Innovative technologies are changing operations and manufacturing, but what is the best way capitalize on this opportunity? BCG’s Innovation Center for Operations helps companies see the possibilities—and engineer and implement the solutions that bring them to life.
Disruptive technologies are changing operations and manufacturing: computer vision, the industrial metaverse, edge computing—the list goes on. But with so many tools, where do you focus in order to foster growth and optimize productivity? BCG combines deep expertise in technology and operations—showcased through immersive experiences—to help companies visualize, and quicken, their path to operational excellence and digital transformation.
We start by inspiring, demonstrating the power—and innovative applications—of new operations technologies. Next, we assess, determining the maturity level of existing operations and zeroing in on the pain points—and opportunities—that matter most. Then we enable, helping teams develop the skills and capabilities needed to harness the power of technology. Finally, we engineer tailored solutions and implement them at scale to future-proof clients’ operations.
We leverage six unique assets—as well as BCG experts across technical, industry, and functional areas—to help clients assess their capabilities, fill gaps, create proofs of concept, and implement solutions at scale.
We’ve worked with clients across industries, helping them visualize how new manufacturing and operations technologies can spark opportunities to optimize, innovate, and fuel growth. Here are some examples of our work:
Creating Market Opportunities. By exploring scenarios through BCG’s Innovation Center for Operations, an industrial goods company was able to identify opportunities in additive manufacturing. As a result, an operating model for the new business was born—and the company positioned itself to tackle this market.
Setting Up a Greenfield Factory. A consumer goods company was relocating its production. By working with BCG’s Innovation Center for Operations, the company set up a greenfield factory that decreased conversion costs by 13%, enhanced material flow, and optimized warehouse efficiency.
Building a Lighthouse Plant. A company was preparing to build a state-of-the-art lighthouse plant in a high-cost country. BCG helped assess the technological requirements and delineated the advantages.
Combining distributed and additive manufacturing mitigates supply chain risks by enabling fully digital interactions, better economics for producing small quantities, and flexible capacity.
Producers can address critical challenges by designing flexible factories, sharing assets, and decoupling factory ownership and use.
The technologies needed to overcome many longstanding barriers to shop floor automation—and the skills needed to use them in combination—are finally available.
