_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Smart
Factories
Accelerated implementation
Chris Iveson says pragmatism is driving smart factory progress
The shift towards smarter factories is undeniable, with manufacturers embracing digital tools at an increasingly impressive rate.
Manufacturing economies such as Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States are recognized as leading the way in adopting smart factory technology. At the same time, research shows that UK manufacturers are digitizing faster than any other part of the economy. The adoption of artificial intelligence( AI), automation, data analytics and cloud computing has soared since 2020, with even the most cautious manufacturers now embracing these new tools and working methods.
World Bank data shows that manufacturers in these countries create four times more value per worker than those in other major manufacturing economies.
While the smart factory concept has been around for years, recent events have accelerated its implementation. Manufacturers are turning to technology to stay competitive, overcome skilled labor shortages and manage the cost pressures associated with inflation, tariffs and escalating energy costs.
Covid-19, in particular, highlighted the need for greater automation and data-driven decision-making. The‘ adapt or die’ postpandemic reality has pushed manufacturers to rapidly adopt technologies like automation, data analytics and AI.
These pressures demand a more agile and responsive approach to manufacturing, a strategy that technology can facilitate.
Another factor advancing smart factories at pace is the cloud, which is now the default for new manufacturing technologies and the dominant form of computing for manufacturing companies. Powerful tools – often proven by large corporations and tech-savvy innovators seeking a competitive edge – are now accessible and affordable for most manufacturers as software-as-a-service applications.
For those looking to advance their smart factory initiatives, three key areas deserve attention:
1. Improving productivity with data analytics and AI
Data gathered from machines and sensors on the factory floor is abundant in manufacturing. However, it is only valuable when translated into actionable insights.
Analytics that show patterns, trends, and effects more clearly, such as the true causes of the most disruptive downtime,
manufacturing-today. com 19