How Technology Impacts Manufacturing 3D Printing

THE MANUFACTURER VOLUME 38 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE TRINIDAD & TOBAGO MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION DEC. 2014 TIC 2014 A Growing Success HOW TECHNOLOGY 3D PRINTING IN MEMBERSHIP TRADE AND DEPLOYING IMPACTS TRADITIONAL SUPPORT INVESTMENT BUSINESS MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING SERVICES CONVENTION APPLICATIONS THE MANUFACTURER . PAGE 1 THE MANUFACTURER FROM THE DESK OF THE President The sector faces a number of chal- the manufacturing industry of Trinidad lenges but we welcome the reengineer- and Tobago. ing being undertaken to improve the The Trade and Investment Conven- processes involved in doing business, tion is another platform provided by the VISION The Central Bank, in its review of which has resulted in better service TTMA to assist the business commu- STATEMENT the fourth quarter of 2013, has shown delivery times for company registra- nity of Trinidad & Tobago to promote that the future of the local manufactur- tion, work permits, Import/ Export Per- and grow their operations. TIC 2014, To be the voice of ing sector is very optimistic. The non- mits and Licenses, and Certificates of in keeping with the initiative of facili- energy sector has shown a quarter to Origin, all through the implementation tating access to international markets manufacturers in quarter growth of 1.9% with manu- of the TTBizlink IT platform. A reduc- and creating new business linkages, Trinidad and Tobago, facturing and construction growing by tion of government bureaucracy and attracted participation from Venezu- creating value and 2.1% and 2.5% respectively (SEIB improved efficiency will increase our ela, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Brazil, March 2014). The aforementioned members’ ability to compete locally Canada, Cuba, Haiti, China, Italy, Ja- providing world growth is a clear translation of the and globally. This country’s manufac- maica, Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, class service to our impact that monetary policies can turers have the capacity and expertise the Dominican Republic, the USA, the have, once implemented efficiently. In to compete in certain areas, but the in- UK and other countries. The Trade and membership. addition, local companies have also efficiencies of the regulatory agencies Investment Convention, since its in- started investing in new technologies, in various Ministries hinder trade. Insti- ception, has facilitated an estimated retooling and streamlining their opera- tutional strengthening is a fundamental US$ 500 million in trade deals since tions to meet current challenges; this issue that must be addressed in 2015, this event began fifteen years ago. emphasizes the positive effect of public through the improvement of Border In an effort to be more efficient in and private sector partnership on the Control agencies to create a facilitating its deliverables to the membership, BOARD business sector’s contribution to Gross environment for manufacturers. the TTMA has initiated several proj- Domestic Product. 2014 has witnessed the continu- ects under the Business Development OF DIRECTORS In light of the above, the Trinidad ation of several trade negotiations, in Unit (BDU). One such project is the Mr. Nicholas Lok Jack and Tobago Manufacturers’ Associa- which the TTMA Secretariat continues implementation on the BDU’s Mem- tion recognizes the pivotal role that the to play an integral role. The Canada- ber Liaison Initiative. The BDU has (President) manufacturing sector must play in CARICOM free trade agreement, the experienced positive reception from Mr. Christopher Alcazar stimulating the economy and promot- TT/Guatemala agreement, TT/Panama stakeholders from this initiative and ing sustainable growth. TTMA will trade agreement and the TT/El Salva- expectations from its contribution are Mr. Craig La Croix continue to work with the government dor trade negotiations are anticipated high for facilitating development. Mr. Robin Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago to create an to create new opportunities for busi- We look forward to working along- Mr. Robin Phillips enabling environment for businesses nesses in Trinidad and Tobago. Sectors side the manufacturers of Trinidad and as we play our part in the diversifica- that are expected to benefit from the Tobago to create a more enabling busi- Mr. Darren Leigh tion process. The implementation of agreements include manufacturing, ness environment. The TTMA believes Mr. Travis Ali necessary legislation is imperative for agriculture and financial services. that targeted measures to encourage a vibrant manufacturing sector, which Apart from these trade agreements innovation, investment and productiv- Ms. Franka Costelloe is important to our nation’s prosper- which will assist in opening up new