Taiwan's fastener sector embraces digital transformation

⬛ Chao Ting-yu

In the past two years, global events like the Ukraine-Russian war have led to raw material shortages and further disrupted the already-fragile global supply chain. This backdrop has cemented the determination of suppliers in the traditional industries based in southern Taiwan to embrace digital transformation trends. For instance, fastener suppliers based in Kangshan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan's fastener hub, eventually directed more resources into the aerospace industry to increase added value.

One of the advantages of doing business with Taiwanese suppliers is the support from the public and private sectors. Events such as the “Digital Transformation x ESG upgrade / Smart Manufacturing Seminar and Matchmaking Event” showed such cross-sector collaboration efforts. The first event was hosted last year, assisting south-based suppliers in data collection with machinery, reporting inaccurate data and disconnection issues, sourcing product inspection services to replace labor shortages for technology companies, improving product manufacturing accuracy, and cut costs. In this year's edition, experts were on-site to speak with interested suppliers one-on-one for counseling.

With enterprises facing increased labor demands, rising costs, and ESG sustainability requirements, traditional industries will require a blueprint under smart transformation to successfully export products that follow global standards.