12 Oct Smart Manufacturing. Click to keep reading…
Staying aware of market and industry trends is vital to remaining competitive and relevant for any organization. In the manufacturing world, there has been a strong push towards “Smart Manufacturing”, and as a result we are finding factories increasing efficiencies, reducing down time and therefore; reducing costs.
But what is “smart manufacturing” exactly?
Smart manufacturing is creating a factory with the goal of optimizing the manufacturing process. Smart manufacturing is the process that employs computer controls, modeling, big data and other automation to improve manufacturing efficiencies through the utilization of advanced information and manufacturing technologies. The benefits encompass more than just the physical production of goods and can be found in functions such as planning, supply chain logistics, and even product development.
How do we make a factory “smarter”?
The construct of a smart factory can include an arrangement of production, information, and communication technologies, with the potential for integration across the entire manufacturing supply chain.
Essential to the smart factory is the technology that makes data collection possible. These include the intelligent sensors, motors, and robotics present on production and assembly lines.
For example, the sensing technology on Self-Driving Vehicles used for material handling improves effectiveness and safety as product is moved around the factory. These types of robotics have the ability to sense and avoid people, as well as unexpected obstructions in the course of doing its work. Avoiding these common disruptions is a powerful advantage that keeps production running optimally.
It’s the intelligence at the factory level that creates a fluid production environment and the desired results; reducing costs while improving quality and reliability. The future of manufacturing is for more customization, so by minimizing downtime for retooling and resetting equipment, manufacturers can operate efficiently while remaining flexible.
What are the impacts of “Smart Manufacturing”?
The investment of converting to a smart factory aids manufacturers by creating a safer and more dependable plant. The demands on the manufacturing industry will continue thanks to the trend for more on-demand production and ever existing drive to reduce costs. The smart factory is a direct way for manufacturers to excel and improve in their efficiencies, safety, and reliability.–Commentary provided by Zack Hicks, Business Development
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