ity are needed in order to develop the Mr. Roger Roach ity. An example of our commitment to markets, trade development and mar- local manufacturing sector and sustain Mr. Anthony Farah diversification is demonstrated in the ket access are critical issues. The long-term economic growth. Association’s lobbying efforts for the TTMA Secretariat is working assidu- Dr. Rolph Balgobin implementation of legislation critical ously to ensure that new markets are Nicholas Lok Jack Mr. Ashmeer Mohamed to the needs of manufacturers, includ- being explored to secure more inputs President ing the Beverage Container Bill, Border and increase demand for Trinidad and Control legislation, Procurement legis- Tobago’s products and services. This is lation and the Fair Trading Bill. evident in the Association’s up-coming Trade Mission to Guyana to promote Design & Layout TRINIDAD & TOBAGO MANUFACTURERS’ DO YOU ASSOCIATION 2nd Floor, TTMA Building #42 Tenth Avenue, Barataria P.O.Box 971, Port of Spain Tel: (868) 675-TTMA(8862) 868.645.4133 NEED [ [email protected] ] THE MANUFACTURER . PAGE 2 Fax: (868) 675-9000 TO CONTACT US? Email: [email protected] URL: www.ttma.com THE MANUFACTURER How Technology is Changing the Face of Manufacturing Technology has changed and continues to change the manufacturing sector. Some refer to this change as the new industrial revolution. Change is underway in the manufacturing the necessary technological skills for modern manufacturers make long term mechanization world and digital technology is the driving manufacturing. Industrial robots are mere investments especially those who are able to force behind it. Most notably, technology has automatons which humans program to perform afford the required technology which allows changed the manufacturing sectors’ reliance simple tasks. Those said tasks require decision- manufacturers to produce high-quality, low-cost on the human labour force, manufacturing making, creativity and adaptation for which goods at a competitive rate. companies’ ability to be competitive and the human perception is necessary. The outputs of Per contra, the chance to produce at a manufacturing industry’s innovation processes. machines are in no way comparable to that of competitive rate may not always be given The advent of machinery and technology the human labour force. Although, machines are to all manufacturers. High technology costs has decreased the need for and cost of human not without limitations. However when a task such as the implementation of an expensive labour. On the other hand, manufacturers are is done right by robotics, productivity tends to production line is sometimes beyond the reach claiming that they are unable to find workers increase dramatically. of an average SME. Thus, not only will such who have the necessary technological skills The global competitive landscape of manufacturing companies depend heavily for modern manufacturing. Therefore, while manufacturing has been transformed by the on the human labour force but the speed of technology has impacted the manufacturing impact of technology. Increased productivity outputs may be slower consequently affecting industry significantly there is still a void which and high outputs at a rapid speed illustrate the the manufacturer’s ability to perform in a exists in the labour market. positive way in which technology has affected competitive environment. Investment in technologically advanced the manufacturing sector. Consequently, bigger Technology is transforming innovation at its machinery and equipment has affected the manufacturers are earmarked as competitive core. Companies are testing new ideas at speeds cost of labour for modern day manufacturers. because of their ability to speedily produce high and prices which were once unimaginable. Highly adaptive, low-cost machinery now quality goods. On the contrary, some Small and Technology is offering manufacturers the ability allows for manufacturing operations to be less Micro Enterprises (SMEs) are unable to afford to innovate more efficiently and inexpensively. sensitive to the cost of human labour. Thus, expensive technologically advanced production Innovative manufacturing companies will technology allows for the manufacturer to retain lines. This deters their productivity and inhibits shift away from traditional research-and- a low-cost labour-intensive work force without their capacity to become competitive. development methods and managers will depending on the human labour force. Even as In order to attain a competitive edge in the change the way they solicit ideas. advanced economies develop more automation market-place, manufacturing companies must Manufacturers are now able to explore and capabilities, the practice of importing labour produce high-quality products at a low cost. test new ideas, because the price of failure for

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