by Elizabeth Hines | Jul 25, 2019 | Blog, Manufacturing & Distribution, Marketing, Marketing Automation, Robotics & Automation, Supply Chain
Implementing robotics and automation for manufacturing can be costly and a challenge for public perception – but, ultimately, these technologies are crucial assets for the industry.
Highlights:
- Hurdles companies face concerning automation include public perception, potential safety hazards, and cost.
- However, robots actually make factories safer and protect human workers from having to perform dangerous tasks.
- Advantages of automation include decreased long-term costs, reduced error rate, improved productivity, and enhanced data collection.
As machine learning, or Artificial Intelligence (AI), gains sophistication and technologies continue to improve, supply chain companies are increasingly needing to evaluate the benefits and pitfalls of robotics and automation for manufacturing.
While current evidence suggests that experts are correct in predicting that automation will prove a significant competitive advantage, manufacturing companies are often faced with equally significant hurdles when it comes to implementing these technologies.
So, on balance, are robotics and automation for manufacturing assets, or do they present insurmountable hurdles? Let’s look at the case for each.
3 challenges of robotics and automation for manufacturing
1) Perception
When companies begin considering or implementing robotics and automation for manufacturing, they do so in the context of a public steeped in the kind of sci-fi lore that breeds hysteria on this issue. While public fears of Cylons and the like taking manufacturing jobs may seem like frivolous concerns, the battle that companies face when it comes to public perception is quite significant and should not be overlooked.
In addition to the more hysterical fears of robot uprising, manufacturing companies are faced with the need to combat negative public perception and employee fears when it comes to replacing traditional manual labor with capitalized assets. In short, the fear that “robots are taking our jobs” should not be underestimated as a challenge faced by companies considering manufacturing automation.
2) Dangers
In addition to cultural perceptions of robots as potentially threatening, there are real safety concerns when it comes to robotics and automation for manufacturing. A notorious accident in a Volkswagen factory in Germany, in which a worker was killed by a malfunctioning robot, has been widely reported in the media and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers posed by automation.
Manufacturers seeking to implement automation are faced with the task of ensuring that factories remain safe for humans and robots to work collaboratively. This requires investment in safety features, as well as training and oversight.
3) Implementation costs
Perhaps the biggest hurdle to companies’ acquisition of robotics and automation for manufacturing is the cost. While these technologies are becoming more affordable, the high initial capital outlay presents a serious barrier, particularly for smaller and midsized manufacturers.
In addition to the costs of equipment, there are expenses associated with maintenance, compliance, software, and human worker training. Companies may be aware of the long-term benefits of automation but unable mount the initial costs or stomach ongoing expenses.
Robotics and automation for manufacturing: the case for overcoming the hurdles
Now it’s time to look at how these technologies are assets and whether it’s worth facing the challenges associated with implementing them.
Robots aren’t here to replace humans.
When it comes to combatting the public perception that robots will render humans obsolete, there’s one simple truth that sums it up best: robots will not replace humans. In fact, automation works best alongside human workers and maximizes the strengths of each, leading to enhanced employee value. Automation frees up human workers to work in their core competencies, focusing on strategic work, oversight, and administration.
Automation helps make factories safer.
While the dramatic examples of robots causing injury and death are harrowing, and deserve attention, it’s important not to sweep under the rug the fact that automation actually makes factories much safer for human workers. By performing tasks that put humans at risk, robots can remove workers from traditionally hazardous situations or exposure to harmful materials.
As these technologies develop, they are becoming increasingly safe and include provisions that facilitate working collaboratively with humans. Robotics can increase access to difficult or dangerous locations. Improvements in sensors, dexterity, artificial intelligence, and trainability are helping to ensure that robotics and automation for manufacturing are safe.
Automation as a value driver
While costs associated with implementation and maintenance may be significant, arguably, with the competitive advantages presented by robotics and automation for manufacturing, companies can’t afford not to automate.
