A stack of paper might cost less than a mobile phone, but its actual cost is greater than it initially seems. Paper’s amplified costs range from dire environmental impact to slow and error-prone field service processes.
Regulators, investors, and customers are placing increasing pressure on manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices, and a growing number of manufacturers are following suit. This means embracing eco-friendly solutions, such as digital documentation, optimized routing, and predictive maintenance strategies. Otherwise, manufacturers risk wasting time, money, and resources.
Digital tools provide a competitive edge. When manufacturers transition away from paper, they can reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability scores by achieving lower carbon footprints, reduced fuel consumption, and less paper waste.
Forgoing paper-based workflows also means embracing the following benefits of digitalization:
Reduced Downtime
Personnel can save time and speed up service with digital forms. Technicians fill out forms on their devices, instantly generating reports and reducing paperwork errors.
Cost Savings
Digitalization helps address sustainability and efficiency requirements by reducing paper waste and enhancing the accuracy of maintenance reports. Manufacturers can better optimize their operations with real-time access to information and automated updates.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Digital systems cater to growing demand for fast and reliable service. Mobile applications reduce the time spent waiting for paperwork to be processed. They also improve communication between field teams and back-office staff by enabling technicians to instantly share updates, data, and reports. A quick and efficient flow of information enables faster response times, directly impacting customer satisfaction.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Personnel can reduce mistakes and make data-driven decisions faster with real-time updates at their fingertips. Digital tools facilitate real-time data collection and reporting, including compliance tracking. This helps manufacturers keep up with constantly evolving regulations. By digitizing forms and reports, they can quickly generate accurate compliance data, thereby significantly reducing the operational burden and human error associated with manual, paper-based tracking.
Close the Skills Gap
Digital tools help overcome the persistent skills gap between senior and junior workers by providing technicians with easy access to real-time data, troubleshooting resources, and workflows that guide them step-by-step through complex tasks. Less experienced technicians are equipped to perform at higher levels.
Digitalization can reduce downtime, provide cost savings, enhance customer satisfaction, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and close the skills gap. Moving from paper to digital ultimately costs less than sticking with paper. Don’t miss out on the future of manufacturing.
Read the full Copperberg and Gomocha whitepaper, Unlocking Hidden Efficiencies: A Blueprint for Field Service Success in Manufacturing.