The smart factory uses intelligent sensors and devices to collect data and connect to cloud-based systems. This allows for real-time analysis and automation.
It also provides subtle warnings for pending equipment maintenance, which helps prevent costly production disruptions.
Setting up a smart factory does require investment in new technology, increased wireless and wired connectivity, sensors and systems. However, it is often helpful to start small and see what works before deploying across the entire facility.
1. Real-time data
Real-time data from Smart Factory sensors allows your business to monitor its equipment, machines and production systems. This information is then used to optimize operations, improve quality and meet new business demands.
For example, if a machine sensor detects an unusual reading that could indicate impending equipment failure it will send this info to a cloud-based system that analyzes the data. Based on previous history, the algorithm will then notify an engineer that this particular machine needs attention.
This ability to systematically track performance also helps prolong the lifespan of manufacturing tools and equipment. Error patterns are spotted more quickly and predictive quality assurance can be performed with less manual input. Smart technology also helps to reduce the risk of product recalls and returns by automatically identifying faulty products.
2. Flexibility
While Smart Factory technology improves operational efficiency and increases product quality, it also enables flexibility for manufacturing companies to adapt to changes in customer demand. Interconnected machines, integrated applications and advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) enable factories to run autonomously and adapt in near or real time.
One way to achieve this is by using a single digital platform, such as TeamViewer’s fully integrated augmented reality solution Frontline, to improve manual work processes across industries and increase productivity. This allows inspection times to be shortened, changeover times reduced and rework to be avoided. 스마트공장
Another option is to invest in new technology, such as sensors and increased wireless and wired connectivity. But before you implement this, consider carefully what the cost and benefits are.
3. Automation
When many people think of the smart factory, they imagine a clean and efficient operation where all systems work in unison like clockwork. This is a vision that may be possible as technology evolves to enable the smart factory, but it’s important to remember that true performance improvement is delivered by people.
Using technology to increase agility can create tremendous value for manufacturers. For example, the smart sensor technology on Moderna’s SDVs (Self-Driving Vehicles) improved efficiency and safety as they moved products around the factory and reduced worker fatigue.
At the next level, intelligent automation can take over the more repetitive, mundane and dangerous jobs that are not core to production or that are impacted by labor shortages. This level of automation reduces worker error, increases productivity and saves money.
4. Data analysis
Detailed and accurate analysis of Big Data is an essential feature of the Smart Factory. This helps manufacturing teams identify patterns that lead to machine failures, fix them before they cause production downtime and improve quality assurance systems.
Integrated AI technologies have the speed, power and flexibility to analyze complex data sets from multiple sources. They then generate real-time insights and responsive recommendations that drive automated processes and intelligent systems in the smart factory.
Although there is a common notion that smart factory requires expensive new technology throughout the factory, it is important to determine where it makes sense to invest in completely new systems and where it might be possible to enhance existing ones.
스마트공방 The emergence of as-a-service business models for software pushes many of these costs from CAPEX to OPEX, putting smart factory technology within reach of most SMEs.
5. Integration
To fully benefit from a smart factory, the entire business system needs to be integrated. The smart factory solution should connect equipment and feed data into a centralized location where it can be analyzed in real time.
This level of integration offers the ability to identify production problems and take action quickly. This can save businesses a great deal of money by reducing machine downtime, and it frees up engineers to focus on improving other aspects of the company.
At this level, operational data is presented in a structurally comprehensible way and stored in a central place for easy analysis. This is the most active level of smart factory and uses AI, such as machine learning, to generate insights without human intervention. This allows companies to create solutions and take actions that are based on their specific situation.