Robots improve the speed and accuracy of routine operations, reducing costly error rates and increasing productivity. They decrease long-term costs, provide labor utilization and stability (particularly when labor is in short supply), and optimize picking, sorting, and storing times. The vastly improved data collection provided by automated manufacturing means reducing the frequency of costly inventory checks while increasing accuracy.
The bottom line: the hurdles presented by robotics and automation for manufacturing are well worth navigating.
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by Elizabeth Hines | Jul 24, 2019 | Blog, Leadership, Logistics, Supply Chain
Corporate social responsibility is no longer optional; it’s expected. Here are five trends that today’s business leaders need to be aware of.
Highlights:
- 75% of millennials expect their employers to take a stand on social issues.
- In a polarized political climate, successful corporate social responsibility requires authenticity and open dialogue.
- Companies are increasingly measuring the results of corporate social responsibility campaigns, ensuring that they align with business objectives.
Corporate social responsibility in increasingly becoming a buzzword — and a consumer expectation. Businesses are facing external and internal pressures to act in socially responsible ways, tackling issues related to sustainability, social advocacy, and more. And, corporate leaders, in response, are increasingly paying attention.
A recent study by Glassdoor found that 75% of employees between the ages of 18 and 24 expect employers to take a stand on social issues ranging from immigration and equal rights to climate change. Not only that, 84% of U.S. workers of all ages believe that companies have an important role to play in proposed legislation, regulation, and executive orders.
In 2019, donating to charities is no longer enough. Writing for Forbes, Community Health Charities President and CEO Thomas Bognanno points out that today, “corporate leaders are aligning social impact and employee engagement with business objectives.” Companies are evaluating the effects of corporate social responsibility to ensure that these efforts “demonstrate real value to the company.”
Staying abreast of trends, expectations, and issues related to corporate social responsibility is a must for today’s business leaders.
5 corporate social responsibility trends leaders should know about
1) Authenticity
Let’s start with one that’s likely here to stay. Social media has rapidly accelerated the expectation that companies should be both authentic and transparent in their digital marketing. It’s had a similar effect when it comes to corporate social responsibility.
Companies are learning to actively promote authentic social engagement, whether through encouraging internal dialogue among employees or company leaders’ sharing personal messages related to important issues. From Dan Schulman of PayPal standing up against North Carolina’s so-called “bathroom bill” to Chick-fil-A’s Dan Cathy voicing his opposition to gay marriage, corporate leaders across the political spectrum are increasingly speaking out authentically.
As Bognanno points out, however, “Aligning a corporate brand with social issues can backfire if it’s not done thoughtfully and with authenticity, so be sure to understand your brand, measure stakeholder interest, and align with issues that resonate.”
2) Dialogue
In times of deep political and social division, companies and corporate leaders are increasingly recognizing their role in fostering dialogue. In fact, one expert predicts that dialogue is replacing taking a stand when it comes to corporate social responsibility in 2019.
“Faced with the prospect of a divided government in Washington, a looming presidential election in 2020, and the fact that some companies are seeking more federal oversight of their work in areas like data security, businesses will tone down their public advocacy in favor of more dialogue on the issues,” writes leadership strategy expert Timothy J. McClimon.
Whether increased dialogue comes at the expense of advocacy or goes hand-in-hand with it, the fact is that it’s a trend to watch. Companies like Campbell’s are stepping up their efforts to engage employees in social dialogue, using platforms like Workplace by Facebook. Externally, Campbell’s UnCanned by Campbell’s campaign has promoted open conversations on “real food,” GMOs, MSG, BPA, and more.
3) Educational opportunities
Workplaces are arguably far more complex environments than they were a few decades ago. The #metoo movement, for example, has thrown glaring light on issues of sexism and sexual harassment, and companies are tackling them not only with policy, but through education to enact real and lasting changes to corporate culture.
Whether it’s internal training classes, peer-to-peer dialogues, or formal executive education classes in corporate social responsibility at programs like Harvard and Wharton, companies are encouraging personnel to educate themselves on the complex issues we face in the modern workplace.
