How IoT startups can help more efficient manufacturing

Sep 22, 2015

Today, more efficient use of resources has helped in productively, especially in the manufacturing segment. Machines have aided factory workers and supervisors with precise shop floor data management, making the process of monitoring manufacturing plants easier, more efficient, and eventually increasing productivity rates. IoT companies like Entrib Technologies are offering shop floor management services that provide real-time machine updates and production feedback for better plant performance. We reached out to experts from the manufacturing industry on the various aspects which IoT startups should consider to excel in this segment:

1. Stay updated on the latest innovations in the method of plant manufacturing or machining, as everyday there are different processes implemented to obtain the same component and constantly improving productivity.
2. The application developed should be able to handle the huge amounts of data generated from the various sensors installed throughout the manufacturing plant.
3. Startup teams should be capable of developing software that can perform the various design calculations for specific components.
4. The software should be flexible enough to add manufacturing elements to it at a later time if required.
5. The re-work department should be well equipped to handle the defective work pieces and should be able to correct majority of the components they receive.
6. Real-time data needs to be supervised; hence, the data from the sensors need to be constantly updated, often in the magnitude of a few milliseconds to a few seconds.
7. If any machining equipment or any of its components fail, there must be a parallel workstation to where the work can be transferred. As failure of one machine element can lead to complete halt of the assembly line which leads to lower productivity.
8. There should be a provision for extra supervision for sectors having automated machining.
9. Alerts to be sent to higher officials if the supervisor fails to mend the area having repeated machining issues.
10. A ‘kill-switch’ to be provided to stop any automated machine/robot in any unwanted situation, keeping in mind the safety of the workers and the manufacturing plant itself.

Consider these suggestions if you are exploring Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to increase the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing companies. If you have other learnings and feedback do let us know.

Source: YourStory.com