Ford Motor Company Invests in Automation to Speed Processes and Efficiency

The second annual ARC Industrial Digital Transformation Top 25 report continues to highlight companies that are succeeding at integrating digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing the way they operate and deliver value to customers. ARC developed a rigorous process based on financial performance, a community intelligence based ranking system, and software and sustainability data. Leading companies take a strategic approach, integrating digital technology throughout their value chains. Ford Motor Company invests in automation to speed processes and efficiency and it ranks #14 in this report.

Digital transformation is a whole new way of transacting businesses, supporting customers, leveraging the available services, and adapting to a volatile and fiercely competitive marketplace. The digital transformation journey has its share of challenges for both suppliers and end users. Technology is only part of the equation. People, capability, willingness, process simplification, and adopting a multidisciplinary approach are also required. Transforming to an organization where constant change and adjustment define normal operations is still very conceptual for some industrial companies. Each company is at a different stage of digital maturity, so there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Digital transformation leaders can be found across many different industries, sharing common traits and visions, helping them overcome complex challenges to innovate and stay agile. The companies mentioned in this report not only have their transformation initiatives well underway, but they also have their eye to the future tackling the next set of challenges on their journey.

This is the fourteenth in a series of blogs in the digital transformation space.

Ford Motor Company

Ford is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. Ford fosters a culture of innovation and transformation and was an early adopter of cloud as part of their culture of experimentation.

Ford also was an early adopter of 3D printing. Initially used for rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing is now being used to assist in production applications, and to support mainstream production. 3D printing is supporting current production processes with more efficient tooling, jigs, and fixtures. Product development processes have accelerated, due to the ability of designers to make 3D printed models of several different designs, which can then be tested by engineers simultaneously, saving the company money in not having to make several iterations of the same design. Ford has also invested heavily in automation and robotics technologies to improve the precision and speed of its manufacturing processes. This includes the use of robotics for assembly line tasks such as welding, painting, and finishing. Automation has helped to increase production capabilities, improve quality, and mitigate the need for manual labor.

The company is also committed to sustainability from the way they source materials, to the way they manufacture vehicles and the services and interactions they have with their employees, customers and communities.

Going Forward

Digital transformation has emerged as the fulcrum of business operations. This year’s Top 25 companies include many who made the list last year, together with some new companies and reshuffling of positions. ARC will continue its research in all areas related to digital transformation and analyze the outcomes. The ARC Industrial Digital Transformation Top 25 report will be published annually. With this being our second year, your feedback is very important to us as we will continue to investigate new approaches and measures to adjust our methodology, identify successful digital transformation initiatives, and help the industry as a whole digitally transform. Let’s travel together!