Thanks to COVID-19, businesses have had to embrace the trend of remote offices, and the manufacturing industry is entering the era of unmanned operations. Digital upgrades are becoming necessary to overcome physical limitations and adjust business operations to adapt to the current and future crises. How can companies adjust to the new normal and maintain efficient operations when social distancing is required to maintain safety?
Here are three key factors to consider:
Digitalisation of essential business operation data
Through this pandemic, companies have gradually become more open to digitalisation. While people already communicate online through collaboration tools, it is also possible for machines to transmit real-time data or even communicate with each other through digitalisation. Data can not only be stored on local servers but also in the cloud, improving accessibility. This allows production managers to receive and adjust processes in a timely manner even when they have to work remotely. Additionally, companies can analyse this data to direct and drive improvements such as increased yield rates or redesign of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and margin.
Remote maintenance for critical machines
Over the past few months, the world has gradually adjusted to not being able to go out to work. Some business owners already invested in unmanned production lines, allowing production to continue. On the other hand, they worry about critical machines malfunctioning or becoming damaged and stopping production. Before the pandemic, owners who bought or leased high-priced machines would sign maintenance contracts with machine builders. However, these contracts may now be rendered void due to city-wide closures. During a lockdown, machine builders may not be able to perform on-site maintenance. This is resulting in the growing adoption of remote maintenance services, which were previously underutilised. Maintenance workers can now perform real-time diagnosis and maintenance for customers remotely. Through the IoT, critical machines can be quickly brought back online without requiring a person on site. This not only reduces the time needed troubleshoot issues, but also prevents employees from being exposed to dangerous environments.
Interconnection between decentralised micro-supply chains
COVID-19 has forced businesses to scramble to find new suppliers at short notice. This can be due to suppliers shutting down or because of a wave of anti-globalism, pushing companies to find alternative suppliers. The impact suffered by international supply chains may lead to the formation of multinational micro-supply chains to diversify risks. They offer better adaptability, allowing companies to shift resources, production, and logistics to respond to disruptions and changes in demand. But, in order to achieve a more agile and resilient supply chain, producers need to build and manage multiple micro-supply chains. This will trigger a rise in demand for real-time information across micro-supply chains to give a complete picture of the entire supply chain. With this information, companies can make real-time adjustments, analyse collected data, and use artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate different production models to determine the best path forward.
Development of motor control units for automotive industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
SEDEMAC has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, which is used in the development of its motor control units and engine control units. The motor control units are used in EVs, hybrids, ebikes and power tools, while the engine control units are used for off-road and on-road engines.
Read more...Sustainable last-mile delivery electric trucks Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Workhorse Group, an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software as it builds electric trucks for sustainable last-mile delivery.
Read more...South Africa’s role in the AGI revolution
IT in Manufacturing
AI has found its way into general conversation after the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT. However, the discussion is increasingly turning to the search for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which could entirely change the game.
Read more...Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.
Read more...Intelligent automation primed for $47 billion revenue by 2030
IT in Manufacturing
According to GlobalData, the intelligent automation market is set to grow from $18 billion in 2023 to $47 billion in 2030, driven by advancements in AI, particularly the rapid adoption of generative AI.
Read more...Chocolate manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Freybadi, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Indonesia and a trusted supplier of chocolate in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and African regions, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to optimise its manufacturing and production processes.
Read more...Connecting every transport node RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Stockholm's bus system strategically links urban mainline, suburban mainline, non-mainline routes, community service buses and night buses. To acquire and process data from multiple sources and analyse onboard information on their moving buses, Transdev sought a dependable and powerful onboard computer. It teamed up with CatAB, Moxa’s local representative, known for delivering top-notch industrial data communication boards and equipment since 1988.
Read more...A CFO’s guide to unlocking the potential of gen AI
IT in Manufacturing
CFOs of leading global organisations understand that their role extends beyond mere financial oversight; they are pivotal in steering organisation-wide transformation, particularly in the realm of technological advancement.
Read more...Higher level cybersecurity certification for Schneider Electric Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT NMC3 platform has obtained a new and higher level of cybersecurity certification, making it the first data centre infrastructure management network card to achieve SL2) designation from IEC.
printer friendly version