Manufacturing is the largest industry all over the world. We are experiencing technological revolutions in several industries, however, manufacturing is the one evolving at a fast pace. It’s the period of smart manufacturing and industry 4.0. (The fourth industrial revolution). Therefore, we will be discussing the role of IoT in smart manufacturing.
But what is driving smart manufacturing and industry 4.0? Well, various different modern technologies are impacting the manufacturing sector, but the Internet of things is the one that is playing a major role. The role of IoT in smart manufacturing is forming smart industries and innovating manufacturing processes.
Also read: Role of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
Evolution of Manufacturing
Manufacturing is implying the production of a broad range of products. For producing items, human labor and machines are needed. Initially, in manufacturing businesses, the processes were manual, however, in recent 10 years, manufacturing has changed. This transformation is the outcome of various digital technologies. Furthermore, the advancement in digital technologies is also mitigating human participation and labor-intensive processes in industries. In addition, technology is taking over the manufacturing industries.
The technologies responsible for the development of manufacturing industries are Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, Industrial analytics, and the internet of things.
What is the Role of the Internet of Things in Smart Manufacturing?
The role of IoT in smart manufacturing is broad, and it is not limited to the application of any technology in the production process. Smart manufacturing is meaning the implementation of various different technologies and solutions in a manufacturing environment. The technologies and solutions are working collectively and creating smart manufacturing.
Smart digital solutions or technologies are known as the enablers, and these are aiming to accelerate productivity, reduce downtime, boost efficiency and augment overall profits.
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What is the Internet of Things?
Now that we have discussed the meaning of smart manufacturing, let us understand one of its leading drivers, the internet of things. The Internet of things is a system of physical devices (referred to as things). The devices are implanted with sensors, software, and technologies. The things or devices are linked for exchanging valuable data over the internet to ease the manufacturing processes.
How IoT is accelerating Smart Manufacturing?
Today the role of IoT in smart manufacturing is reaching an industry level and is referred to as the Industrial Internet of things (IIoT). It is an ecosystem where machines, devices, and processes are networked through data communication systems. It is generating data for production processes. Furthermore, the data generated is giving insights from the undiscovered activities in the production process. IIoT is helping in analyzing the data and giving useful insights that manual operations are unable to generate.
IoT Solutions Play a Crucial Role in the Creation of Smart Manufacturing.
As per research, expecting the size of the IIoT market is to grow from USD 77.3 Billion in 2020 to USD 110.6 Billion by 2025.
It states the significance that IIoT is holding today and in the near future. Also, the sector that would be influenced the most by IoT is manufacturing.
It describes that there is an enormous potential for IIoT in smart manufacturing.
How the Role of IoT in Smart Manufacturing is Shaping Smart Manufacturing?
The IoT based devices are transforming the manufacturing industry by providing the following features:
Remote Accessibility and Monitoring of Data
With the role of IoT in smart manufacturing, production managers are able to monitor operations from anywhere and at any time. They can remotely gather information on the operations and control the production process using the devices. Subsequently, remote access to data saves extra time and effort.
Remote Condition Monitoring of Assets
Another way IoT devices are able to help the manufacturing industry is by providing remote condition monitoring and control. The production managers can monitor the form of assets or equipment and control them remotely. It helps in reducing downtime and assures the performance of the asset. In case of any issues, alarming the production manager and thus make necessary adjustments.
Asset Management and Monitoring
The role of IoT in smart manufacturing is allowing proper monitoring of the asset and offers more precise inventory management. It helps in controlling quality, detects thefts, and optimizes logistics to deliver better asset management. With inventory level monitoring, recognizing any issues on time and can save any loss or wastage in the quality or quantity of inventory.
Anomalies Reporting
When a production process includes human intervention, then there are possibilities of errors or omissions. However, that’s not the case with IoT devices. IoT devices help in alerting and reporting any anomalies, and the role of production managers is only to take steps to remedy them.
Benefits of IoT-based Smart Manufacturing
Increase Productivity
Smart manufacturing implies better productivity, and there is no doubt about it. When the production manager can access data in real-time, take action against abnormalities on time, save waste or damages, and decrease the production time, then all these leads to an increase in productivity.
Quicken Production Process
It is a fact that even the most complicated tasks, which manually take hours to finish, can be finished in a few minutes with technology. Furthermore, with the role of IoT smart manufacturing, the production processes become quicker. Automation of production processes increases the production process, and the products shift to market for commercialization in less time.
Cost-Effectiveness
Investing in IoT solutions is a decision that you would not be regretting. There is a better utilization of machines, less wastage in production, and reduced downtime in smart manufacturing. Also, connected IoT devices are utilizing energy efficiently. Nonetheless, the manufacturer can save so many costs using IoT-based smart manufacturing. The bottom line is, the role of IoT in smart manufacturing is a cost-effective option for manufacturing businesses.
Also read: Role of 3D Printing in the Manufacturing Industry
Conclusion
One thing that can be concluded from the above discussion is that the role of IoT in smart manufacturing is pivotal. It is creating production simpler, more rapidly, and more profitable. In manufacturing, you cannot make profits by producing in large quantities because you can sell as per the limited demand. So, the only way to boost profits is to make your production process efficient, and here IoT is playing its part. That’s how IoT Solutions is forming smart manufacturing.
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FAQs
What is the role of IoT in manufacturing?
IoT promises to have a thoughtful impact on manufacturing businesses enabling them to plan, control, integrate, analyze, and optimize processes in an improved manner by designing a network of connected machines, systems, devices, and humans.
Which sector of the IoT industry deals with smart manufacturing processes?
Though originally a consumer-driven technology, IoT has now extended into the manufacturing sector. Therefore, enhancing production and operations.
