manufacturingthat

Manufacturingthat is a term used in discussions of modern production to describe a systems-oriented, technology-enabled approach to manufacturing. It emphasizes interoperability between equipment, information systems, and human operators to create responsive and resilient production networks. Because it is not defined by a single standard, the term is used variably by practitioners, researchers, and vendors to summarize a set of practices that align digital capabilities with shop-floor realities.

Key elements commonly associated with manufacturingthat include real-time data collection from IoT sensors, digital twins of production lines, cloud-based manufacturing execution systems, and analytics-driven decision support. The goal is to connect planning, scheduling, quality control, and maintenance with actual conditions on the factory floor, enabling rapid adjustment to demand, variability, and supply disruptions while maintaining traceability and quality.

Applications span discrete and contract manufacturing, especially where there is a need for frequent product changes and high demand variability. Reported benefits include shorter cycle times, reduced downtime and waste, higher asset utilization, and improved visibility across suppliers and customers. Realizing these benefits typically requires investment in sensors, software platforms, data governance, and workforce upskilling.

Challenges and limitations include integrating heterogeneous systems, ensuring cybersecurity, managing data ownership and privacy, and sustaining the cultural change needed for openness to data sharing and continuous improvement. Because manufacturingthat is not standardized, outcomes can vary significantly between organizations.

See also: Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, manufacturing execution systems, lean manufacturing, smart factories.