SUPPLY CHAIN
HOW AI AND AR TECHNOLOGY CAN SUPERCHARGE MANUFACTURING FIELD SERVICE PRODUCTIVITY
I
t was once a mere theory, doubted by those working in the industry and frowned upon by many
that were reluctant to change, but it can no longer be disputed: digital transformation is indeed key to maximising productivity within manufacturing. Whilst traditional discussions focused on
how digital transformation can be leveraged to manage shop floor processes and increase productivity-per-head, technology has evolved in ways that were incomprehensible even just a few years ago.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of
Things (IoT) are fundamentally changing the way that manufacturers are able to respond to challenges, and not only on the basis of internal day-to-day operations. This technology prepares manufacturers to respond to wider external complications that are outside of their control: vast globalisation, changing consumer preferences and evolving government policies to name a few – all of which have exponentially increased competition across the industry and
have heightened pressures for manufacturers to outperform their counterparts. As a result, it has never been more important
for manufacturers to increase their competitive advantage and utilise the advanced technologies available – particularly when it comes to enhancing field service operations.
AI AND MACHINE INEFFICIENCIES To fully leverage the capabilities of AI, manufacturers should seek to assess the potential damage caused by machine inefficiencies. Limited routine maintenance, machine malfunctions and the inability to get operations back online causes an immediate halt to productivity – causing time-consuming and costly delays that reduce the chance of closing the gap between manufacturing peers. Consistency within productivity has created
huge challenges for companies, with the technicians, inspectors and repairmen that
are tasked with fixing machinery issues often spending upwards of 20% of their time preparing for productivity rather than actually being productive. Not being told where to go, being relocated from one site to another, and attending sites where it quickly becomes apparent that their services were not actually required upon arrival are some of the most common recurrences. However, manufacturers could see an end to these avoidable disruptions by embracing connected field service as a solution.
WHAT IS CONNECTED FIELD SERVICE? Connected field service is powered by the Internet of Things and the cloud. In manufacturing specifically, it refers to the idea of connected devices sending information directly to service providers about the condition of manufacturing machinery and equipment, as well as the potential need for repair. Prior to this technology, both manufacturing managers and field technicians
20 MARCH 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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