IT in Manufacturing

Use IT and technology to help companies create a smoother supply chain.

From MNCs to small organisations, any company actively operating in the manufacturing sector needs the support of a dedicated IT department to run its business effectively.

On their part, IT and technology have often been credited for many manufacturing organisations’ improved productivity and cost reduction, and proved essential in helping them refine their supply chains and data management processes.

Career overview

The job scope as an IT expert in this area can revolve around a few primary duties, such as quality control, building and maintaining computer-aided design and manufacturing software, as well as data sensing and logging.

Newcomers typically start out with technical duties as they learn from the mentor and team they are assigned to, and usually deal with maintenance and troubleshooting that arise in the day-today IT networks or operations systems.

In terms of career progression, there is the option of specialisation in a certain technical area or skill through postgraduate education or professional certification. Alternatively, graduates can reach for the managerial ranks, and focus on planning, quality management and monitoring functions.

Trends and developments

Unlike other industries where regular IT skills can be applied to a wide range of departments, roles in this sector can be quite specialised due to the type of knowledge and machinery used by each individual company.

For instance, an IT expert in an oil and gas company will find it difficult to move over to the pharmaceutical line as technical industrial processes involved are very different.

In Singapore, although business conditions are largely expected to stay the same, the manufacturing sector is anticipating growth, with surges in electronics, transport engineering, and precision engineering.

Pros and cons

Working with cutting-edge technology

Depending on the size and type of the organisation, there is chance for recruits to work with cutting-edge technology.

For instance, large organisations are typically more willing to invest in the latest systems and IT infrastructure to streamline complicated supply chain procedures and processes.

Pressure

A drawback of working in this field is the pressure graduates may potentially face when systems or networks fail. As system failures can greatly affect the supply chain, all-nighters may be needed in order to bring the systems back up as soon as possible.

Skills required in IT in manufacturing

• Awareness of ongoing trends • Business and commercial awareness • Ability to multitask • Ability to work well under pressure • Organisational skills • Problem-solving skills • An eye for detail