Manufacturing Technology
Article | April 23, 2024
With the shift toward smart manufacturing, MES processes have gained supreme importance in the manufacturing space. Read how top MES tools are promising greater productivity to producers worldwide.
Contents
1. Understanding MES Processes
1.1 Significance of MES Software
1.2 How Manufacturers Execute Excellence: Key MES Processes
2. Advantages of Using MES Software
3. Top 10 MES Tools for Optimal Productivity
3.1 FORCAM FORCE
3.2 d-one
3.3 LineView
3.4 HYDRA X
3.5 InFrame Synapse
3.6 Mapex Software
3.7 PlantSharp
3.8 POMS EMI
3.9 MANUFACTURO
3.10 Sequor MES
4. Selecting MES Software for Different Business Needs
5. Wrap Up
1. Understanding MES Processes
Manufacturing Execution Systems have undeniably emerged as one-stop solutions for all things manufacturing in today’s data-driven, dynamic world. Yet, while manufacturers worldwide increasingly seek to leverage the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software for enhancing productivities, what is it that makes an MES software a favorite for them? Certainly, its capability to serve as a strategic asset for businesses and an effective tool for enhancing manufacturing quality and agility render a near perfect answer to that.
1.1 Significance of MES Software
From having the knowledge of the ‘number of resources consumed’ only a click away to leveraging cost-saving and time-saving processes, businesses worldwide are gaining immensely from MES software, which allows them to track, document, and optimize their manufacturing processes through real-time data. Today, advanced manufacturing execution systems seamlessly help both the big and small manufacturers, providing them with the perfect recipe for production success and allowing them to leverage their spectacular features, including data collection, product management, inventory management, overall equipment enhancement, and other industry-specific options, which businesses choose from, to enhance their productivity.
Knowing the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of MES or the different MES processes has, therefore, become crucial for aspiring and existing manufacturers who aim to improve their business outputs in the competitive Industry 4.0 with the various features of advanced manufacturing execution systems.
1.2 How Manufacturers Execute Excellence: Key MES Processes
Irrespective of the type of industry, comprehensive MES software lets businesses undertake the following key MES processes or functions that allow them to have better control over their manufacturing operations:
Data Gathering: From the inputting of manual data to the collection of information automatically from factory machines and sensors, MES can be used to acquire data for planning, scheduling, and evaluating tasks, resources, workflows, etc.
Operational Scheduling: Based on the data collected, the MES software schedules tasks and resources that enhance manufacturing productivity and ensure the on-time completion of planned production orders.
Production Tracking, Tracing, and Dispatch: Managing the flow of data between the floor and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), an MES software successfully tracks production orders and ascribes a given final batch to all of its production data i.e. from raw material to the final good.
Resource Management: With MES, manufacturers define the roles, skills, and authorizations of its employees and oversee the status of each production resource for shortages, breakdown, etc.
Document Management: While documentation remains an integral part of the manufacturing process, the MES software makes available all production-associated documents such as designs, orders, instructions, and notes in an accurate and up-to-date form for the use of concerned employees.
Manufacturing Process Management: It requires a lot of planning and scheduling. Yet, by routing processes and rendering transparency and traceability to process sequencing, an MES manages all of businesses’ manufacturing processes with precision and effectiveness.
Quality Management and Assurance: An MES software monitors possible and actual deviations and prompts the personnel to undertake corrective measures, upholding the organization’s quality standards.
Preventive Maintenance Operations Management:All preventive maintenance operations undertaken to lower the impact of a machine or resource breakdown may be carefully planned and optimized via MES software for the benefit of the organization.
Performance Evaluation:Through KPIs and identifying areas of improvement, the MES software allows manufacturers to closely analyze data with the ultimate goal of enhancing the overall efficiency of the manufacturing operations.
2. Advantages of Using Manufacturing Execution Software
The various MES processes listed above certainly clarify the crucial role played by the software in ensuring a smooth production flow. Correspondingly, from enhancing performances to lowering operational costs, the MES Software renders to the manufacturers multiple benefits that can be summed up as follows:
Digitization of manufacturing processes: This allows manufacturers to get real-time data to analyze, leverage, and better productivity.
Minimization of operational bottlenecks: Through prompt identification of deviations and curtailment of waste like bad parts, processes, or material, MES ensures the minimization of production delays.
