The Impact of IoT Applications on the Manufacturing Field
(Part 2 of 2)
In the previous part of this article, we discussed IoT’s ability to boost manufacturing processes, open the door for new revenue streams, and reduce maintenance costs and manufacturing downtime. You can find part one here: Link to part one.
We continue our journey to discover other IoT benefits to the manufacturing field in this part.
3- Assets and Data Security
IoT technologies have proven abilities to secure assets from hazards like fire, water overflow, or theft. Deploying IoT solutions allows you to monitor your warehouses, plants, or any other physical assets wherever they are in the world. Through your smartphone, and with the help of smart cameras, sensors, and RFID tags, you can be instantly alarmed once an unusual event occurs. You can predefine a sequence of procedures to be executed by the solution corresponding to each event. For example, in case of a fire on the factory floor, the solution should sound all the alarms, call the emergency department, stop all the machinery, and open emergency doors.
IoT solutions extend the security scope to include non-physical assets like data. In the fourth industrial revolution, data is the new oil. IBM reported that the average data breach in 2021 could cost USD 4.24 million, bringing cyber security a top priority. Experts noted that about 20% of cyber attacks occur because of human mistakes that lead to the disclosure of sensitive data. IoT solutions automate collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, which reduces the need for humans to handle data manually, thus mitigating the risk of a data breach.
4- Improve Work Environment
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about IoT and improving the work environment are things related to comfortability. Yes, IoT can indeed help you make your factory more comfortable for your employees. Features like controlling air quality and temperature, noise sensors, and automatically adjusting light brightness will make your employees more productive and cut your costs at the same time. But IoT applications can go far beyond convenience. According to the famous principle “Safety comes first,” IoT will make your factory a safer environment for your workers as they are the most precious factor in the manufacturing process. Each factory can implement a unique application according to their natures. For instance, sensors are providing live feedback about the floor status. They can map hazard areas, and in case of an accident, the system will notify the whole workers immediately. Evacuation processes will be automatically launched to minimize mortality and financial losses. Another good example is applied to factories where workers perform heavy outdoor work. Wearable devices can monitor all workers’ vital signs and alert them if they are in danger of having a heatstroke, even before they have any symptoms.
In this two-part article, we have tackled some of the benefits that IoT can bring to your manufacturing procedures. It’s definite that there are associated expenses, risks, and resources. However, if you want to maintain your competitive advantages in the fourth industrial revolution era, you have to start planning for IoT adoption on your premises.
RPMAnetworks is a Danish premier IoT Solutions Provider and leader in planning, designing, implementing, and operating IoT solutions. Our experts can cooperate with you to develop an action plan to help you to adopt IoT technologies and keep you ahead of the competition.
Contact us now: Contact | RPMANetworks
