Manufacturing Efficiency with Industry 4.0 Technologies

The digitalisation of collaborative processes in Manufacturing is a potent catalyst to exponential, sustainable growth. Through decentralization, interoperability and virtualization, organisations are able to take the best steps toward a reduction in errors and unnecessary cost.

So, let’s look at some of the prime Industry 4.0 techniques increasing efficiencies in Manufacturing.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Digital-physical systems to monitor factory processes.

IoT-enabled machinery and sensors send actionable data directly to engineers, and other connected devices. For example, devices can alert when servicing, or maintenance is required. Production line data can help engineers to monitor and refine processes. This data can also keep tabs on your inventory and ensure that JIT techniques are followed. IoT assists production engineers in making strategic decisions.

InUse makes machines talk by transforming connected data from the machines into recommendations for the operators on the shop floor.

Big Data

Analyse the data received and identify key information.

Using computerised tools and methods to analyse Big Data can identify recurring patters, trends and associations. More and more industry leaders are willing to invest in big data analysis to help them identify processes in need of improvement. And bring in those changes that help efficient manufacturing processes. Big data provides them with key insights which help them take innovation decisions.

Cloud Computing

Single database providing a single source of truth anytime, anywhere.

Industries aiming for automation to help them manage entire factory functions must understand the importance of access to the most current data. It’s crucial that your colleagues are working in synchronicity. With your organisation connected to Cloud servers, all of your relevant data is available wherever and whenever it’s required.

Cloud PLM provides the foundation for real innovation, ensuring your cloud environment meets the integration, capability and performance needs of your business.

3D Printing

Build physical objects from CAD models.

3D printing facilitates the  creation of 3D physical models from soft 3D CAD models by adding materials layer by layer. Also known as Additive Manufacturing, this method was initial thought ideal for prototyping. But it is now accepted as a commercial manufacturing process due to improvements in precision, repeatability and extended material range.

Additive Manufacturing is delivering real business benefits as it secures its place in mainstream manufacturing.

Augmented Reality

Layer virtual displays on top of physical objects.

By attaching cameras and sensors, additional information can be extracted by engineers which helps them perform their task more efficiently. For example, it can provide complete assembly information for a dismantled product or allow production engineers to show shop floor problems directly to the maintenance team.

Final Thoughts

There are three unique phases in the full adoption of Industry 4.0 practises. Most businesses are currently operating within connective, computerised systems. These types of systems are capable of a level of automation in processes, and data communication.

But, to harness the true power of Industry 4.0 technologies, your organisation must be able to establish transparency of data. And to be able to predict and adapt to this data in real-time, you must employ a fully connected, automated and flexible system.