Boosting Operational Continuity in Manufacturing with IoT

In a relatively short time, the pandemic altered how manufacturers operate with 75% citing supply chain disruptions and 53% requiring a change in operations. Even though they are deemed essential businesses, their operational continuity was interrupted by changing demands and workplace restrictions due to health and safety issues.

The good news is IoT is not just a buzzword circulating through manufacturers; it is a proven strategy, a developing trend, and innovative technology to enable manufacturers to improve efficiencies, boost operational continuity under any condition, and increase profits. The American Society for Quality surveyed manufacturing companies that have digitized their processes have achieved 82% increased efficiency, 49% fewer product defects, and 45% customer satisfaction.

By connecting machines, systems, and goods, IoT allows manufacturers for a new way of organizing production systems that basically control each other without requiring manual intervention. As a result, this new connected environment will boost overall operational continuity, even under unusual circumstances. Let’s take a look at the benefits.

Remote Employee Collaboration

The more digitized a company’s processes are, the easier it is to collaborate remotely. In manufacturing, Industrial IoT (IIoT) tools can support the continuation of operations in every site due to their capability to facilitate remote work in both direct and indirect functions. Through this remote collaboration, manufacturers can ensure employee safety and optimal performance.

Production Capacity Optimization

Manufacturers faced supply chain resiliency obstacles and workspace constraints from COVID-19. IoT capabilities expand to on-site industrial assets and reducing the need for operators to physically intervene with the machines or be on-site in some instances. With the bi-directional link provided by IIoT, operators can access the machines’ condition, analyze performance data, and enable remote actions through an easy-to-use platform.

Predictive Maintenance

Apart from optimizing operational activities, manufacturers can also utilize IIoT to avoid high-cost equipment downtime. For example, when eliminating resource-intensive preventive maintenance and transitioning to predictive maintenance, manufacturers get alerts for service when service is needed based on recognized unusual energy usage patterns.

Improved Liquidity and Reduced Waste

In some cases in manufacturing, public health interventions will likely limit on-site operations. IIoT can provide companies with the ability to maintain operations by monitoring and controlling equipment remotely. For example, IIoT is useful to track and monitor things like container-fill levels to help manufacturers reduce their inventory. As a result, manufacturers can free up liquidity and even reduce waste created during production.

Short-term Cost Reductions

IIoT-enabled tools can provide manufacturers benefits from digital performance management and remote assistance. By harnessing software solutions, they can benefit from real-time performance indicators which will increase transparency. In addition, remote assistance and maintenance tools can yield a 10% to 40% reduction in field-service costs by reducing the deed for in-person visits.

In boosting manufacturers’ operational continuity, IoT is a widespread, fundamental must-have. Aligning with a digital partner with industrial experience and partnership ecosystem will provide an effective path to adopt these remote capabilities. Start your free trial at https://telkomseliot.com/en/request-free-trial and get the right IoT solutions to maintain operational continuity at challenging times.