Whether people are aware of it or not, IoT (Internet of Things) technology plays a major role in the lives of millions across the globe. In the world of manufacturing industries, IoT sensors and devices are becoming more important than ever before, as advances in the field are continuously revolutionizing production processes and operational efficiency.
Aberdeen Dynamics specializes in the production and implementation of engineering systems for manufacturing industries. To that end, we’ve also begun to include IoT innovations in the machinery that we offer, helping to improve production processes and operational efficiency for our clients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common applications for IoT sensors and devices in modern manufacturing industries to demonstrate the transformative impact of this revolutionary technology.
IoT: How It Works
All manufacturing industries make use of a variety of machinery to meet the needs of their particular businesses. Just as the business depends on the equipment, the different machines depend on each other as well. This has always held true, but with the advent of IoT technology, machinery can now utilize an internet connection to communicate with both users and other equipment.
IoT technology allows various devices to communicate with one another, which helps to coordinate their tasks. This has become common in industries such as automotive, agriculture, aviation, and everything in between. It’s worth noting that it has also become popular in households with the advent of “smart” technology in kitchen appliances, air conditioners, and even clothing.
IoT technology can connect to customized software that users can install on their phones or on company-issued computers and other devices. This allows for an unprecedented level of connectivity for nearly every industry.
Inventory Management
One of the most common uses for IoT technology is inventory management. This allows businesses to track inventory in real time, streamlining the processes of manufacturing, purchasing, and selling goods. For example, a restaurant or other food service business may make use of an industrial refrigerator. A refrigerator with IoT sensors and devices could track the restaurant’s inventory so that when a particular ingredient (such as milk or eggs) runs low, it can inform the kitchen manager of the need to order more.
Many warehouses now make use of IoT sensors to track the products on their shelves, which allows them to make informed decisions with regard to current stock and when it’s necessary to manufacture more product. This technology can also help companies keep their physical storefronts and websites updated with an accurate picture of the goods that are available for consumers to purchase.
Predictive Maintenance
IoT sensors and devices can also allow businesses to track the maintenance requirements of their machinery. Manufacturing industries depend a great deal on the continuous, effective functionality of their equipment. Any unexpected equipment failure can delay operations and end up costing a business a great deal of money in lost income. For this reason, it’s critical to ensure that maintenance needs are addressed before they escalate into more serious issues. IoT technology makes this process vastly more efficient.
With a network of sensors tracking performance data on key equipment, users can receive alerts if any equipment is exhibiting signs of wear and tear. Using a continuous stream of input from the sensors installed in the machinery, the IoT software can predict whether maintenance will be required soon and make recommendations accordingly. It can also assist with scheduling routine maintenance, ensuring that critical machinery is not neglected, even during particularly busy times.
Real-Time Monitoring
Related to the above applications, IoT sensors and devices can monitor critical data for an industry so that operations can be performed with far greater efficiency than ever before. An interconnected network of sensors allows the needs of the business to be coordinated, ensuring that critical operations are performed at the optimal times in order to maximize their impact.
One key way that this technology can be used to support the manufacturing process is through the use of digital twins. In this example, a digital model of a product exists in the manufacturer’s software program. With the help of real-time monitoring sensors, each individual item produced can be compared to the digital model, ensuring consistency and reducing the need for excessive quality control inspections. This method also allows changes to be made to the products on the fly, vastly streamlining the manufacturing process.
Quality Control
Many industries depend greatly on effective quality control, as defective products can have a major negative impact on a business’s revenue. In the past, quality control checks have always been in the hands of human workers. However, human error and staffing issues have meant that problems are commonly missed. As a result, this has led to reduced efficiency and lost income.
IoT sensors can detect many different features of a product or a piece of equipment. For example, some products must meet specific weight requirements before they can be sold. IoT sensors can track the weight of all items that move through the inventory, flagging ones that are too heavy or too light as potentially not up to a business’s exacting standards.
For More Information
At Aberdeen Dynamics, we manufacture industrial machinery parts, which frequently use IoT sensors and devices to track maintenance needs. Implementing this technology in your industry can improve your output and efficiency while also saving you a great deal of money on maintenance requirements. This type of technology is no longer as expensive as it once was, so even small- and medium-sized businesses can now take advantage of IoT-connected equipment.For more information or to have your questions answered, contact us today to discuss your business’s specific needs with our team of experts.