Cost reduction: Costs are lowered effectively with better inventory management, improved production scheduling, and automation of various manual processes.
Improvement in product quality: Keeping production errors to the minimum, an MES identifies potential issues, solves them, and improves production efficiency.
Traceability and transparency: Through its production tracking and tracing function, the software renders successful traceability and transparency in various manufacturing processes, which allows better decision-making.
Enhanced customer satisfaction: Yet, what an MES does makes for better satisfaction of customers, as it improves output quality and ensures the timely completion of product orders.
3. Top 10 MES Tools for Optimal Productivity
While many tools provide fairly beneficial options to manufacturers, the following list showcases exceptional MES software that stand out in terms of their comprehensiveness and effectiveness:
3.1 FORCAM FORCE
Among the best MES tools is a specialized shop floor management system, FORCAM FORCE or FORCE MES FLEX, which facilitates the digitization and optimization of manufacturing processes and works toward ensuring overall equipment effectiveness by benchmarking businesses’ operations against the highest manufacturing standards. With its spectacular modular structure, it offers greater flexibility and need-based options to organizations.
Key Features at a Glance
Provides a high-performance manufacturing 4.0 platform
Offers tools to measure and monitor performance in real-time
Contains a modular structure that renders flexibility to companies to choose and customize different modules specific to their needs
Monitors over 100,000 machines worldwide currently
Renders the option for digital twin creation by creating a virtual replica of the production setup, which allows more effective planning and simulation
Oversees the overall equipment effectiveness through OEE tracking, ensuring optimal productivity
Streamlines processes and decision-making by combining data from different operational levels
Benchmarks the company's operations against best-in-class standard
Centralizes supervision of production processes for better decision-making
Is valuable for companies looking to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the strength of their manufacturing processes
3.2 d-one
With intelligent automation and superlative data analytics, d-one is an effective MES tool that improves planning, production, and warehouse management, helping companies in adapting to ‘Future Factory’ models and meeting the always evolving modern supply chain demands. By rendering a comprehensive and flexible structure to organizations, the tool supports gradual adoption as per the needs of businesses and budget constraints.
What Makes d-one Special
The comprehensive software:
Offers a modular structure for companies to implement solutions progressively and flexibly as per their budgets and business needs
Combines sales and capacity planning with advanced optimizer tools
Enhances financial forecasting and planning with what-if scenarios
Facilitates operational execution through Industry 4.0 technologies and effective integration of scheduling, quality control, and performance monitoring
Boasts an intelligent warehouse system that enhances customer delivery performances, manages inventory and reduces costs
Meets the demands of dynamic, fast-paced industries of the present-day world
3.3 LineView
A specialized MES software with manufacturing intelligence, LineView is known to enhance the efficiency of packaging and bottling operations on fast-paced production lines. As a performance-enhancer, the tool not only boosts overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) but also offers operational excellence routines and remains notable for guaranteeing a minimum OEE enhancement of 10% within the first six months of its implementation.
Merits of LineView
Optimizes work distribution and minimizes bottlenecks
Allows slow-motion video capture, which renders accurate analysis of line processes and facilitates easy identification of issues not visible at normal speeds
Provides actionable data to leaders and manners, ensuring quicker decision-making on the basis of real-time information
Tracks downtime by monitoring stoppages in the manufacturing process in real-time
Allows true causal loss analysis by rendering detailed insights into the original causes of production line inefficiencies
3.4 HYDRA X
A part of MPDV’s suite of MES solutions, HYDRA X is a sophisticated MES that has been designed to increase the efficiency of production operations. The tool remains especially beneficial for companies that look to establish a modular, scalable approach to transforming digitally, which allows progressive implementation and adaptation.
Key Features at a Glance
A complete tool in itself, HYDRA X:
Collects data and facilitates data analysis for effective decision-making
Offers a modular, scalable approach to digital transformation and fits specific business and operational needs
Optimizes production processes by efficient management of equipment and tools
Reduces manual errors and ensures optimal productivity
Ensures better communication across different levels of the production process
3.5 InFrame Synapse
A notable MES tool, InFrame Synapse has been developed by camLine, which caters to high-tech manufacturing setups. The tool renders powerful IT partnership to companies, especially the small and medium enterprises, ensuring superlative outputs through a suite of functionalities designed for production monitoring, planning and control.
