FEATURE MEDICAL, MILITARY & INDUSTRIAL ONE STEP AHEAD
OF THE REST How manufacturers can use analytics for a competitive edge
Words by Tim Clark, head of EMEA IoT commercial, SAS I
n the majority of developed countries, the manufacturing industry has hit an immediate, intense challenge in the form of COVID-19, with potential contraction. This comes after a manifest concern for the durability of the market: in the UK, the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) has reached a figure of 53.0, a two-month low.
Automotive production has suffered especially, with car production over the last year diminishing as a result of uncertainty. This has contributed heavily to the manufacturing sector recently falling into recession; the global economic downturn, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, will only add to the gathering gloom.
However, with every fall, there’s an opportunity to rise again. The driving force for this will be digital technology, with a keen focus on turning the masses of data at manufacturers’ disposal into actionable results. If it can harness the power of data and analytics, the potential for the industry is huge.
TECHNOLOGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS There’s an industry-wide desire to capitalise on the data being produced across the supply chain. This is emphasised by the Manufacturer’s Annual Manufacturing Report 2019, which revealed that 74 per cent of UK manufacturers want to embrace digital technologies to operate more efficiently. The good news is that the industry is using a variety of data-generating technologies already, including connected devices that range from cameras and sensors to assembly line robots. However, producing the data is just the first step. Manufacturers must also adopt the capabilities to transform this data, through the use of analytics, into actionable insight. Harnessing this
20 APRIL 2020 | ELECTRONICS
power, with artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturers can analyse the data at a much faster rate than humans can. This process, if implemented properly, can help manufacturers in a multitude of ways, like predicting when equipment is in need of maintenance.
TRANSFORMING DATA INTO INSIGHTS
Despite the clear desire to digitise effectively (as the Manufacturer’s Annual Manufacturing Report ascertained), 26 per cent of these keen manufacturers were unsure of how to implement it, while a large majority of organisations struggle with how digital technologies differ from traditional business models. Machine learning is key, as demonstrated by a microchip manufacturing facility in Taiwan that is using the technology to qualify wafers. Manual observations are not only a chronic waste of human resources; they open up the possibility of human error. Instead, by feeding image processing into the system, AI understands all the possible defects that could exist by using pattern-detection techniques. However, this is ultimately a reactive way of using the technology. Instead, using edge analytics – taking the analytics to where the data is being produced – manufacturers can be proactive, and could subsequently resolve core problems in the production line. Through similar techniques, machine learning can be used to spot issues and resolve them. This is useful on two fronts. Firstly, it ensures the highest quality in production. Secondly, only the data relevant to the faulty machines/ products needs to be kept in the database and analysed. This means that any other data can be removed, leading to lower data storage costs.
GAINING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Manufacturers who proactively implement an effective data management plan could gain an edge in the market. A common misconception is having all of the data in one place. The reality is that data is pervasive and will continually evolve from different sources: a reliable, scalable analytics platform is needed that supports all data, whether structured or unstructured. Companies with a strategy to leverage an end-to- end analytical platform go beyond a statement of intent. Having a platform allows manufacturers to understand the data they are collecting, creating a cost-effective data storage model that supports on-prem, cloud and hybrid-cloud environments. Some manufacturers have taken strides towards this already, and there are other initiatives designed to support the industry. The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) announced a partnership with SAS in January – the collaboration will see the parties work together to identify pain areas in the manufacturing industry, and look to solve these using SAS’ advanced analytics software. Relative to other industries, the manufacturing industry remains digitally immature - there’s a hesitancy to fully commit to the digital transformation. However, some are already taking advantage of this hesitancy. Like other industries, it’s inevitable that the future of the manufacturing industry is a digital one. Now is the time for your organisation to take the initiative and avoid being left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
SAS
www.sas.com / ELECTRONICS
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