Post COVID-19: Application of Data Visualization Technology at Manufacturing Sector in Malaysia
MN Azhar*, AIM Shaiful and MN Omar
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kampus Pauh Putra, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
*Corresponding Author: MN Azhar, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kampus Pauh Putra, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
Published: August 30, 2023
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the manufacturing sector including Malaysia, causing supply chain disruptions, decreased demand, and production shutdowns. This has resulted in a decrease in output and disruptions to global trade, with some sectors rebounding while others continue to struggle. Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, and real-time data visualization dashboard can assist manufacturers in overcoming these challenges by increasing flexibility, efficiency, and resilience in their operations. Real-time data visualization dashboard tools, a technology from Industry 4.0, can provide operational insights into manufacturing processes, and help identify areas for improvement. These platform can also assist in remote monitoring, management, and predictive analysis, which can help manufacturers mitigate the effects of the pandemic and become more resilient in the face of future disruptions. This research studies among Malaysia's manufacturers have found that the majority agree that Industry 4.0 is more valuable during and at post-pandemic, with real-time data visualization tools being the most important elements for tackling the top issues such as inventory management and process yield improvement. However, many manufacturers are still in the pilot run, and there are challenges to be faced in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase, including managing organizational mindset, culture, and customer needs.
Keywords: COVID-19; Industry 4.0; Industry4WRD; Manufacturing; Data Visualization; Dashboard