Filled with unbelievable change caused by the pandemic, the manufacturing industry observed a sea change: a significant interruption in terms of business continuity, operational visibility, remote work, employee safety, and the list goes on. However, Canadian manufacturers have responded and are continually adapting as we all go through the recovery process. To help manufacturers accelerate this journey, Microsoft announced Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing early this year. 

Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing delivers capabilities that support the core engineering processes and requirements of the industry. These end-to-end manufacturing solutions include capabilities that seamlessly connect people, assets, workflow, and business processes, empowering businesses to be more resilient. 

By aligning cloud services to industry-specific requirements, Microsoft gives customers a starting point in the cloud that smoothly integrates into their existing operations. What makes the Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing different is Microsoft’s commitment to industry-specific standards and communities. 

The disruptions originating from the pandemic are here to stay; hence there is a heightened need for innovation and risk management. We are at an endpoint where the traditional ways of doing business will no longer suffice. Canadian manufacturers are asking for help accelerating the transformation of not only their operations but all aspects of their end-to-end business, perhaps most prominently their people and culture.

Five manufacturing trends driving the need for Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing

Below are five trends that the pandemic accelerated in 2020 and that we expect will continue in 2021 and beyond. These are the areas where we believe Microsoft and VOX ISM can help you connect the dots across your operations, workforce, design and processes, and customer engagements with the Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing.

  1. Securing factories and field assets is essential
  2. The frontline needs retooling and reskilling
  3. The journey to product-as-a service is accelerating
  4. Partnerships and ecosystems are critical to manufacturing
  5. Resilience and sustainability are top-of-mind for all manufacturing stakeholders

Stay Updated on Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing

Looking ahead, we expect to see manufacturing companies continue to use newly implemented cloud technology throughout the pandemic recovery period and into what becomes the next phase of the new normal.

Join our upcoming events for our next Microsoft Cloud update.