Industry 4.0 is all about computer-assisted manufacturing through smart technologies which add a new level of efficiencies and responsiveness for customers. The latest technologies have brought the manufacturing process to a stage where automated machines facilitate factories to produce products on a massive scale. Most emerging technologies are targeted to eliminate human effort from the equation. Although, the human component is still essential for more intelligent and valuable work. Overall, current Industry 4.0 Solutions such as IoT, AI, and digital twins make it easier to create products without human interference.
There are several Manufacturing Industry Solutions that optimize operations, elevate the value chain, integrate value data, and provide a lot more benefits.The main reason behind such a plethora of solution availability is because of innovations in technology, software, and hardware. The current manufacturing is already experiencing human-machine, machine-machine, and human-human connectivity which significantly influences production systems and processes across the world.
Therefore, Industry 4.0 trends and technologies are fundamental in achieving manufacturing of higher level with smart and autonomous factories.
Top Digital Transformation Trends for Manufacturing
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Industrial IoT and Cloud Solutions
One technology that has truly brought innovation to manufacturing is Industrial IoT Solutions. It consists of a sprawling network of interconnected smart devices communicating with each other. These devices contain sensors and are powered by advanced software. As a result, these devices can collect, process, and exchange data with other tools over the internet.
Industrial IoT in manufacturing makes it possible for enterprises to monitor and manage equipment through a constant flow of information about the system’s status. Such networked sensors can be also connected to the power grid which provides better control and flexibility in terms of energy consumption.
Collecting and managing a large amount of data requires robust and scalable storage and computing power. Therefore, IoT technology is usually combined with cloud computing which results in higher processing capabilities that are affordable and faster.
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Digital Twin Technology
A digital twin is a virtual model created to accurately reflect a physical object. Digital twins create a virtual model of industrial assets by combining real-time sensing and visualization data. The digital replica of processes, systems, or physical assets enhances applications serving business objectives. When it comes to manufacturing, Digital Twins are mostly built for assets, production lines, or any other “real world” scenario within a production process.
Digital Twin facilitates the merging of the physical and digital worlds. Digital twins for Industry 4.0 is mainly utilized for simulation and operational phases of a product or process lifecycle. Such digital representation allows manufacturers to gain more knowledge and deeper visibility into their production process.
Also Read : Top-Notch Benefits of Digital Transformation Solutions for Your Enterprise
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Predictive Maintenance
From the manufacturing perspective, predictive maintenance refers to the use of sensor data and artificial intelligence (AI) for detecting failures or faulty patterns in machinery and components. Once employees understand that a machine or one of its parts is likely to fail, they can take preventative measures and maintain equipment effectively in the long term.
It not only applies to the new equipment but also applicable to old machines. Manufacturers can add sensors to old machines and analyze the data collected by these sensors. Such analysis allows manufacturers to interpret machine conditions, detect irregularities and fix machines before they fail. Hence, predictive maintenance processes are also suitable for legacy machinery.
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Data-Driven Maintenance
IoT, sensors, remote monitoring, and connected devices have been on the trending list in recent years and will continue to do so. In the coming times, sensors will become common in manufacturing as it makes communication faster and more reliable. Manufacturers can use data in more effective ways to drive innovation and predictive maintenance and more aspects for making production more efficient.
Effective maintenance has become difficult due to the pandemic in 2020. Therefore, predictive maintenance is crucial via data as it reduces unplanned downtime, and creates material cost savings which are now important more than ever.
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Augmented Reality for Maintenance, Repair and Operations
Gone are the days when maintenance professionals used to refer to instruction manuals for repairing machines in manufacturing plants. Nowadays, workers are mostly equipped with AR-based headsets. AR remote assistance allows employees to connect and collaborate with experts or OEMs for achieving the desired outcome. Such capabilities are usually implemented by image recognition technologies, computing power, wireless connectivity, and the Internet of Things.
The most crucial benefit of AR-based maintenance is instant access to the right information which means that employees can do high-quality work in less time.
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Advanced Automation Technologies
Recent development in Machine Learning and AI-based cognitive technologies has taken automation to a new level. Industrial robots can improve performance through experience through the adoption of computer vision in manufacturing.
Such kind of learning allows robotics to do a myriad of different tasks. Automation via robotics replaces or assists human employees in certain mundane and repetitive activities faster with superior accuracy.
Ending Note
The manufacturing industry is the way of digital transformation that is changing the landscape for both large-scale and niche manufacturers. Technologies like IoT, Cloud Computation, Digital Twin, and artificial intelligence bring a wide array of opportunities for enterprises. These recent trends are the key to digital transformation in manufacturing which brings business agility and addresses industry challenges.
Rejig Digital is a reliable enterprise digital transformation partner spanned across various industry sectors including manufacturing, automotive, BFSI, chemicals, FMCG, healthcare, pharma, power, and transportation. Our implemented solutions boost enterprise efficiency by reducing human effort, decreasing resource consumption, and smooth workflows.
