INDUSTRY 4.0/SMART FACTORIES T
he fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0, is expected to reach a value of
$21.7 billion by 2023 and can be characterised by a focus on automation, autonomy, connectivity, and integration (1). The first three industrial revolutions were
powered by the steam engine, electricity and then computers; all designed to assist the manual worker. Increased revenues and lower costs to provide improved products and services are the key principles at the heart of Industry 4.0. This technology revolution is opening the gateway to smart factories that are powered by advanced technologies including A.I., autonomous vehicles, big data, cloud computing, and cyber-physical systems. Smart factories, also known as digital or intelligent factories, are applying combinations of modern technology and manufacturing capabilities that haven’t been seen before. Implementing different combinations of modern technologies enables businesses to enhance productivity by streamlining and monitoring end-to-end processes and highlight areas for improvement to drive operational efficiency.
CREATING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES Streamlining different processes, information streams and the entire workforce helps to better manage delayed production, waste and poor planning. These new operational efficiencies rely on quality-connected equipment, internal communication, supply chain and order management, improved business processes, cost management and technology platforms. Companies that deploy reliable technology and
equipment fulfil clients’ needs timely, efficiently and with lower costs. In return, they retain happy, loyal customers and maintain a competitive edge. It’s not just the speed at which people are
able to work but also the valuable audit trail that technology provides that’s a key benefit. For example, when inspecting a machine, instead of manually completing a form that is transferred to a spreadsheet and sent via email, an engineer can inform the relevant people in an instant – with the necessary evidence. When this is performed using a device they are wearing, they can work even more efficiently and accurately.
RUGGED WEARABLE TO SUPPORT THE MODERN MOBILE WORKFORCE Given the harsh and hardworking environment of production facilities, rugged wearables are supporting a modern and mobile workforce by integrating IoT (Internet of Things) technologies such as Android operating system, cellular, Bluetooth & WIFI technologies with barcode scanning. Integrating these
technologies with a live feed of critical data drives even greater efficiencies. Adopting rugged wearable devices allows the
wearer to do their job and complete computerised processes while keeping both hands free. From operating machinery to troubleshooting and monitoring machine performance wearables are designed specifically to perform in harsh environments and withstand repeated use. What’s more, it is difficult to drop a wearable! Beyond being able to work more efficiently
20 MAY 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
are the considerations of manufacturers’ asset management capability, the total cost of ownership and control of IT budgets. Having reliable equipment and service is essential in time- sensitive environments, where uptime, speed of repair or replacement and the battery life need to be robust. So, choosing the right tool for the job is critically important. A rugged wearable Window device with a
barcode scanner can be a game-changer for some operations.
INDUSTRY 4.0 AND THE ERGONOMICS OF WEARABLES FOR WORK
James Summers CEO
WeAreConker
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