How IoT Empowers Manufacturing

How IoT Empowers Manufacturing

Manufacturing Technology Insights | Thursday, February 28, 2019

The ability to proactively complete maintenance is one of IoT’s greatest advantages in the manufacturing industry. Companies no longer plan maintenance schedules based on historical data but instead receive real-time data to understand maintenance requirements at an exact time. Sensors provide the relevant data so that a company knows the machine’s needs instead of making guesses. This technology cuts waste drastically from the production equation. If parts do not have to be replaced or repaired, these resources can be used elsewhere, saving time and money.

Smart manufacturing involves the use of the power of data and analytics to run the facility better. IoT technology can communicate at the exact moment of relevance what needs to be done. The production equipment can be equipped with sensors to collect data and to understand the operation of machines better. A higher quality product offers many other advantages, such as reduced waste, lower costs, higher customer satisfaction, and increased sales. However, achieving this goal is not always easy. It is here that IoT can help.

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Siemens electronics is a perfect example when it comes to the practical use of technology. One of its manufacturing facilities in Germany uses IoT in machines and computers to autonomously handle 75 percent of its production efforts. Once the parts of the product have been produced, they can communicate with the machines through product codes that continue to navigate the machines in the production process.

Managers never have problems with equipment performance and IoT technology in the dark. They could have assumed that everything went smoothly in the past, until something broke. However, the IoT unlocks critical performance data and allows these insights to flow freely to those most in need. Product quality is solid because the equipment works best and customers are happier–so that the company is positioned more strongly and resiliently.

The IoT app developers have provided the ideal solution for manufacturers in a wide range of sectors–from electronics and chemicals to common products. According to IoT statistics, the number of connected devices will increase to 30.7 billion by 2020, and IoT investments will be $1.29 billion in the same year.

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