Even if the manufacturing companies focus is on maximizing supply chain efficiency, often, the manufacturing chain connecting tool manufacturers, OEMs, and suppliers is frequently ignored. The issues that frequently crop up are either caused by the manufacturing tools, including molds and dies, or by outsourcing vendors not making the most use of their tools. With the proper information, these issues can be quickly addressed; however, this information is rarely available. It is possible to spot production issues brought on by inadequate or inappropriate tool use by combining sensors and software. The industrial supply chain can be made more efficient and itsplayers' interactions can be improved by evaluating sensor data to identify production issues and predict delivery issues.

Non optimal quality control. It is possible to spot production issues brought on by inadequate or inappropriate tool use by combining sensors and software. The industrial supply chain can be more efficient and its players' interactions can be improved by evaluating sensor data to identify production issues and predict delivery issues.

If left to the supplier, this may result in issues with the mold's and its products' quality. For instance, suppliers might be persuaded to reduce tooling cycle times past what the equipment makers intended in order to boost margins or keep up production deadlines. However, even a small change in production speed might result in a shorter tool life and less-than-ideal part output.

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Expensive asset management. The lifecycle of a tool is practically impossible to manage since OEMs lack the means to monitor tool usage and performance, despite the fact that tools are an expensive and distinctive asset. OEMs are aware of a tool's age. OEMs cannot estimate when a component will reach the end of its life if they do not know how the tooling is utilized. Tooling life, instead, depends on how many "shots" or pieces the tool can produce. Even two or three months before they need to be replaced, molds might start to deteriorate.

Molds may be managed in real time and used to their fullest potential by manufacturers using data so that OEMs can track tool usage and assess supplier and tool performance to ensure a high return on investment and competitive advantage.

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Reduce risk of late delivery. OEMs count on their suppliers to provide parts on schedule. OEMs need to be aware in advance ifsuppliers don't deliver on time. Then, they can change their plans or modify their supply chain. If the OEM has information on where and how many parts were made, these issues can be avoided. It is challenging to collect this information since parts are made by outside vendors; the COVID-19 outbreak made matters worse becausenumerous production facilities had to close for a while. By giving OEMs visibility into production volumes, such as the quantity and location of the parts they are creating, OEMs can determine whether their current part production is adequate to fulfill deadlines. Digitizing molds overcomes these concerns.

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Inefficient purchasing practices. Since molds are used for different components, it is challenging for OEMs to monitor supplier performance and activity. Tens of thousands of parts from hundreds or thousands of suppliers may be needed for highly sophisticated products.

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Lack of innovative, data-driven processes. Manufacturers are always trying to get better. However, without data on the effectiveness of their own processes and those of their suppliers, they run the risk of becoming stagnant. If OEMs haveaccess to the necessary data, they can monitor production processes from beginning to end and notify them when products in the supply chain are deficient. OEMs can assess supplier performance, improve the supply chain, and make better strategic decisions, such as whether to produce or purchase particular components, by thoroughly evaluating production data.

Additionally, OEMs can shift to a manufacturing strategy that is more concentrated on outsourcing component production using manufacturing data, choosing and working with the most dependable suppliers in the knowledge that their plan willresult in a more effective supply chain and increased profits.

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MATIX - In this context, MATIX offers a solution that is easy to implement, provides immediate return on investment and quickly identifies the cause of production problems by analyzing irrefutable data. MATIX Box can be quickly and easily installed on the mold and, once installed, it sends to the cloud data about the production: data such as production cycle times, cycles, maintenance operations and mold positions can be transmitted to a cloud server via cellular connectivity. By analyzing sensor data, production efficiency and mold condition can be visualized to inform OEMs of anomalies in production and predict delays in part delivery. With this information, OEMs and suppliers can improve processes and production, strengthening their relationship.

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