7 important factors in the process of setting up a Smart Factory model

08/11/2022

Successfully building a smart factory is a big challenge, requiring businesses as well as deploying units to ensure important factors in the setup process. So what are those factors, let's find out with CMC TS through the following article.

The growing popularity of “smart” machines, which can interact with both other machines and their surroundings, is driving the transformation of manufacturing processes. To manage the transition to Smart Factory, it is necessary to consider not only technological factors but also human factors, including training workers and organizing individual skills-building activities. core.

7 important factors when building a comprehensive smart factory

1. Invest in Security

As Cisco's report on smart factories shows, today's manufacturers need extremely sophisticated technologies to control the new industrial IoT scenario, allowing millions of machines to be connected across networks. Global. Therefore, implementing a secure connection between operational and IT networks is a very important factor to be able to work with data securely.

A secure network enables expanded access to data, while enabling better collaboration between businesses, better Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), and better product quality. That's not all: a secure and integrated IT network can help manufacturers in the process of solving environmental, health and security issues within their installations, thus minimize all risks.

2. Developing wireless connectivity

To build a connected factory that can perform and respond quickly to customer requirements and market changes, wireless connectivity is fundamental. Industrial devices that use wireless connectivity will help businesses improve their productivity, for example, by enabling real-time decision-making. Therefore, the future of manufacturing is tied to the potential of wireless. A revolution has drastically changed the technologies we use every day and it is now becoming part of the industry as well.

3. Use Collaborative Technology

Collaborative technology (software for video calls, data sharing, and more) can help manufacturers overcome everyday challenges related to process improvement, remote maintenance, and IoT. In modern industry, a collaborative effort is required from different parts of the business from the initial formation stage to the final production stage.

Sales, marketing, all engineers, manufacturing, and even supply chain representatives must all work together to create a more efficient manufacturing process. In a scenario as complex as the one described, for example, engineers can access data and work alongside production to act in real time on production issues, even two teams. placed in separate places.

4. Ensure that IT (IT) and OT departments converge

The IT and OT departments used to work independently in industrial production. However, to be successful in today's industry, it is necessary to develop a stronger IT/OT relationship.

For example, let's look at the factory maintenance process. Today, predictive maintenance drives manufacturing operations: teams perform their duties closely with the maintenance program, allowing for process improvement from other perspectives. each other, something that hasn't happened in recent factories. If the convergence of IT and OT departments is realized, their work will become more efficient and the entire manufacturing operation can benefit from it.

5. Invest in data management

Industry 4.0 enables the introduction of digital elements in factories, which drastically changes the characteristics of the industry. The connection of network devices, IoT and the application of modern technology to industrial devices allows monitoring and receiving information coming from most devices involved in the production process. Access to this valuable data allows for increased productivity by reducing maintenance time and by improving OEE overall.

For that to happen, a solid data management structure is required: a solid structure guided by skilled craftsmen, for the efficient management of various manufacturing operations.

6. Digital thinking and soft skills

Soft skills are important to create value in the business. Think in terms of problem-solving ability, the ability to solve technical problems or find solutions through creative, lateral and strategic thinking, or through a knowledge network, allowing for information identification. valuable information in the network useful to meet business objectives. The digital revolution is making factories smarter than ever, requiring workers to also adopt a digital mindset to be ready to face this ever-changing landscape.

7. Be open to change

Amid the chaos created by Smart Factories, smart factories operate in a rapidly changing, often changing environment where it is very important to be flexible and open to change. change to properly deal with this type of scenario. New technologies are constantly being improved and innovation is changing the industrial landscape. For this reason, it is necessary to be ready and have an open mind to be able to look for all the opportunities that come from the market.