Page 37 - EngineerIT September 2022

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Corporate systems should be constantly audited and carefully monitored for hidden • Use a solution like Kaspersky Anti
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Data is the golden thread running through each

component of Industry 4.0 and 4IR

“ ndustry 4.0 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) are terms that have become part
of virtually every conference and conversation around manufacturing”, writes Heman
IKassan, chief commercial officer of Technodyn. But when one looks beyond machine-
to-machine communication, the Internet of Things and robotic process automation, the
success of any ‘new’ shift in processes comes down to how well organisations embrace the
5Ms (man, machine, material, method and measurement).”
The golden thread running through each component is data and the ability to integrate
it into a centralised environment where predictive analytics can be applied. ‘Smartening
up’ machinery is already being done by digitally fingerprinting the boards in a system. This
makes for more accurate identification and is less prone to human error.

Connectivity chain
Of course, the data being generated means very little if there is no link back to the systems
managing the manufacturing processes. Connectivity becomes a crucial communication
tool that provides a reliable flow of data from the equipment to the control room. This can
significantly improve the asset’s lifespan as the sensor data can send alerts when proactive Heman Kassan
maintenance must occur - when machinery is not performing optimally, or if there are any
other potential red flags. When combined with the appropriate software, the equipment technology for its own sake. Instead, it
becomes part of a digital supply chain that gives decision-makers complete visibility of all requires the company to take stock of
aspects of their operations. the existing technologies and how any
As more advanced technology becomes available, the software can be used to upgrade potential change can enhance or disrupt
the manufacturing equipment. This way, processes can further be refined and optimised to operations. A manufacturer should
get the maximum benefit from the hardware. also consider starting small; perhaps a
particular supply chain is running slowly
Continuous change or causing operational difficulties. Using
Industry 4.0 and 4IR must be seen as integrating a variety of automation, data exchange and 4IR technologies to identify the bottleneck
manufacturing technologies to push the boundaries of what is possible in a manufacturing in that specific supply chain can provide
environment. the manufacturer with the quick win
Intelligence remains key in this regard, as it is the insights generated by data analytics, needed to convince leadership to embrace
such as those inherent in software systems like IFS cloud, that will enable organisations Industry 4.0 more readily.
to identify problem areas as well as bottlenecks in the process. This analytics is also Ultimately, the transition is a
used to improve the performance of the existing environment, as manufacturers look to continuous process of changing and
inject a performance-driven culture into factory floors when the competitive landscape is enhancing the existing environment with
increasingly cluttered. more agile tools and technologies, to drive
This does not mean a manufacturer should rush in and blindly implement new business advantage.

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