[Dong Nai Newspaper] Building Smart Factory Models for the Wood and Furniture Industry

(Dong Nai) – On May 14, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Dong Nai Wood and Handicraft Association (DOWA), organized a workshop titled “Smart Factory Models for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry.” The event drew the participation of 45 enterprises and DOWA members from the wood sector.

A representative from the digital transformation consulting firm presents at the workshop. Photo: Vuong The

At the workshop, representatives from ITG Technology, acting as the project’s consulting and implementation partner, shared a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap along with practical lessons learned from the actual operations of implementing enterprises. Meanwhile, a representative from Tan Vinh Cuu Joint Stock Company (TAVICO) highlighted the challenges and bottlenecks encountered during the factory-level digital transformation process, particularly those faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The workshop also dedicated time for speakers and wood industry members to discuss the urgency of digital transformation, appropriate roadmaps, and strategic approaches to resolving issues that arise during the transition. Experts emphasized that digital transformation has evolved from an experimental trend into an absolute necessity for manufacturing enterprises to enhance their competitive edge. Instead of making immediate, large-scale investments, businesses can start with small steps, correctly identifying the core problems that need solving, and executing them through a scientific roadmap, while prioritizing human resources as the decisive factor for operation.

Wood industry enterprises and members attending the workshop. Photo: Vuong The

An ILO representative affirmed that Vietnam’s position among the top 5 global wood exporters serves as a powerful “springboard” for the domestic furniture industry to move up the value chain. However, under strict pressure regarding delivery schedules, manual operational methods have reached their limits in terms of supply capacity. Mastering the data flow—from design to shop-floor execution—is a strategic step that helps Vietnamese wood businesses in general, and those in Dong Nai in particular, optimize operations, improve productivity, and boost manufacturing and business efficiency.

Vuong The