The manufacturing industry, despite experiencing rapid technological advances, is still faced with a number of important challenges that hinder progress towards data-driven production. These challenges are primarily related to data and system integration, data analysis, and management and organization. Resolving these challenges is the key for manufacturing companies to optimize their production potential and compete in the industrial era 4.0.


1. Data and System Integration
One of the main obstacles in adopting data-driven production is the difficulty in integrating various existing systems and data sources. Many manufacturing companies have a technology infrastructure consisting of multiple systems that operate independently. These limitations hinder a company's ability to collect, manage, and analyze data effectively. A lack of compatibility between these systems can hinder smooth data flow, hinder operational visibility, and slow down accurate decision making.

2. Data Analysis
Having access to lots of data is not enough, companies also need to overcome the challenge of analyzing that data. Large, complex data collections require specialized tools and expertise to turn them into valuable insights. It is important for manufacturing companies to develop strong data analysis capabilities in order to identify relevant trends, patterns and opportunities. This challenge is complicated by a lack of skilled data analysis experts and a lack of understanding of how to apply the results of analysis to better decision-making.

3. Management and Organization
The use of data in production also requires changes in management and organization. Some companies may have difficulty changing work culture and adopting new practices required in data-driven production. The coordination required between different departments and changes in business processes can be complex and challenging. In addition, another challenge is securing support from top management and ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to implement the changes.


Although these challenges may seem complex, manufacturing companies must not see them as insurmountable obstacles. Instead, these challenges should be seen as opportunities for growth and development. By addressing the issues of data and system integration, sophisticated data analysis, and management and organizational restructuring, companies can take a step forward towards more efficient, innovative and adaptive production.


To address this challenge, companies need to invest in technologies that facilitate cross-platform data integration, as well as train their staff in sophisticated data analysis. In addition, it is important for companies to develop an effective change strategy, involving all levels of the organization in the transformation towards data-driven production. By taking this holistic approach, manufacturing companies can overcome existing obstacles and carve a path towards a smarter and more efficient manufacturing future.

The above material was delivered by a presenter from Ukraine in an international webinar held by STEKOM University in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur University from Malaysia and Ukraine. The presenter's name is Omelianenko Vitalii. He is a Doctor of Economics as well as Associate Professor and head of the center for technology projects at Summy Makarenko State University. The international webinar was held on May 23 2023 which was hosted by Ms. Novita. The media used in the international seminar is zoom and broadcast directly to Youtube. The event went very well and was quite lively, marked by the many participants who took part and the number of questions asked after the presenters finished delivering their presentations.


This international webinar activity is part of the implementation of STEKOM University's commitment to increase various international activities. This was done in order to realize the vision to become an international-class university. Various international activities carried out by STEKOM University continue from year to year. There are international activities that are sustainable and there are also some international activities that are not sustainable. All types of activities are accommodated internationally and regulated by the International department of STEKOM University.