Increased efficiency and recruiting are just two benefits the technology offers
Continued research and growing knowledge in technology continue to make breakthroughs in several industries, and IoT (Internet of Things) is just another example of technology being utilized to improve services and products. In particular, it’s being used in industrial industries to speed up processes using a wireless connection.
Internet of Things in industrial industries is being used on the manufacturing floor and within data collection to drive artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. It’s essentially benefiting an industry that has struggled with talent acquisition and making improvements to provide a more efficient service whilst also encouraging better safety for the employees.
So, how exactly is IoT technology specifically benefiting the manufacturing industry? Here, we take a look at a few examples.
Predictive Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, one of the key ways in which IoT has dramatically helped the industrial industry is the improvements it’s had on the efficiency of processes. For example, one of the main issues that can occur with large maintenance machines is their occasion to falter, slowing down production levels and in some cases shutting the production process entirely. With IoT, machines can automatically detect faults via connected sensors on the operating system, eventually triggering a service request to have the machine repaired. Manufacturers can also have the benefit of detecting when a machine gets to a critical level that is considered dangerous before it’s due to happen, such as being alerted when an area is unsafe to work in due to faults in a ventilation system that’s been newly installed.
How it works is through analysis from the sensors which monitor sound frequencies, vibrations, and temperatures that help detect whether the machine is working correctly. This is more commonly known as “condition monitoring” which is normally a lengthy process when manually done by a human. Essentially, it saves money, time, and employees.
Location Tracking
Manufacturing industries regularly use tools and equipment, both large and small. Small items and tools, in particular, can be easy to lose, causing a delay in processes and manufacturing. IoT location tracking uses wirelessly connected fobs which can prevent employees from losing important equipment when they require it. This saves time on looking through large inventory lists to track misplaced items.
Encourage Leasing through IoT
Another benefit (or hindrance) of using IoT in manufacturing is the potential of high-value equipment such as manufacturing machines and aircraft engines being leased rather than sold outright in the future. As equipment can be monitored through sensors, they can essentially be marketed as products as well as services due to the remote monitoring from the owner. They’ll be able to deliver service upgrades and repairs automatically.
This can help manufacturing companies to worry less about the maintenance of the tools and equipment and focus more on the actual work that’s required to be completed.
Written by: Paul Matthews, BOSS Contributor
Paul Matthews is a Manchester based business writer who writes in order to better
inform business owners on how to run a successful business. You can usually find him
at the local library or browsing Forbes latest pieces.
