PC-MAR22-PG20.1_Layout 1 07/03/2022 14:01 Page 20
INDUSTRY 4.0/IIOT
Forward-thinking manufacturers must embrace digitalisation and new technologies, as it is essential for those who want to continue to drive revenue and improve customer experience
A ‘DIGITAL FIRST’ FUTURE
Riccardo Weber, manufacturing innovation lead at WM5G, explains how advanced connectivity using 5G networks will help manufacturers realise the benefits of Industry 4.0
ndustry 4.0 – the term used to describe enhanced interconnectivity and adaptability in manufacturing environments – is very much upon us.
I To remain competitive, productive, and
efficient in the age of Industry 4.0, manufacturers must embrace new technologies and innovate. With the adoption of digital technologies anticipated to improve manufacturing productivity by 30-35% by 2030, it’s clear that digital transformation is the key to future success.
In the Midlands alone, the manufacturing industry generates more than £32 billion GVA a year and accounts for 22% of jobs. 5G (the fifth generation of mobile technology) is one of the most obvious ways to enable Industry 4.0 applications, connecting devices with more ease and fluidity than ever before. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term used to describe physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software or other processing technology that connect and exchange data with one other and management systems.
IoT is essentially a virtual construct of the data exchange between devices, the same way that in our modern society, we use the
20 MARCH 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL
internet for a variety of communications. Enabling IoT in manufacturing environments such as a factory floor will drive the faster and more efficient collection of data and analytics from machines and tools. 5G and other advanced connectivity is pivotal, as it enables data streams of vast amounts to be transported quickly and almost immediately, to then be quickly analysed by software.
Improved operational efficiency If IoT is driven by connection to a 5G private network, as a result, issues can be identified and pinpointed in real-time, improving operational efficiency by speeding up processes and cutting out the time spent fixing problems.
Using 5G to connect devices and systems enables manufacturers to take a proactive view to managing operations, as opposed to a reactive one – the Industry 4.0 concept in practice.
In the 2019 Annual Manufacturing Report, 81% of manufacturers reported that they are ready to invest in new digital technologies to boost productivity. This initial result is positive but invites the questions - which technologies are the right fit for them, how will they implement
them, and what benefits will they bring? West Midlands 5G (WM5G) is undertaking a series of trials to uncover the benefits of implementing 5G in manufacturing. With four use cases in the manufacturing sector to develop, WM5G is driving sector innovation through the implementation of 5G technology. WM5G has been discovering the benefits of 5G technology to explore interoperability with AE Aerospace (Birmingham), a Midlands- based high precision engineering company. AE Aerospace is working with WM5G, nexGworx and technology partners BT and Ericsson to deploy a private 5G network in the factory, to roll-out three use cases and understand their impact across their operations. They have now built a 5G private network and are testing three uses cases: • Machine Time Servitization – process monitoring
• Asset tracking and automated calibration scheduling
• Automated visual inspection
Supporting interconnected devices The use cases are being trialled to understand how 5G can support interconnected devices to maximise active machine time, track the location of measuring gauges during production to identify those that need recalibrating, and to improve the quality assurance of parts.
As the machines communicate and exchange data over a private 5G network, AE Aerospace can analyse the data to streamline operations using their machines in a more efficient way in the eventual aim of moving from their traditional pay for part model, and offer bookable machine time to third parties. WM5G are also working with technology partners nexGworx and BT at The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry. The MTC is trialling its own purpose- built private stand-alone 5G network from Nokia, ready for local manufacturers to use for onsite tests. By exploring the benefits of 5G at the MTC, manufacturers of all sizes will be given the confidence to scale up the development of use cases within shop floor environments, providing a benchmark for the future of 5G in the sector.
Forward-thinking manufacturers must embrace digitalisation and new technologies, as it is essential for those who want to continue to drive revenue and improve customer experience, living ‘Industry 4.0’. Exploring 5G-connected facilities at trial sites like the MTC and 5G testbed with nexGworx is a great first introduction to the possibilities available to manufacturers. Through finding smart solutions to tackle challenges and replicating best practice, advanced connectivity is the core way to boost sector performance and support future economic growth.
WM5G
www.wm5g.org.uk/projects/manufacturing/
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66
