The manufacturing industry is undergoing many changes and those specializing in traditional
manufacturing are finding it difficult to keep up. Perhaps the biggest change is how traditional manufacturing has come under pressure to manage vast amounts of data captured from different sources. Here are some of the ways the Internet of Things (IoT) can help.
1.Keeping an eye on suppliers
Quality control has become easier because IoT helps keep an eye on suppliers, which eases the manufacturing processes. Keeping an eye on suppliers is all about looking at all constituents that the supplier offers. Capturing data about these constituents through IoT helps make for faster data-processing and better quality control.
Thanks to IoT, many manufacturers are now building self-correcting systems. Missing parts are replaced and parts are replenished, giving rise to greater productivity. Since manufacturing industries are looking for ways to boost productivity, there is no way for them to overlook what IoT can do for them. In addition to greater productivity, there is also more convenience along with reduced need for human labor.
3. Maintaining supply lines
The IoT is expected to help businesses stick to lean manufacturing while helping maintain supply lines. Since lean manufacturing often requires smart management of the supply lines (to ensure that components are never in short supply but there is no overstock), IoT is expected to help resolve many problems. It will help ensure that suppliers located in different regions can be kept in the loop and supply lines can be managed smoothly so that there is no shortage. It will also help reduce waste and optimize the use of resources.
4. Uninterrupted manufacturing process
Usually, manufacturing is divided into many processes, from sourcing of raw materials to production, transportation and reaching the customer. However, with the IoT, experts envision something extra. The entire process will be smooth and effective. The raw materials will be already marked for production, intended to reach a particular buyer.
5. Reduced cost
6. Launch new products
Studying needs and launching new products is becoming easier. There is less jostle and inefficiency than traditional systems.
7. Integrating offline and online processes
Traditionally, data and manufacturing have been treated as separate entities. However, in manufacturing industries where IoT advances, this is expected to change. As products begin to carry information about them, it becomes easier to assign a processing and logistics path to them.
8. Connected to the consumer
Products are, in the end, manufactured to suit the consumer. Thanks to IoT, it becomes easier to stay connected to the consumer and create products that match their requirements. This offers two-way benefits, as the consumer gets the best products and the manufacturing plant is able to manufacture products per exact specification.
As manufacturing processes undergo change, it becomes imperative for executives to make the most of the coming revolution, which will change how things are manufactured and the market economy as a whole. As such, it is wise to prepare for these changes by investing in the right IoT system.
Darren Tessitore is COO & co-founder of Industrial Intelligence, where this post originally published.
