Use of ICT in Manufacturing to Achieve Vision 2030

Abstract

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) may be defined as computer hardware and software and telecommunications technology. ICT is the World’s fastest growing economic activity; the sector has turned the globe into an increasingly interconnected network of individuals, firms, schools and governments communicating and interacting with each other through a variety of channels and providing economic opportunities transcending borders, languages and cultures. ICT has opened new channels for service delivery in areas such as e-government, education, e-health and information dissemination. Information and communication technologies (ICT), as well, play a vital role in the manufacturing industries’ competence, competitiveness, and processes and jobs the world over. ICT forms the basis for most advances in almost all aspects in modern world including manufacturing technologies; it is considered to be key for an advanced manufacturing strategy. Here in Kenya it has not been fully embraced which we would say can slow the process to achieving Vision 2030. This paper aims at sensitizing Kenyan manufacturers on the use of ICT to increase their productivity which is a key factor in achieving vision 2030. ICT can be used from the stage of acquiring materials to selling the finished products. Through its capacity to integrate and blend a number of knowledge intensive technologies, ICT can enable traditional manufacturing base to be competitive in a global environment. Innovative use of ICT can result in new sales channels, new product capabilities and product differentiation. ICT can also reduce costs, increase productivity and improve the base for strategic decision-making and risk management. These results should be reflected in enhanced business performance. When properly combined, the components of ICT (technologies and applications) can yield synergetic results. An organization can have more flexible and integrated operations, be better equipped to manage complex operations, and exercise better controls. The staff from the information systems functions does not work in isolation and therefore needs to integrate engineering, manufacturing, and business databases into a cross functional decision support system. Once accomplished, the flexibility to respond to customer demands with low cost, high quality specialized products becomes a powerful competitive advantage not leaving behind the speed at which all the processes take place. This includes obtaining materials, processing and supplying the products at high speed which is of essence in the modern world. If embraced then achieving the 2030 vision can be done with a lot of ease.