Using the latest technologies to increase productivity in the manufacturing world is no longer just a desirable advantage – it’s a must.
To remain competitive with the rest of the world, the UK must address its lacklustre productivity record and technology is the solution. In fact, according to ONS, the UK has been significantly behind its G7 counterparts with the exception of Japan for a number of years. To tackle this problem, we need to make use of increasingly connected and smart technologies, which will deliver better output, higher-quality products and less wastage on the factory floor. We’re rapidly moving from a world of dedicated automated manufacturing lines where high volumes of the same product are produced, to a more digital and flexible world where every individual product can be manufactured to a bespoke customer specification, on demand, at any hour of the day.
For example, when it comes to a modern flexible automated production line – product schedules are received digitally, the line and each machine in the line, that may contain robots, automatically configures itself for the next product and digitally calls up the parts and/or materials to produce the desired product. Integrating Industry 4.0 and IIoT into manufacturing operations is allowing businesses to develop more responsive frameworks that grow both productivity and profitability. In fact, by investing into these technologies now, businesses will reap the long-term success!”
What are the benefits?
Integrating smart technologies on the factory floor opens up an arena of new possibilities within the industrial arena. One example can be seen with manufacturers implementing an IIoT solution. The Industrial Internet of Things can improve communication between devices, systems and personnel both inside and outside of the company. This can allow experts and expert systems to optimise and speed up the process and also to cut downtime with predictive maintenance – all resulting in increased productivity.
In a factory, limited downtime is crucial to productivity. Smart, connected technologies offer manufacturers real-time diagnostics and non-contact maintenance. A great example of this is the Vijeo 360. The Vijeo 360 is an augmented reality tool that can be connected to a machine or system controller in real-time. The benefit of an AR tool like this is the ability to improve operational efficiency by allowing the end user to project current data onto any system with a tablet. Another benefit is improving profitability. A great example of this is the New Modicon M580 Safety Controller which provides up to 100 per cent measurable ROI within three months. This technology controls risks to the real-time security, safety, efficiency, reliability and profitability of industrial operations. Manufacturers must also consider the advantages of automation through the use of robotics, machine learning and AI. The benefit of a robotic workforce is that robots can work 24-hours a day, whilst still producing quality, consistent output that in reality, no human can ever match”.
How can companies take advantage of this?
There’s no denying that there is a constant human need to remain connected at all times. The same can be said for Manufacturers. Despite the challenges of the increasing use of automation, IIoT and connected technologies – it really is a no brainer. Connected devices are enabling organisations to look at their data, measure results more closely and make informed business decisions. Right now, the best business decision manufacturers could make is to take a leap and join the smart, digital world. Companies can also take advantage of these technologies to provide a better customer experience. For example, in the food industry, manufacturers are able to use technology to respond quickly to new market trends. This can be in the form of changing packaging sizes, shapes and flavours of food. These insights not only increase productivity but enable cost-cutting. Additionally, smaller, more flexible factories can benefit from the ability to run as close as possible to 24 hours a day with the lights out. The result – higher productivity yet lower capital and lower energy usage.
In order to reap all the benefits of these technologies, more work needs to be done to train the next generation of manufacturers on the benefits of these technologies. This is not optional. Smart ‘connected’ manufacturing is vital for long term competitiveness and ultimately – the survival of the manufacturing business.
