Smart fuses, smartphones – smart manufacturing. Yes, it seems that what we watch in the cinema and have thought to be the distant future, has actually arrived. Indeed, transformation in production and work organization has been taking place for a few decades and it seems to be accelerating.
But what is smart manufacturing? You can define it as manufacturing that integrates computer use, is highly adaptable, and can embrace design changes. It relies on digital information technology as well as more flexible technical workforce training. Smart manufacturing is also about rapid changes in production levels based on demand, supply chain optimization, efficient production, and sustainability, which includes recyclability. Smart manufacturing includes an array of technologies. These are amongst others:
- Big data processing
- Industrial connectivity devices and services
- Advanced robotics
Industry 4.0
Smart manufacturing has given rise to Industry 4.0 which means storing and accessing data in the cloud. This is all about data that were not accessible previously or there were no means to adequately process such data. Smart manufacturing, in turn, means that we can see the bigger picture and can make informed decisions. These are the benefits:Prevention is better than cure – fewer errors
With more data, factories can be optimized and monitored better. Smart manufacturing means that errors can be detected before they translate into larger problems. This includes human accidents that can be prevented before they occur.Let’s automate all the way
Manual processes can be delegated to machines. The consequences are that production quality and safety becomes better. Production becomes standardized and uniform.Decisions, decisions, decisions
If you’ve introduced smart manufacturing, this means that you have better visibility. Big Data teamed up with cloud computing, and IoT together with a solution such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 means tracking, analysis, and resource management become a piece of cake. If you’ve introduced smart manufacturing, this means that you have better visibility. Big Data teamed up with cloud computing, and IoT together with a solution such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 means tracking, analysis, and resource management become a piece of cake.Over to you
Empowered by smart technologies including a smart system such Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM, your company can gain competitive advantage and increased market share. This is the only way to compete and progress in the contemporary business landscape. So, basically, the sooner you embrace smart technologies, the better. The shift may be difficult and even evolutionary, but change is inevitable. Probably, it’s best to ask for the aid of an experienced Microsoft partner such as XPLUS, who can help with the adoption of Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM. Check them out.
