Use of Analytical Tools in Manufacturing
Manufacturers can utilize built-in tools to collect analytical information in equipment or other aggregates to monitor virtually every product characteristic in real time. This is done with a focus on customer needs or regulatory documentation. Intelligent tools can be used for the quick rectification of product defects, adapting to changes, achieving quality targets, and increasing customer satisfaction.
With improved control and transparency of technological processes, excellent prospects emerge for increasing productivity.
Improvement of Decision-Making Processes
Many manufacturers should commence upgrading outdated systems to improve decision-making. This requires aligning various information sources with existing information systems, extracting necessary data from intelligent manufacturing technologies, and transforming it into useful information.
Manufacturers who have implemented these steps have gained access to complete information, allowing them to optimize their assets, improve responsiveness to changing customer needs, refine workflows, and reduce production inventory volumes. They also have the opportunity to:
- identify the strengths and weaknesses of their operations;
- analyze technological processes and plan modernization programs;
- design and implement cutting-edge production systems;
- develop targeted training programs;
- organize management systems.
Safe and Reliable Manufacturing Process
A safe and reliable manufacturing process is a constant concern for all manufacturers. In the context of intelligent manufacturing, new opportunities arise to overcome certain difficulties. However, the manufacturer should determine new safety requirements based on existing experiences related to personnel injuries and equipment downtimes. Accordingly, priorities can be set for processes and equipment that require changes.
Infrastructure Security
With more accessible information and an increased number of connection points, dangers of internal or external nature may arise. This can lead to security issues, which can be initiated by both external attacks and actions of the employees themselves.
There is no perfect solution in any technology or security methodology to counter these threats. Therefore, the manufacturer should adopt a comprehensive approach with a multi-layered protective system capable of blocking threats from all sides.
A reliable and secure network infrastructure should be constructed according to the Ethernet standard.