Too often, advancements in the manufacturing industry are described on in terms of unrealistic and expensive descriptions of shiny new factories outfitted with the latest industrial-internet-of-things (IIoT) technologies. This isn’t the reality for most businesses. Most manufacturers simply cannot afford to refresh all of their machines just because something new comes along. They need to work with the existing investments with the plan to add sensors to gain additional value from their machinery without the cost of replacing it.
Our study found that by combining IIoT/remote sensors, machine learning, and analytics as part of a comprehensive maintenance strategy, manufacturers can extend and enhance the life of their expensive assets for years to come. This mix of technology and intelligence can be applied to simple things like an Industrial Vibratory Conveyor to complex machinery like CNC machines. While in the former, technology can help monitor the changes in vibration, temperature, and power usage, in the latter, changes in speed, torque, and tool usage can be measured.
By leveraging these technologies, manufacturers can save on maintenance costs, reduce downtime, and improve the overall efficiency of their equipment. Apparently, eighty-one percent of decision-makers say extending the life of their equipment would save them money. The use of IIoT sensors is critical to meeting this goal, as these sensors provide data on the way in which machines are being used. The efficiency gained through proactive maintenance can help nearly half (46%) of respondents’ firms in our study retire their equipment prematurely.
Currently, more than a quarter of decision-makers say their organizations are using a data-driven approach to machine maintenance through predictive maintenance practices.
Eighty-five percent of respondents agree that IIoT/remote sensors will be widely used in equipment service within five years. This shift to data-driven machine maintenance is critical to achieving better insights through data.
Decision makers must ask themselves if their firms have the technology and staff in place to gather and act on the insights from their data.
Manufacturers are getting serious about the importance of becoming data-driven and are willing to dedicate the time and money to do it, with half of leaders in this study reporting an increase in maintenance-related programs/technology budgets in 2020. Seventy-seven percent of decision makers agree that using emerging technologies in combination with data insights maximizes the success of their digital initiatives, justifying the increase in funding. Even more compelling: 79% of respondents say using emerging technologies and data insights puts them ahead of the competition.
For more information, continue reading our informational infographic below!
Hey, I’m Rory and I am the ultimate accidental geek.
Born in London I was never interested in technologies until I started a part-time job at Apple and now I can’t get enough. Join me as a help you navigate the world of tech with some of my fellow geeks.