4) Preventing or mitigating disasters
Disaster relief has been considered a primary corporate social responsibility for generations. American Express, for example, has made disaster relief grants dating back to 1872. However, as natural disasters become more and more frequent globally, companies are looking at new approaches to tackling this issue.
While companies are expected to continue their relief efforts for natural disaster victims, there’s a trend toward increasing proactivity. This means helping communities build up resiliency, as well as taking a tough look at business practices that may be leading to or worsening natural disasters.
“While most natural disasters cannot be prevented from occurring, the impact on people can be mitigated or even largely eliminated through better urban and rural planning, and more restrictions on building and development,” writes McClimon. Companies are increasingly seeing these efforts as a key aspect of their corporate social responsibility.
5) Measuring results
Corporate social responsibility is increasingly being viewed not as a nicety, but as an aspect of doing business – and that means it needs to be measured, evaluated, and adjusted accordingly. Benefits of corporate social responsibility range from increased employee satisfaction to increased creativity, and companies are looking to quantify results.
Recent campaigns from Nike and Gillette have demonstrated that a strong stand on important and controversial issues can have varying consequences for a company’s bottom line. In its essence, corporate responsibility is about serving global interests without regard for gain, but companies are increasingly recognizing that for advocacy to be effective, it needs to align with business interests.
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by Elizabeth Hines | Jul 23, 2019 | Blog, Marketing, Social Media, Video Marketing
Videos drive greater conversion rates and increased leads. Here are four takeaways from Vidyard’s 2019 State of Video in Business Report.
Highlights:
- Over 82% of businesses reported greater investments in video last year
- Vidyard’s report stated that high-value video content has become a key factor in SEO and ranking.
- Aside from just tracking views, businesses will also track engagement time, drop-off rates, and reach across all channels, as well as the impact of video on lead generation and revenue.
Video Transcript:
Hi I’m Christy LeMire, the Director of Video Strategy at Fronetics, and today I’ll be sharing 4 takeaways from Vidyard’s 2019 State of Video in Business Report.
This report confirmed what us digital marketers already know, video is everywhere. Over 82% of businesses reported greater investments in video last year and it’s no surprise why. Videos drive more sharing, produce greater conversion rates and increase leads.
Here are the 4 key takeaways from the 2019 State of Video in Business Report
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Video isn’t just for social media
Though Facebook and Snapchat saw over 8 billion video views every day on their platforms, video didn’t stop with social media. Video took center stage in digital marketing and brand awareness. Vidyard’s report stated that high-value video content has become a key factor in SEO and ranking. This trend will continue to grow as marketers begin using video for frequently asked questions and explanations of complex and intricate business details.
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Short and sweet videos
Marketers used to create highly produced promotional videos for their websites and blogs. But now marketers are focusing on conversational and educational videos created specifically for social media. These casual videos give followers timely updates on industry trends, a behind the scenes look at projects, and interviews with clients and colleagues. The transparency created in these videos brings personality to your business. Marketers will continue to create video for social media, their blog and YouTube channels, resulting in a spike in short-form content like snackable video series.
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Video experiences focus on engagement
New approaches to video—including series-based content, video podcasts, interactive video, and personalized video—are helping marketers boost engagement and expand audiences. Experts predict we’ll see these new approaches gain more traction as the tools to create them become more user-friendly and best practices become more widely understood.
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Expanation of video analytics
As video has expanded, so have the needs of video analytics. Businesses will start making use of analytics tools to track video metrics that align with their digital marketing strategy. Aside from just tracking views, businesses will also track engagement time, drop-off rates, and reach across all channels, as well as the impact of video on lead generation and revenue. With more detailed reporting, businesses will see more efficiency and a higher ROI from their video content.
Check out the full report on our blog and find more digital marketing tips on our website at Fronetics.com.
