Smart factories are described by a high level of complex manufacturing automation that requires executing manufacturing processes with less or even no human intervention. This kind of automation is based on industrial IoT technologies which comprises hardware like sensors and software such as machine learning tools, big data, etc. Smart manufacturing usually will be a fully-integrated manufacturing system which will respond in the real time in order to meet the user requirements. A smart factory is an ultimate product of the fourth industrial revolution having technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AI and machine learning, Big data, etc. are the key factors for the digital manufacturing updates. A smart factory will be the ultimate goal for digitization in the manufacturing sector.
Key benefits of a Smart factory to your business
There are many advantages of using a Smart factory in a business irrespective of the industry. It offers various benefits including improved efficiency and visibility, enhanced reliability and safety, improved product quality, information security, predictive maintenance, and many more. Let's have a look at the key benefits of using the Smart factory in your business.
Agile production process
A smart factory will let manufacturers adapt to constantly updating client needs, quality requirements of product, budget, etc. quickly as it has the the connectivity of various systems like MES, an IIoT solution, SCM, ERP, etc. as well as the robust data analytics ability.
Improved efficiency
The network of sensors helps in data collection of the equipment, production process, and environment. This information will be clearly analyzed in real-time using the cloud software. It will enable manufacturers in making adjustments quickly, for instance, in equipment operating specifications. Also, deep analysis of sensor-generated information will assist spot trends and enhancement chances through the whole production process.
Read more: How to Handle the Challenges of Cold Storage Warehouse with IoT Software
Enhanced reliability & safety
By using the smart factories, any chance of human error while making the manufacturing operations will be minimized because of the high-level automation. Also, there will be more safety for workers as robots are capable of replacing human workers for all the dangerous tasks.
Improved visibility
IIoT will offer ultimate visibility for shop floor processes as it provides manufacturers with real-time updates constantly on the production operations as well as the clear status about all the industrial assets.
Improved product quality
With the implementation of smart factories in your business, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology will be used to control the quality. For instance, cameras having computer vision algorithms are capable of detecting any defects very quickly. Also, advanced analytics technology will assist in finding the cause behind the problem.
Information security
Data security will be ensured with the assistance of in-transit and at-rest data encryption, AI-based abnormal activity of user detection in the smart factory, access control, and a lot more.
Predictive maintenance
By using IIoT, information on a wide variety of equipment specifications will determine its health as well as performance will be transmitted in real-time to the cloud. It combines with the metadata and it will be fed to the machine learning (ML) algorithms that assists in determining any abnormal patterns. Hence it will become possible for predicting any breakdown of the potential equipment and taking timely actions.
Major technologies that are used in the Smart factory
Cloud computing
Many well-known cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, etc will enable analyzing, storing, and processing huge amounts of information in a secure way.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will assist in tracking the industrial machinery as well as the equipment, finished goods, inventory and objects as well as the workers in the smart factories.
Big data
Big data is the most advanced technology that is implemented for the continuous analyzing, storing, and collecting large amounts of data related to the production.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are the emerging technologies that are being used by most of the organizations for end-to-end automation of their equipment monitoring, entire production process, and a lot more. Apart from this, these trending technologies will offer clear insights and advanced analytics.
Conclusion
To switch to a smart factory model will be a great initiative which needs substantial money investments and time. Looking for advice to get started with the digital transformation journey, we are ready to assist you. Nextbrain Technologies, a leading provider of web and mobility solutions has a team of expert professionals well-versed in emerging technologies and advanced market trends assisting businesses to earn great profits.
Saran
January 03, 2022 Author