At its core, smart manufacturing is about connecting machines, materials, and people in a reimagined way that allows them to share information and work together seamlessly.
It involves the application of innovative emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics automation to transform the production process.
Essentially, digitally smart factories that are more efficient, adaptable, and responsive to customer needs could be considered as Industry 4.0 in all its glory.
What makes manufacturing 'smart'?
The simple answer is data.
Smart manufacturing quite literally relies on collecting massive amounts of data.
Where do we get this data? At every stage of the production process, from sensors on machines, tracking systems for materials, and even from the products themselves. From the point of collection, AI then steps in to make sense of this deluge of data. It identifies patterns, predicts potential problems, and optimises operations in real time.
Using smart factory software lets you leverage all the benefits of a ‘power trio’, namely:
Bots: Becoming increasingly sophisticated, robots are capable of performing complex tasks with precision and speed. In smart manufacturing, they work alongside humans to improve efficiency and safety.
AI: The brains behind smart manufacturing, AI analyses data, identifies trends, and automates tasks. This enables machines to learn and adapt.
IoT: The IoT connects machines, sensors, and other devices, allowing them to communicate and share data. This creates a network of information that drives smart manufacturing processes.
The benefits of smart manufacturing are substantial, and include:
- Increased efficiency through automating tasks and optimising processes.
- Enhanced flexibility in digital factories means they can quickly adapt to changing customer demands, allowing for greater customisation and faster turnaround times.
- Improved quality from real-time monitoring and analysis helps identify and correct defects early on, which leads to higher-quality products
- Greater sustainability by reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and optimising the use of resources.
- Better decision-making through access to comprehensive data and powerful analytical tools
The role of key technologies like SYSPRO’s smart factory software in smart manufacturing
If you’re considering implementing a new ERP solution or upgrading to the latest release of an existing one, you need to be looking for an ERP for tomorrow, not today.
The question is, how do you know if the ERP solution is future-fit or fit for retirement?
The ERP solution you choose should include a few key features to help you through your digital transformation. These include
- An open API
- Connected services
- Machine learning and AI
- Digital citizens (Bots)
- Event broadcast services
- Cloud compatibility awareness
If your ERP system does not have these features, you should consider SYSPRO’s ERP capabilities, which will help you to thrive in Industry 4.0.
SYSPRO Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), a manufacturing solution designed to world-class standards within SYSPRO Enterprise Resource Planning, is built for manufacturers who want one system to optimise their entire factory and provides capabilities that can help increase productivity, reduce loss, and lower production costs. It gives you a 360-degree view of production so that you can plan, track, automate, analyse and optimise your smart factory.
Examples of smart manufacturing in action
To get a true competitive advantage, manufacturers must be agile enough to respond to market demands at all levels of production and do this without increasing costs or waste and sacrificing their efficiency. It’s important to remember that the adoption of new technologies can mean the difference between success and failure.
Areas where new technologies can transform operations include:
- Predictive maintenance
- Real-time inventory management
- Customised production
- Optimised energy consumption
The future of smart manufacturing
With the global manufacturing operations management software market size predicted to reach $14.6 billion by 2025, it is clear that smart manufacturing is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how things are made.
Isn’t it time you transformed your factory floor by taking control of your manufacturing operation to:
- Deliver to customers faster
- Control labour and machine costs
- Reduce downtime and bottlenecks
- Measure and improve product quality
- Increase productivity and output
The digital factory, driven by Industry 4.0 principles, is the future of manufacturing, and it’s already transforming the world around us.
At Intuitive IT Solutions, we are experts in delivering SYSPRO solutions to grow your business. Partner with us today, and let’s work together to create positive change in your smart manufacturing.