Synapse in a Synopsis
Through its impressive structure, InFrame Synapse:
Offers advanced tools for strategic production planning
Renders options for live tracking and manufacturing control
Focuses on maintaining and upholding high standards in the quality of production
Provides enhanced analytics and defect control through the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Ensures superlative yields by comprehensive and effective data recording and processes
Suitable for high-tech sectors, including companies involved in electronics, medical devices, and renewable energy
Handles complicated requirements of advanced production processes by rendering a single streamlining platform
3.6 Mapex Software
Made to augment the operational efficiency of industrial companies, Mapex Software is a complete manufacturing execution system that combines with a variety of MRP, ERP, and SCADA systems and improves production planning, control and equipment effectiveness of organizations. It renders a centralized platform to the users where production data is collected, recorded, and managed for effective overseeing and tracking of manufacturing raw materials, batches, and processes.
Key Features at a Glance
Boasts extensive experience of over 20 years in the MES sector
Entails a modular approach and, therefore, flexibility
Improves production qualities and reduces business costs
Renders a centralized dashboard that lets administrators oversee production information over multiple factories
Provides real-time data for successful decision-making
Increases planning and scheduling capability through Gantt Charts and work order management
Creates custom reports for different departments within the organization
Supports a wide range of data integration options for effective management of information and data
Offers automated notifications regarding delays or changes in scheduling processes or other important information via email or messages
3.7 PlantSharp
Rolled out by Trunovate in 2006, PlantSharp is yet another performance-enhancing MES software that has been implemented in hundreds of plants worldwide. Known for its simplicity, agility, security, and scalability, the PlantSharp MES offers companies with robust capabilities to enhance manufacturing processes, limit waste, and increase output quality.
What Makes PlantSharp MES Worthwhile
Providing phenomenal MES solutions to companies, PlantSharp:
Adheres to superlative industry standards and regulations, including FDA requirements and ISO 27001 for cybersecurity
Renders deployment flexibility through both cloud-based and on-premises solutions
Ensures high ROI through enhanced productivity and quality management
Gauges sources of waste and oversees material usage to ensure waste reduction
Identifies and rectifies quality issues promptly in real-time
Helps in curtailing downtime, as it schedules preventive maintenance and alerts predictive maintenance needs
3.8 POMS EMI
Catering specifically to regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, consumer packaged goods, and medical devices, POMS EMI (Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence) seamlessly combines with other applications of the enterprise and offers strong solutions in consonance with the current Good Manufacturing Practices. With its proven track record as an efficiency-enhancer and regulatory standard-complier, it serves as a great choice for companies looking to enhance their manufacturing productivity without compromising on quality or compliance.
Key Features at a Glance
Easily integrates with other applications of the enterprise and renders a complete operational framework
Specifically meets the needs of regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, etc.
Strictly complies with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and meets the requirements of relevant regulatory bodies
Renders expert guidance on validating systems to meet the regulatory requirements of the concerned industry
Boasts impressive business intelligence as it comes with technologically advanced analytics and reporting tools
3.9 MANUFACTURO
Built with a vision of bridging information gaps and removing disparities in data, MANUFACTURO is an innovative MES tool that empowers companies to attain operational excellence and is rendered as a SaaS solution. Used through Azure Cloud, the system has been specially designed to cater to the needs of innovation and high-tech industry sectors like aerospace, defense, and electronics and helps them effectively scale their operations.
MANUFACTURO: A Compelling Choice of Companies
Why MANUFACTURO remains an excellent choice for companies is because it:
Offers a cloud-based platform for easy transition from traditional systems to a modern MES
Combines with existent systems like ERP, PLM, etc., for a comprehensive and faster production environment
Ensures impressive inventory management through real-time tracking and syncing of stocks and inventory across different departments, thereby curtailing shortages
Centralizes process management and allows better decision-making
Fosters seamless and effective communication through its user-friendly interface
Augments quality control by allowing prompt collaborative responses to manufacturing defects
Is suitable for companies involved in defense, aerospace, and electronics that belong to the high-tech sector
3.10 Sequor MES
Co-creating and offering outstanding software solutions, Sequor MES is an effective MES tool, which follows the ISA95 guidelines and renders a powerful framework for overseeing and handling all resources, entailing tools, materials, equipment, and personnel. A part of the SNEF Group and with the philosophy of ‘plan big, start small, validate soon, scale fast’ the tool provides real-time insights into company operations, undeniable agility in operations, and one-point access to all company areas through a modular platform viz. Sequor Factory, helping them meet the demands of Industry 4.0.
