Transforming Manufacturing For Industry 4.0

The manufacturing industry is undergoing complete transformation due to increasing automation, digital change, and the fusion of digital and physical environments. The process is becoming smart in the sense that it is being aided by cutting edge-technologies, the Internet of Things and the growth of data analytics.

Smart manufacturing has been defined as the fully integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond in real-time to meet changing demands and conditions in the smart factory, the supply network and customer needs.

The manufacturing process is aided by technology whereby the required information is made available during the manufacturing process to improve existing production capabilities, improve products, and align with changing customer needs.

Smart manufacturing also cuts down on costs as it reduces the dependence on the human element to control and monitor the process. Because the machines can detect and maintain their continuous, the need for many people to run routine tests on devices is non-critical.

For example, IoT systems can collect manufacturing data in real time on the quality of processes and equipment. Data can be used to produce digital factory simulations that predict product designs.

Other advantages of smart manufacturing include increased energy efficiency, on-time delivery, improved data insights, faster issue resolution and better safety control.

Do you want to learn more about the latest trends in smart manufacturing? Register for the dx100 Africa Industry 4.0 event here