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by Elizabeth Hines | Jul 18, 2019 | Blog, Logistics, Marketing, Social Media, Supply Chain
Reading social media blogs is an excellent way to ensure that your business is on top of the latest industry trends, insights, and analysis.
Highlights:
- Subscribe to blogs using an RSS reader to make sure you’re keeping up with the latest.
- Social Media Examiner is a great all-around source, while Social Media Today is the best place to go for up-to-the-minute news.
- Duct Tape Marketing is specifically geared to social media for small businesses.
It’s an old adage, but it holds true: When it comes to social media marketing, the only constant is change. Platforms are constantly refining their algorithms, seeking to stay in line with ever-evolving user behavior, and trends and memes come and go in the blink of an eye. In order to be successful, businesses need to stay abreast of all these constant shifts. Becoming a voracious reader of social media blogs is one of the best ways you can stay on top of what’s going on in the social media marketing world.
These five social media blogs are our favorite go-to resources for the latest news, as well as keen insights and expert analysis. Use your RSS reader to subscribe, and you’ll be privy to free knowledge from some of the leading industry voices.
Fronetics’ 5 favorite social media blogs in 2019
1) Social Media Examiner
Social Media Examiner has been one of our favorite social media blogs for years. Widely known for providing consistently valuable content, the blog features articles from in-house social media experts, as well as regular guest contributors.
We recommend Social Media Examiner whether you’re a beginner at social media marketing or a seasoned expert. The blog frequently features beginner-friendly, step-by-step guides to leveraging social media for marketing purposes, as well as up-to-date coverage of all the most important happenings in the industry, along with terrific analysis.
Recent must-read posts:
2) Duct Tape Marketing
If you’re a small business, Duct Tape Marketing is a fantastic resource for social media marketing specifically geared to small and midsized corporations. Social media is one of the blog’s main focus points, but it also offers suggestions and insights for digital marketing in a broader sense, SEO, marketing automation, and more — all of which help inform a robust social media strategy.
We love the strategies Duct Tape Marketing offers, with small businesses top of mind. You’ll find tactics for leveraging social media to generate leads, expand reach, and grow your business.
Recent must-read posts:
3) Social Media Today
When it comes to social media news, no one does it better than Social Media Today. The team of regular contributors posts several times a day and is remarkably adept at staying on the cutting edge of all the latest happenings, algorithms, and releases in the social media industry.
You won’t just find news on this social media blog. It’s also a rich resource for analysis, opinions, and insights, as well as tips and how-to articles from experienced marketers.
Recent must-read posts:
4) Socially Sorted
Run by social media guru Donna Mortiz, Socially Sorted has been named one of Social Media Examiner’s Top 10 Social Media Blogs for three years in a row. Mortiz personally authors most of the articles that appear on her blog and carefully curates contributors who bring expert perspectives to complement her own.
Socially Sorted focuses heavily on visual content social media platforms, like Instagram and Pinterest, but offers value for readers looking to round out their strategy on any platform. These days, visual content has a tremendous amount of power, and Mortiz is a fantastic resource for boosting your visual game.
Recent must-read posts:
5) Convince and Convert
No list of social media blogs is complete without Convince and Convert. While it’s a general digital and content marketing blog, it boasts a heavy focus on social media marketing topics. Founder Jay Baer and other industry experts offer a steady stream of new content, primarily in the form of how-to guides, case studies, tips, tools, and opinion pieces.
Convince and Convert is a good place for beginners and advanced social media marketers alike. However, more advanced readers will be better to take advantage of the specific and often highly technical guides. The topics never fail to be engaging and often slant toward using strategies informed by human psychology to optimize social influence.
Recent must-read posts:
Which social media blogs are you reading these days?
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by Elizabeth Hines | Jul 17, 2019 | Blog, Content Marketing, Current Events, Logistics, Marketing, Supply Chain
Here are four ways the Amazon effect is shaking up supply chain trends – and why it’s a net positive for the industry.
Highlights:
- More companies will start to tap into the gig economy in the last mile, and Uber-style delivery companies will emerge.