Why Choose Sequor MES
Working in favor of manufacturing organizations, Sequor MES:
Renders prompt access to performance indicators and real-time data for quick and more effective decision-making
Ensures complete resource monitoring and enhanced processes through a visually managed interface
Allows for customized solutions through its modular structure, which may be adopted or expanded on the basis of evolving business needs
Promises strict adherence to ISA95 standards and ensures best practices for enterprise control systems in alignment with international standards
4. Selecting MES Software for Different Business Needs
The role of MES tools in increasing the operational output can hardly be overlooked. Yet, multiple things must be factored in for choosing a pertinent MES software that aligns with the specific needs of a business. At the same time, having the knowledge of the myriad benefits that come with using an MES proves beneficial for companies while deciding on an ideal MES model for their respective businesses.
Factors to be Considered while Selecting the Right MES Software
Alignment with the Model of Plant Operations: A suitable MES should align with the model of plant operations, fill in informational gaps, render more real-time visibility, etc.
Usability and Configurability of the MES: A right MES is generally user-friendly with high configurability, which ensures that less time is used by the operating staff in getting acquainted with the system. At the same time, it is imperative that the system remains easy to maintain.
Cost Factor: Companies working on a budget need to ensure that the operational costs and budgets are not impacted adversely by a purchase of the MES, and they get high value for money.
Compatibility: For successfully leveraging any MES, it is important for it to be compatible with the company’s existing and already-implemented systems like ERP or CRM.
Upholding of Industry-specific Requirements: From ensuring compliance with industry-set standards (such as FDA12 or ISO9001), the right MES should boast capabilities that are in consonance with the requirements of the related industry.
Scalability: Business aim to grow and expand, and so do the operations. Therefore, an MES software that entails a good scalability feature becomes an automatic pick for companies.
5. Wrap Up
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, utilizing an MES platform or implementing MESs remains a crucial step in the digitization of production processes and boosting them for greater manufacturing productivity. While different tools provide varied benefits to companies, some essential components to look for in an ideal MES tool would be smooth integration with present systems, seamless information flow, real-time data insights, precise traceability, effective resource management, curtailment of wastages, comprehensive performance evaluation, and a promise of greater ROI. Nonetheless, opting for an MES in the continually evolving Industry 4.0 is the way to go for future-proofing businesses and organizations.
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Additive Manufacturing
Article | January 21, 2022
3D printing technology and its role in future manufacturing are grabbing the interest of industry experts. In terms of elevating future products, future additive manufacturing has a lot to offer the business. Additive manufacturing is developing and stretching its wings on a daily basis, becoming an integral part of every industry, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more.
In this article, we'll shed some light on the 3D printing future trends, which will assist the business in deepening its impact across industries. Furthermore, we will explore whether the additive manufacturing business is worth investing in as well as who the major players are that have already invested in the future of 3D printing.
Future Trends in the Additive Manufacturing Industry
Enhanced Machine Connectivity
Making AM solutions (including software and hardware) easier to integrate and connect to the factory floor is one of the key AM trends we predict to advance in the coming years. It has been a long time since the AM hardware market has been filled with closed, or proprietary, systems. These systems generally function with materials and software given or approved by the machine OEM and are not easily integrated with third-party alternatives.
Closed systems are important for process dependability, but they also restrict collaboration and connectivity. Companies expanding their AM operations will need to connect their machines and software to their production environments. When it comes to additive manufacturing, using siloed solutions is a surefire way to fail. Importantly, we see hardware manufacturers increasingly focusing on solutions that can be integrated with the production floor.
For example, a 3D printing market leader like Stratasys is a good illustration of the trend. In December, the business announced an extension of its previously closed machines' connection.Consumers may now integrate and control their additive production using software programs of their choosing, not just Stratasys' systems. For AM facilities, system connectivity is no longer an option. It's exciting to see the AM industry players recognize and solve this requirement.
AM and AI Continue to Converge
AM growth is incorporating AI and machine learning. AI can help with material development, machine setup, part design, and workflow automation. So, in the future, we anticipate seeing more AI and AM technology integration.
Combined with AM systems, AI will improve process control and accuracy. For example, Inkbit is currently working on an AI-powered polymer vision system. This technology can scan 3D printing layers and anticipate material behavior during printing.
