As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows in prevalence, more and more businesses are beginning to see the value in integrating it into their operations. One industry that has been quick to adopt IoT is manufacturing.
IoT is already being used to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce downtime and maintenance costs, improve safety standards, and increase production speed and output volume while gathering real-time data that can be leveraged for further optimization.
But how does IoT enhance manufacturing workflow capabilities? This article will explore how IoT can improve workflows and productivity in the manufacturing industry.
Ways IoT Enhances Manufacturing Workflow Capabilities
Monitoring Equipment Status and Maintenance Needs
Working with IT support offers IoT that allows manufacturers the capability to monitor their equipment 24/365 so that they can proactively take preventative measures before expensive repairs are needed. Preventing breakdowns, malfunctions, and other issues ensures maximum uptime for machines, resulting in increased productivity for the entire factory floor.
By monitoring asset performance in real-time, companies can also identify trends and patterns that may indicate an impending issue. This information can then be used to schedule maintenance downtime for machines, ensuring that they are not taken offline unexpectedly for unscheduled repairs.
Therefore, manufacturers can be confident in their machines’ continued functionality throughout a typical day.
In addition to preventing unexpected machine failures, IoT also helps companies reduce downtime and associated costs. For example, if a machine does break down, manufacturers can use IoT data to troubleshoot the issue and get the machine back up and running as quickly as possible.
In some cases, this may even involve remotely accessing the machine to diagnose and fix the problem without sending a technician on-site.
IoT Offers Real-Time Data to Improve Product Quality & Output Volume
Manufacturers that leverage IoT for real-time data collection can increase product quality and output volume while reducing waste.
For example, when manufacturing products sensitive to environmental conditions, it is important to have data from the production line to adjust those conditions as needed. With IoT sensors collecting data on factors such as humidity, temperature, and air quality, manufacturers can make more informed decisions about how best to produce their products.
The result is a higher quality product that was produced under optimal conditions. Additionally, by collecting data on the speed and efficiency of machines, manufacturers can identify areas where they can make improvements to increase production volume. This results in increased output for the factory as a whole.
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration between Factory Workers
Thanks to IoT, manufacturing workers and managers can now communicate and collaborate more effectively than ever before. For example, factory employees on the floor can quickly access real-time data from machines to make informed decisions about how best to produce their products.
This allows them to focus less on administrative tasks such as gathering data for reports and more on their day-to-day role, resulting in an improved work experience. IoT also makes it possible to reduce the time that is typically spent waiting for information that may not be readily available, such as product specifications or order details.
Instead of waiting until another employee has compiled a report, users can access this information at their fingertips via the factory’s mobile app.
Besides, With IoT, factories can now communicate with other parts of the supply chain more easily and efficiently. This is especially important for companies with a global presence or who work with third-party suppliers.
For example, instead of contacting suppliers and waiting several hours before receiving an answer about product specifications – which could potentially lead to costly mistakes – manufacturers can now access real-time data from their IoT sensors.
This allows them to identify the exact information they need and get it immediately while saving time and money. All this enhances their workflow capabilities.
Bottom Line
Manufacturing is one of the most important industries globally, and it’s constantly evolving to meet the needs of consumers. To stay competitive, manufacturers must embrace new technologies such as IoT. By doing so, they can improve their workflow capabilities and increase the quality and volume of their products while simultaneously reducing waste.
It will be interesting to see how IoT continues to transform manufacturing in the next few years as more and more companies embrace this technology to improve their business processes. Are you in the manufacturing industry and don’t understand IoT and how it can help?
Contact NetSuite consulting professionals today to learn more about IoT for your business today!