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INDUSTRY 4.0/IIOT SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Matt Newman, head of manufacturing at Digital Space, discusses how emerging technologies can support green agendas
significantly to greenhouse gasses, pollution, and wastewater. Manufacturers know they need to change their ways of working, and today 57 per cent of businesses across the UK claim they have a sustainability plan in place to help reduce their carbon emissions. But thanks to complex supply chain practices, demand on services and high energy consumption, transforming a traditional factory into a smarter, carbon efficient one can be challenging and costly. However, many manufacturers underestimate the power technology can have in supporting sustainability policies. Through data analytics, cloud and recycled hardware, technology can be a key component in helping
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manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions at a cost-effective price.
A physical IT server which manages and stores IT data on-site is commonplace at manufacturing sites but can be responsible for increasing the industry’s carbon footprint. This is because the server often requires considerable power supply, cooling systems and electricity. When accessing its sustainability agenda, a manufacturer should consider a cloud solution and how, in comparison, it can provide much lower levels of energy consumption.
Cloud allows manufacturers to store information at an off-site data centre, which is provisioned and managed by a specialist cloud provider. Not only do these cloud centres reduce the need for a server at every business location, but they are also often designed at scale and built for efficient energy use by cloud providers committed to reducing their environmental impact.
By utilising cloud, users consume 77 per cent fewer servers, 84 per cent less power and can reduce carbon emissions by 88 per cent. Industry 4.0 can also transform how factories work, taking automation and data processes and using them as tools to create smart factories, provide real-time analytics and improve productivity. But, most notably, data and automation have become invaluable in enabling manufacturers to manage and access their sustainable output.
22 MARCH 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL
he manufacturing industry is considered to have one of the largest carbon footprints across the world, contributing
Through data-intelligent platforms, manufacturers can collect, analyse and store data around waste management, electrical output and even carbon emissions. The greater visibility allows manufacturers to make informed decisions and reduce environmental impact sooner rather than later. For instance, if a machine is demonstrating high energy consumption, look at ways of reducing its environmental impact such as more regular maintenance checks, replacement or better insulation and ventilation.
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With remanufactured devices, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and save on costs as well
AI (Automated Intelligence) data can also be used to reduce a manufacturer’s environmental impact in advance of work being carried out. In logistics, data systems can identify the best and fastest route of travel for drivers, while in the factory, AI can use sensors to regulate temperature control or forecast energy demand, so manufacturers can plan accordingly.
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Smart devices and IoT have become an important part in the daily running of the factory. Office employees need high- performing laptops and computers, especially if working from home, and workers on the factory floor need to be able to use smart devices to monitor data or communicate easily with other areas of the business via mobile.
While buying
laptops and devices brand-new can help save efficiency compared to their older counterparts, they can also have a staggering impact on the environment.
Each day, more than 160,000 legacy laptops are disposed of, creating three million tons of IT equipment waste each year in landfills. 70 per cent of these laptops could easily be recycled or reused and for every new laptop manufactured, around 100,000 litres of water are used.
Many manufacturers and businesses tend to opt for new laptops with the view that they will provide greater performance and efficiency. However, there are several organisations like Digital Space’s partner, Circular Computing, who buy and sell premium remanufactured laptops and smart devices for ‘as good as new’. Employees still benefit from the same high- performing devices as if it had been brought new. They are still just as efficient, secure and deliver long-term value. However, with remanufactured devices, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and save on costs as well.
The importance of sustainability in manufacturing can’t be overlooked. Many consumers, suppliers and businesses will only buy from or work with manufacturers that can demonstrate sustainable practices. By looking at evolving technology now to support their green agenda, manufacturers will be in a much stronger position to gain competitive advantage and benefit from long-term value.
Digital Space
www.digitalspace.co.uk
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