Currently, we are living through the advent of Industry 4.0, characterized by high digitalization in factories and smart manufacturing. Although this process is taking its first steps, the gains are numerous.
This is because, just like other aspects around us, technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Thus, industries have also undergone impacts and changes.
Among them, cost reduction and the integration of all industrial processes stand out.
On the other hand, end consumers are also benefiting from personalized and higher quality products.
It is against this backdrop that smart manufacturing emerges as an important innovation. But how does it work in practice and how does it transform industry? Continue reading.
What are the technologies present in smart manufacturing?
So-called smart manufacturing – or smart manufacturing – is part of Industry 4.0 which, in turn, is characterized above all by digitalization and connectivity.
This means that technology is present and is one of the prominent elements; in practice, such technologies are responsible for generating data analysis, one of the main pillars of smart manufacturing.
It is precisely through data collection that managers are able to make more assertive decisions. This happens by transforming data into accurate information and knowledge. Thus, competitiveness is acquired along with an important differential in the segment.
For this reason, this type of technology has become the talk of the town, and an increasing number of industries have started embracing this new reality.
Below, check out some of the trend-setting innovations used in smart manufacturing.
Robotics
The use of robotics and collaborative robots is a constant in smart manufacturing. Driven by the need to automate tasks, they have become popular in industries.
In general, robotic systems are capable of gathering a large volume of data. When connected to technological solutions and cloud software, they have the potential to take production to another level and innovate the entire production chain.
Additive Manufacturing
So-called additive manufacturing corresponds to the introduction of 3D printing in production. This type of technology has revolutionized rapid prototyping, enabling the fabrication of finished products.
An example of the potential of 3D printing in industry is the production of cars (such as the famous Tesla), bridges, and even small buildings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence is indispensable for data analysis in smart manufacturing. This is because, with this technology coupled with machine learning, it becomes possible to process such data with greater speed, agility, and assertiveness.
Thus, AI is incorporated into robotic systems and can be leveraged in countless ways. For example, AI-based data analysis can reduce workers’ idle time, as well as rework and the occurrence of defects in produced items.
IoT
The Internet of Things can be incorporated into various devices present on the shop floor, ranging from machinery, air conditioning, and security mechanisms to local lighting.
It is through IoT that equipment receives commands, automates tasks, and transfers data for analysis.
Furthermore, applied to a production line, IoT can make predictive decisions based on received information. The results appear in reduced costs and waste rates.
What are the benefits of smart manufacturing?
As we mentioned, the ability to make more assertive decisions, reduce costs, and decrease waste are some of the main benefits provided by smart manufacturing.
In general, all processes are optimized, from the shop floor through inventory management and logistics to marketing.
This is because, based on data analysis, it is possible to predict changes in consumer and market behavior.
If production used to be based on hunches and inflexible processes, now adjustments can be made and the production chain adapted according to demand fluctuations.
In general, smart manufacturing brings greater efficiency, higher productivity, and therefore increases business competitiveness. Since IoT, additive manufacturing, and AI allow for better resource utilization, environmental impacts also tend to decrease.
In addition, it is worth mentioning other advantages, such as the reduction of machine downtime and greater safety for shop floor collaborators.
Although it requires initial investments, smart manufacturing usually brings fast financial returns. The approximate payback time for an APS solution like Delmia Ortems, for example, is 6 to 12 months.
Another point worth highlighting is that the technological systems and equipment used in this type of productiontend to become increasingly accessible.
Therefore, it is worth betting on this trend. After all, smart manufacturing is a path to tread and is part of the future of industries worldwide.
What is the relationship between human labor and smart manufacturing?
Those who imagine that the technology employed by smart manufacturing will replace professionals or human labor are mistaken.
On the contrary, the human focus is present and is part of the trends for smart industrial production. This is because neither technology nor machines are capable of reproducing human cognitive capacity.
In fact, factories depend on specialized and trained professionals to operate these systems. The work is carried out alongside the human component and can achieve superior results.
On the other hand, this required specialization can be a challenge. The segment specifically lacks prepared and qualified labor to take on this work.
Could you grasp the importance of smart manufacturing, what it is, and how many benefits it can provide?
To take the first steps toward this new reality, check out the e-book Cloud System: creating operational resilience for manufacturers.
