How Can You Adapt to Rapidly Changing Industrial Automation?
Manufacturing is changing. Industry 4.0 is advancing manufacturing with limitless opportunities for growth.
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ve probably noticed two trends: COVID-19 and Industry 4.0.
Today, we’re passing up an analysis on the pandemic’s impact on the industry to discuss the Fourth Industrial Revolution. If you are a small- to mid-sized manufacturer, you may feel left behind in all this innovation. Thankfully, NRTC Automation is here to help!
Learn more about the digital revolution and how to keep up below.
Adapting to changes in industrial automation
Shifting from traditional to digital manufacturing
In the last 100 years, manufacturing has made some impressive leaps.
Innovations in the production line have improved productivity drastically, enabling manufacturing to put out more product and reduce waste.
When industrial robots hit the scene in the mid-20th century, the industry changed forever. Now, manufacturers could create uniform products in minimal time with fewer (costly) mistakes.
Today, the digital manufacturing revolution, or Industry 4.0, is revolutionizing the way manufacturers view data and production. With the help of AI and IoT, seeing the intricacies of the manufacturing process is easier than ever before.
What it means for manufacturing
Industry 4.0 is changing the face of manufacturing.
Digital information allows manufacturers and operators to enhance their production lines with limitless data. For example, if productivity drops slightly, an alert from IoT connected devices will notify the operator. Depending on the cause, the operator may choose to tweak the equipment to enhance performance. Better operational efficiency means a greater bottom line for your company and a more competitive stance in your industry.
Plus, digital manufacturing allows machines to communicate with each other, reducing the amount of labor needed from employees on the production line. Your staff can work more fulfilling and engaging jobs rather than working the line, which can be dangerous for their health. Less workers on the line means increased cost savings for you as well: a production line operated by one person saved an average of $120,000 every month.
Prototyping and 3D printing are also improved due to Industry 4.0. Now, because of additive manufacturing, manufacturers can design and create a prototype in a fraction of the time compared to traditional prototyping methods. Product development is sped up, getting your product to your customers sooner.
How to adapt to Industry 4.0
No matter where you are in your journey to automation, we suggest the following to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in digital manufacturing.
INCREASE CYBERSECURITY PRACTICES
Manufacturing is one of the most targeted industries for cyber attacks. With one fell swoop, hackers can destroy your internal systems and leak confidential information.
Can your company withstand a day, or even a week, without power to run your manufacturing facility? If not (and most companies cannot), then you need to strengthen your firewalls and other cybersecurity practices before you become a victim.
Check out our blog post here for ways in which you can protect your company and employees from malicious cyber threats.
ADD SMART DEVICES
Now is the time to invest in IoT.
Adding smart devices to your facility will put you in line with even the biggest competitors in your industry. Using the latest technology in IoT will enhance supply chain management so you can continue to optimize your production line for the best results.
USE YOUR DATA
Finally, use the data that digital manufacturing offers you.
Data is an extremely valuable tool that allows you to shift from a confusing and mismanaged warehouse to an efficient, streamlined production line.
Minimize downtime and increase productivity by making informed decisions on what changes to apply to your production line. The opportunity for improvement is limitless, so take advantage of data to enhance your manufacturing processes.
Start slow and get industrial automation support with NRTC
If you are a small- to mid-sized manufacturer who wants to grow, but you’re new to automation, then you’ve come to the right place.
We will help you meet your production goals and rise above the competition by adopting comprehensive and sustainable automation practices.
NRTC Automation offers full-service solutions to assist you from start to finish:
With NRTC, you can keep up with changes in the industry and improve your business in the process. We work with top auto manufacturers such as Toyota, Mercedes, and Ford, so you know you can trust us. Head over to our site to learn more about our decade of experience in the industry.
Plus, check out our YouTube video below to see more of our warehouse!
VISIT NRTC AUTOMATION TODAY
NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.
From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.
Schedule a free consultation with us today to get personalized automation strategies for your company.