Generative design, already generally recognized as a key digital advance in AM, may tremendously benefit from AI and machine learning.
It has so far been utilized to improve load routes when strength and stiffness are dominant. It can also be utilized to optimize thermal or vibration. AI and machine learning will advance generative design, allowing new concepts to be completely suited to AM.While we may be a few years away from fully developing the capacity to automatically adapt designs to process, we anticipate significant breakthroughs this year that will bring us closer.
AM Will Drive Decentralization
In order to future-proof their supply chains, many manufacturers are following new supply chain models and technology that allow them to cut prices or switch goods more easily. Increasing flexibility and agility will necessitate distributed, localized production, assisted by additive manufacturing.To reduce the number of steps required to manufacture complex metal or polymer structures, shorten lead times, and enable digital inventory management, digital inventory management can be automated. These advantages make it ideal for the distributed manufacturing model. We believe that in the near future, more businesses will actively explore distributed manufacturing with AM.
According to a recent HP survey, 59% of organizations are now considering hybrid models, while 52% are looking into localized digital manufacturing.
3D Printing Future: Major Predictions
In Jabil's 2021 3D printing trends survey of over 300 decision-makers, 62% of participants claim their organization is actively using additive manufacturing for production of their product components, up from 27% in 2017. Many such manufacturers are on the lookout for the latest additive manufacturing trends and forecasts. So let's begin.
Increasing Flexibility and Customization
Customized goods are a popular consumer trend, impacting several sectors. Rather than buying a mass-produced item, customers are increasingly demanding a custom-made item that meets their specific needs.
Additive manufacturing's low-volume production capabilities simply enable personalization and customization.
3D printing allows for more responsive design options, particularly for additive manufacturing. Manufacturers can afford to make smaller batches, allowing designers and engineers to alter product ideas and develop them cost-effectively when inspiration strikes, the public mood is understood, or customer feedback drops in.
Materials Drive the Future of Digital
As the additive manufacturing ecosystem grows, the importance of materials cannot be overstated. Besides high equipment costs, materials and limited additive manufacturing ecosystems have hindered the 3D printing industry's growth. The market is flooded with 3D printing materials, but few are advanced enough to fulfill industry standards.Due to volume constraints in most sectors, suppliers and manufacturers aren't motivated to develop innovative materials for new uses. However, the future of 3D printing is in engineered and application-specific materials.
Various sectors have unique difficulties that demand unique solutions. New designed materials will revolutionize new uses, including highly regulated sectors. Industries will reward those who can promptly introduce 3D printing materials adapted to specific industrial and engineering needs. This will allow more 3D printing applications to be supplied and the whole digital manufacturing flywheel to start spinning.
3D Printing and a Sustainable Future
Finally, additive manufacturing promotes sustainability and conservation. Besides decreasing trash, 3D printing saves energy. The Metal Powder Industries Federation studied the difference between making truck gear using subtractive manufacturing (17 steps) and additive manufacturing (6 steps).
3D printing uses less than half the energy it takes to produce the same product. 3D printing also reduces the need for moving products and materials, reducing the amount of carbon emitted into the environment. So we can see that digital and additive solutions already contribute to a more sustainable future.
Is Investment in the Future of Additive Manufacturing Worth It?
In recent years, there has been an explosion of investment in industrial 3D printing. Hundreds of millions of dollars have flowed into the industry in recent years, assisting new businesses. Desktop Metal ($160 million), Markforged ($82 million), and 3D Hubs ($18 million) have all received significant funding in the past. According to a recent report and data analysis, the global additive manufacturing market will hit USD 26.68 billion by 2027. A rising level of government support for additive manufacturing across regions is driving market demand.
For example, America Makes, the foremost national initiative in the US since 2012 dedicated to additive manufacturing (3D printing future technology), received USD 90 million in support from the government, commercial, and non-profit sectors. Given the industry's expenditures and the expanding need for 3D printing, investing in the additive manufacturing industry or 3D printing is certainly encouraged.
Final Words
Additive manufacturing is being used in practically every industry, and companies are researching how technology might be used in their specific fields. The numerous advantages and sustainability that 3D printing provides are the major benefits that manufacturers and other industry professionals notice with 3D printing.Future manufacturing will be significantly more accurate and simple to run thanks to 3D printing technologies. Considering the trends and projections listed above, you may have a better understanding of 3D printing's future and make an informed investment decision.
