In recent times, the manufacturing industry has been taking technology seriously. The latest technology – especially IoT has been crucial in revolutionizing the manufacturing industry and has enabled manufacturers to experience an increase in revenues. Better efficiency and productivity due to automation of a number of processes is the main reason why the manufacturing industry has been adopting technology in recent times.
IT in Manufacturing Business
- Smart Manufacturing
Smart manufacturing is about harnessing the power of technology and data and using analytics to run the manufacturing facility better. With IoT, technology can communicate what the process needs at the exact moment of relevance. Manufacturing equipment can be fitted with sensors to collect data and better understand how the machines are operating. It also helps measure how frequently the machinery fails and helps build a strategy around these numbers.
- Better energy efficiency
One of the largest expenses of manufacturing firms is energy. Many times the only possible source of data for energy consumption was via energy bills. Technology can bridge these gaps and collects data right at the device level and helps pinpoint when the device underperforms or is at a threshold of breaking down. Real-time data can deliver interesting insights and even provide off-hour consumption details along with recommendations for optimizing production.
- Predictive maintenance
Technology can offer the ability to proactively provide details for preventive maintenance. You no longer need to plan maintenance schedules based on historical information but you can receive real-time data to understand the maintenance needs at an exact moment.
- Product quality
The primary goal for all manufacturers is to improve the quality of their products. Higher quality products lead to other benefits such as reduced waste, lower costs, and increased customer satisfaction. One of the major culprit behind product quality issues is faulty equipment or when the equipment is not calibrated properly. Technology can help make sure all equipment is up to the mark and will not hamper the quality of production in any way.
All of this reduces the overall downtime of any production process and introduces efficiency too. Introducing IT in manufacturing processes gives you a real-time competitive edge for the future.