackburn
François adds that there’s no minimum size for embarking on a digital transformation. What’s important is to properly assess the company’s operations, in order to make the necessary adjustments to its processes.
Listen to the podcast on La Chaise Bleue:
[Spotify] – 33. François Blackburn – Digifab – La Chaise Bleue | Podcast on Spotify
[Apple Podcast] – La Chaise Bleue: 33. François Blackburn – Digifab on Apple Podcasts
The SIPEM innovation funding program: support for Quebec companies
François Blackburn is one of the SIPEM program’s accredited Cahier de Charges Technologiques experts. Cahiers de Charges Technologiques are crucial for clarifying the expectations of all parties involved in a project, and guaranteeing the quality of the work produced.