FAQ
What is the future of 3D printing?
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has the potential to empower everything from food to coral reefs. 3D printers may soon be seen in homes, companies, disaster zones, and perhaps even outer space.
Why is 3D printing important to society?
3D printing results in waste reduction and so eliminates the need for periodic waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. So it helps society with no carbon footprint.
Why is it known as additive manufacturing?
The term "additive manufacturing" refers to the fact that the building process adds layers rather than removes raw materials.
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Manufacturing Technology
Article | December 14, 2021
The manufacturing industry has evolved to new heights of innovation, productivity, and excellence with digital transformation. Manufacturing digitalization has made operational procedures more skilled, accurate, and time-savvy.
“Many companies simply are not willing to change or think they are done once they make a change. But the truth is technology; consumer demands, the way we work, human needs and much more are constantly changing.”
Michael Walton, Director, Industry Executive (Manufacturing) at Microsoft
With a CAGR of 19.48 percent between 2021 and 2026, the digital transformation in the manufacturing market is expected to reach USD 263.93 billion by 2026. Manufacturing plants adopt digital technology to improve, automate, and modernize processes as part of Industry 4.0.
So, what are the key benefits of digitalization for manufacturers? This article will elaborate on the top five benefits of digital manufacturing transformation.
How to Define Digital Manufacturing?
Manufacturing digital transformation involves integrating digital technologies into processes and products to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality. Manufacturing's digital transformation aims to increase operational efficiency and reduce expenses. The digital transformation techniques ensure product quality. It also makes work more efficient, safe, and stress-free.
What Is Included in Manufacturing Digitization (Industry 4.0)?
Industry 4.0 is the digitalization of manufacturing. Cyber-physical systems, IoT, and cloud computing are current trends in manufacturing automation and data exchange. Connected devices, cloud computing power, and the modern emphasis of lean, efficient operations enable Industry 4.0 to construct advanced and innovative smart factories.
Industry 4.0 includes design, sales, inventories, scheduling, quality, engineering, customer and field service.
Five Benefits of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
Manufacturing organizations can benefit from digitalization in a variety of ways. It can help make the work more efficient, decentralized, and secure. It further creates new business opportunities and attracts new talent to the industry. Additionally, integrating products into a digital ecosystem increases their value and appeal. Let’s dig deeper into each of the five key benefits.
Reduces Costs
Technology is an invaluable companion in reducing the manufacturing company's expenses in the future. The incorporation of digital technology results in the transformation of procedures and the digitization of documents, resulting in overall process optimization. Therefore, a reduction in labor costs might be expected as a result of the elimination of unnecessary expenditures.
Additionally, digitization enables businesses to assess and estimate expenses considerably more precisely, ensuring that budgets stay on track. Additionally, it eliminates andsubstitutes inefficient jobs within processes, significantly increasing their efficiency. This efficiency is translated into time savings, which results in a substantially more cost-effective manufacturing process.
Decentralized Production
Manufacturing digital transformation allows organizations to supervise manufacturing remotely, allowing production to continue uninterrupted. In rare cases like Covid-19, digitalized businesses have not had to cease or even slow down production. These systems can work without interruptions for much longer than any worker.
Digitalization also boosts methodology flexibility and reactivity. For example, if a production plant has a problem, an automatic alert is generated, and the issue is resolved regardless of the day, time, or presence.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Smart product connectivity allows devices to connect and communicate with each other (M2M). This connectivity enables decentralized decision-making. Many duties no longer require an employee to be physically present. New manufacturing and production models minimize boring, risky activities while increasing accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness.
Transforming businesses through digital means making better decisions based on real-time data. Training, changes, and repairs are no longer issues due to reduced frequency and automation.
New Business Opportunities
New digital technologies enable the manufacture of previously unviable products and services, generating new revenue streams. Also, new services (innovation or reorientation) are launched considerably faster. Companies may utilize big data and AI to experiment, anticipate trends, and predict about new advancements. These technologies can help organizations become more eco-friendly and create products that are less detrimental to our environment.
Attracts New Talent
Professionals with fundamental talents in this complicated and disruptive environment are drawn to digitalizedorganizations that are up-to-date with trends and processes. Also, if the change is managed well, it will lead to higher profitability, increasing employee satisfaction. Human motivation, along with excellent digital technologies, will reflect in the company's production and profitability.
