Watching electronics manufacturing trends

Thanks to the evolution of modern technologies and hardware, electronics manufacturers are working to improve their efficiency and lower costs, while meeting growing customer demands. But there’s also a movement to become more eco-friendly, especially during the manufacture of electronics and their many components. A green approach is better for the environment, and it allows manufacturers to keep a lower footprint regarding energy and waste, which has its own accompanying set of cost savings.

Of course, the focus on constant improvement favors the adoption of new trends and more efficient processes. While the industry has grown considerably over just the last decade, it will continue to do so going forward. 2018 is no exception, as we’ll likely see manufacturers adopt a wide variety of new practices and technologies.

Wondering what’s coming on the horizon? What manufacturing trends should you be aware as we push further into 2018?

“Smart” Electronics and IoT-Compatible Components Will Continue to See a Steady Rise

 Smart devices are in demand, unquestionably. But the technologies related to them are also growing, including smart home tech and automation, industrial automation tech and hardware, computers, entertainment and IOT-ready devices. The industrial electronics market alone is expected to reach a value of $321 billion by 2018.

It’s not a leap to predict that internet and networking connectivity will become commonplace in devices it never was used in before such as vehicles, appliances and even lighting. This will foster new partnerships and collaborative efforts between electronics manufacturers as they seek support building new technologies with connectivity. The obvious requirement of this is an openness to change. It will also require the ordering, manufacture and installation of custom components.

Green Electronics Manufacturing Will Remain a Priority

Initially, we discussed the cost savings of green manufacturing for electronics makers, but that’s not the only thing driving this new initiative. Climate change statistics not only continue to mount, but legal regulations and modern solutions call for more efficient tools and processes. Consider the carbon cap or carbon trading plans currently being considered and implemented around the world. These initiatives would drive the need for adherence to relevant laws and standards, even amongst countries in the low end of global manufacturing and costs ranking.

Energy-Efficient Components and Technologies Will Become More Prominent

This move towards a “green” or more eco-friendly approach has also given rise to demand for less intensive electronics and hardware. That is, consumers now demand energy-efficient devices that consume less energy on their side of the equation, thus lowering costs for them.

Expect to see not just new ways of developing items, but new components, voltage systems, and even software or source code changes to allow for such a thing. Keep in mind, as far as the manufacture of products is concerned, the source code or software isn’t a concern outside of internal development teams. A great example of this is an automated system that powers down a device after a standby or idle period.

The Medical Technology Market Will Expand

For a few years now, the medical industry has been picking up speed in regards to the adoption of modern technologies and connected systems. As more professionals in the industry see the incredible benefits offered by said tools, the demand will continue to grow. Trends in the medical field, including remote support and patient-driven care, are fueling this shift. Many patients are interested in managing healthcare needs and visits from home, rather than in a conventional clinical environment.

Furthermore, medical technologies in the hospital are on the rise, including automated systems, monitoring tools and improved hardware.

Logistics Will Play a Larger Rolein Facilitating Rapid Delivery

 For 2018 and beyond, rapid delivery will become increasingly crucial. The only way to accomplish the speed needed is through the adoption of micro logistics networks which will drive accelerated delivery to partners, distributors and customers. Logistics provider, Cerasis, predicted this in a 2015 report, citing that adopting these processes will allow manufacturers to remain competitive.

Proper logistics mean companies can expedite product delivery, improve updates and product fixes, streamline factory floor space and tools and much more. Web-based tools will also offer transportation and deployment management at unprecedented levels. Imagine total control and visibility over your supply chain and related touch points.

Electronics manufacturing has never been an industry that sits still, and, in 2018, it will change as rapidly as ever. Be on the lookout for these five trends this coming year.

Article by —
Megan Ray Nichols
Freelance Science Writer
[email protected]
www.schooledbyscience.com/about