- To meet growing customer demand, same-day delivery will become increasingly standard.
- Supply chain leaders will be increasingly evaluated according to customer experience.
Here’s the thing about adversity: it has a tendency to test our strength, and, more often than not, it brings out the best in us. There’s no doubt that the meteoric ascendency of Amazon has created plenty of adversity for the retail, transportation, and supply chain industries. But as the corporation continues to shake up supply chain trends, it’s actually giving the industry an opportunity to sharpen and refine its practices.
Amazon’s dominance has already influenced supply chain trends in big ways. Industry-wide, companies have been compelled to reflect how they do business. In many cases, it’s been a painful process: businesses have had to reinvent, in everything from what and how processes are implemented to the choice of new technologies to purchase. But despite the difficulty, the reinvention process has the potential to pay big dividends in the long term.
Experts are predicting that there are four major ways in which Amazon will continue disrupting supply chain trends going forward.
4 ways Amazon will keep disrupting supply chain trends
1) Uber-style delivery companies
If you think e-commerce sales are high, you haven’t seen anything yet. Recent data from Statista predicts that e-commerce sales will grow as much as 25% by 2022, meaning that retail delivery will undergo analogous growth. As postal service prices rise, FedEx and UPS will likely need to make more deliveries themselves. Meanwhile, Amazon’s 3PL business is booming, putting pressure on the competition.
While these retail delivery services have not yet tapped into the gig economy, largely thanks to opposition from labor unions, it’s only a matter of time according to Convey CEO Rob Taylor. Taylor predicts that a deal will be “brokered between unions and 1099 labor, following in the footsteps of Uber and the taxi and public transportation industries’ unionization efforts.”
2) Same-day delivery
Same-day delivery, once a novelty, is increasingly a subject of consumer demand. PwC’s Global Consumer Insights Survey 2019 found that 40% of online shoppers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery. To meet the demand retailers are investing in on-demand warehousing and other solutions for increasing localized inventory.
In addition, there’s the rise of drone delivery. Back in 2017, McKinsey estimated that the value of drone activity would reach $1 billion. More recent estimates, including one from ResearchandMarkets, set the value at $11.2 billion by 2022. It’s not long before same-day delivery will be necessary for businesses to compete.
3) Customer satisfaction metrics
As supply chain trends go, the type of metrics used to evaluate personnel may not seem particularly revolutionary. In fact, this type of shift is an indicator of sweeping cultural change. Writing for Fortune, Elementum CEO Nader Mikhail predicts that “tomorrow’s CEOs will come from an unlikely place: the supply chain.”
Customer expectations have been redefined, thanks to the Amazon effect, and businesses need leaders who are skilled at transforming overarching goals into many smaller variables. Where better to find such skills than among the ranks of supply chain leaders?
As a result, in addition to more traditional supply chain key performance indicators (KPIs), Taylor predicts that “net promoter score (NPS) and customer satisfaction (CSAT), which are leading indicators of customer happiness and loyalty, will play a greater role in the supply chain scorecard.” Essentially, supply chain and marketing goals will increasingly intersect.
4) Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the most widely discussed supply chain trends in recent years. AI is helping supply chain leaders collate and analyze operational data, and “automating the ability to predict customer demand, forecast product availability, optimize routes for delivery, and better target and personalize communication with customers,” according to Taylor.
Amazon has invested heavily in AI technologies including order optimization, blockchain, warehouse robotics, and the Internet of Things. To keep up, Taylor predicts that “a new generation of supply chain leaders will likely require skills in AI that empower them to translate this highly technical information into business decisions and profitability.”
Navigating the Amazon effect on supply chain trends
When it comes to managing Amazon’s disruptive effects on supply chain trends, the industry will do best to look on them as opportunities. Amazon’s success is, according to Taylor, “pushing brands to modernize and align their teams around the central goal of improving customer experience.” The bottom line is that thanks to Amazon, supply chain companies need to be primarily focused on the customer in order to compete.
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