Dusseldorf@Germany: The Deloitte Digital Factory
The digital factory in Dusseldorf provides a flexible setting for innovative workshops and training, bringing together the old and new worlds of supply chain and industrial operations to provide a seamless experience. Specific use case examples, as well as the digital solutions sector, will motivate and encourage businesses to get on their digital transformation journeys, making use of the most up-to-date technologies in the process.
Final Words
Manufacturing digitalization has a lot to offer the industry, and many manufacturers are capitalizing on this new phase of the industrial revolution by incorporating cutting-edge technologies into manufacturing and business operations. As said previously, the benefits of digital transformation in the manufacturing business are increasing the importance of digitalization in the industry. Transform your traditional manufacturing operating processes with these new manufacturing trends and observe the results that other benefitting manufacturing businesses have achieved.
FAQ
Why is digitalization vital in manufacturing?
Manufacturing process digitization improves overall business performance. But the results are seen across the factory. Digital transformation improves working conditions for employees and streamlines daily operations.
How are digitization and digitalization different?
Digitalization is a transformation of data and processes. Digitalization is the use of digital technologies to collect data, identify patterns, and make better business decisions.
How digital technologies are applied in manufacturing?
Digital manufacturing technologies enable the integration of systems and processes across all stages of production, from design to production and beyond.
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Manufacturing Technology
Article | June 8, 2022
The International Federation of Robotics predicts that cobot sales will reach $1.94 billion per year in 2028, which is 15.7% of the total market for robots. Collaborative robots, popularly known as cobots, have been one of the most impressive sectors of the robotics industry in terms of market growth. Cobots are designed to work alongside as well as near humans, unlike other robots operating in 4-D environments that require separation from humans to operate securely. In manufacturing, the use of cobots is on the rise because they make workers and businesses safer and more productive.
The Rise to Prominence:
When compared to their human coworkers, these computers may be "taught" to execute repeated jobs and are significantly less prone to making mistakes. Cobots are also relatively simple to operate with minimal training and can usually be set up in a short time span. Cobots also appeal to manufacturers because they are smaller and can move around more easily than traditional industrial robots.
A wide range of cobot types may be wheeled from one industrial station to another swiftly and easily. They are, in most cases, software-flexible, allowing them to be reprogrammed to perform multiple jobs rather than just one. Cobots are also appealing because their naturally safe design eliminates the need for often costly safety attachments, saving both money and factory floor space. With such benefits, as well as manufacturing's preference for flexibility considering high variability, low volume, and short product life, it's easy to see why cobots are so valuable.
Early Adopters of Cobots:
The automobile sector was one of the first to use cobots. University research programs and the General Motors (GM) Robotics Center produced the first cobots in the mid-1990s. These robots were later used by BMW and Volkswagen in 2013. BMW's cobot worked with humans during the door construction process. Volkswagen used cobot to install glow plugs into cylinder heads. Both companies wanted to reduce the physical strain of their workers by having robots perform repetitive and unergonomic tasks.
The use of cobots is no longer restricted to the automobile industry. It has diversified into various other processes and industries.
Good News for Every Industry:
Cobots can be utilized to bring industrial automation to a variety of corporate processes. Each machine can be used for a variety of activities, from fine detail work to palletizing, but some versions are better suited to specific tasks. A business that wants to automate non-load-bearing operations may benefit from a tabletop model like the UR3e, but a larger cobot arm will be able to pull its weight with heavier jobs.
One of the most valuable qualities of cobots for a small firm is their versatility. They can be reprogrammed in a short time to address gaps that arise in nearly any aspect of the business, from palletizing to the production line. The adaptability of cobots is due to one key component: their end effectors.
End effectors, also known as end of arm tooling (EOAT), are an important part of every cobot. They attach to the robotic arm's end and enable it to do specialized activities ranging from tedious tasks like selecting and packing to technical jobs like welding and sanding. Depending on a company's needs, a single cobot could accomplish up to a dozen jobs in a working week.
Final Thoughts:
Following the industry's initial skepticism of this new technology, cobots acquired remarkable traction in entering production lines. The advancement was spurred in part by the buzz around cobots, but it is obvious that the ease of use and versatility of cobots made robotization accessible to small and medium-sized firms. Because cobot development has made a big step forward, one can surmise that it will be used in almost every part of manufacturing in the future.
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