The manufacturing industry faces intense challenges such as advanced customization, increased expectations, and complexities in global supply chains. To gain a competitive edge in the market, companies turn to IoT (Internet of Things). Here is a look at how the IoT is playing a key role in transforming the manufacturing industry.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is condition monitoring that allows manufacturers to steer from equipment failures. IoT is flourishing in this sector. Internet connected to machinery collects and analyzes data in real-time, effectively managing risks before any cognate disruption.
IoT-facilitated predictive maintenance sensors aid in the efficiency of manufacturing operations and reduce the cost of poor quality (COPQ). These wireless sensors assess the vibrations of machines, enclosing temperature, acceleration, and more to ensure machinery runs under normal conditions.
In addition, the sensors optimize safety by helping to predict if a machine is running in a dangerous position or is about to explode. In the aviation industry, airlines like Jetstar Airways are already rolling out concepts such as predictive maintenance.
Product tracking
One of the most crucial challenges of product tracking in industries is the extreme amount of assets required to track. On top of that, the products commonly move around frequently, making it harder to keep track of them. Amidst this, misplaced or damaged goods further add to the commotion.
IoT Internet of Things) connects machines and equipment to a wireless internet connection. Thus, this enables manufacturers to monitor and control the products remotely, increasing overall efficiency and reducing downtime.
Quality Control
Optimizing quality control involves various processes and surveillance of machinery domains that influence product quality. Usually, product quality and reliability depend upon optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality. Formerly being a manual process, quality assurance resulted in many errors in manufacturing. However, with the contribution of IoT, quality variables can be controlled and tracked with accuracy.
Production Efficiency
IoT helps to streamline production operations. It allows manufacturers to gain data from multiple machines. The collected data enables the identification of trends and areas that require improvement. It offers tracking of production status in real-time. In addition, IoT-facilitated equipment communicates with each other, easing the production processes. Not only that, IoT increases efficiency by reducing downtime and promoting production, as it helps manufacturers fix problems before they can occur.
Along with leveraging AI and IoT technologies, Porsche Partner Network has designed its production areas to reflect the logic of its production process. They deploy automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, at their Zuffenhausen factory.
