Skip to main content

Manufacturing has overcome a variety of obstacles in recent years. A global market creates plenty of competition, and many brands have just begun to get back on track after the 2008 recession. As businesses look for leaner production processes, they turn to technology for the information necessary to ensure proper return on investments.

U.S. companies implement connected manufacturing equipment to collect data and monitor operations. According to Manufacturing Business Technology, the Internet of Things provides new opportunities for manufacturers that want to create products to exact specifications, backtrack quality throughout the supply chain, and analyze data to recognize errors and opportunities. It's a solution for organizations that want to capitalize on information technology that doesn't interfere with existing best practices.

"One major advantage of IoT manufacturing is equipment that can report its own performance."

IoT manufacturing equipment
Manufacturing technology becomes more convenient as it becomes smaller and more flexible. Sensors and other data collection devices can be attached to manufacturing equipment without getting in the way of the machines essential performance. This equipment can visually inspect products, record manufacturing speeds, monitor temperatures or other environmental factors, and report progress through internet connections.

One major advantage of IoT manufacturing is equipment that can report its own performance. Managers can receive a heads up when machines need maintenance or aren't operating at peak efficiency. This type of information ensures materials aren't going to waste and allows companies to address minor problems before they become severe enough to halt production.

The end result of IoT implementation should be decreased failure rates, production inefficiencies and down time on a production floor. To achieve these results, factories have to perform proper implementation.

Putting data to use
Machines are only as smart as their software design. Before adopting IoT equipment, companies need to know what they expect from their investments. Recode, an independent tech news resource, said many companies have a problem scaling IoT manufacturing solutions. Oftentimes, decision-makers become overwhelmed by the possible options and choose data collection devices not designed for their particular needs.

It's important companies study data from their performance management software when shopping around for IoT devices. Current details should indicate where there are holes in datasets that connected equipment can help fix. It may be best to speak with professional technology management consulting organizations. 

The future of manufacturing is intelligence. Research and Markets projected the Global Manufacturing Analytics Market should see a compound annual growth rate of 22 percent between 2016 and 2021. Existing data systems supplemented by real-time collection devices help companies overcome obstacles and achieve future success.