Smart Manufacturing Explored With Industrial IoT Part 2
In the previous part of this series, we mentioned how Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) had achieved that what Internet of Things (IoT) was expected to achieve in the coming years.
We discussed the upcoming IoT trends in near future and connectivity via automation. Now, in the current part, we will talk about Integration and moving information to next level.
Integration enabled by Network Standards
A factory (in the context of this article, “factory” means a set of equipments connected to each other via automation techniques) can be made smart by standardized networking methods.
The rising prominence of Ethernet variants in the industrial and commercial arenas is important. This is because it is easy and economical for vendors to leverage wired and wireless versions of Ethernet for industrial components.
However, there are many well-established industrial networking technologies. Industrial networks do have methods or paths to interconnect with Ethernet. Hence, to counter every situation, an optimal solution can be chosen from a variety of options.
Although networking method makes the connection, one needs to remember that attention to communication protocols is an equally important requirement. These protocols define the language used and understood by devices. Similar to common and established networking methods, there are protocols.
Industrial applications have protocols to follow in Ethernet world. Many protocols have been optimized for specialized industries and applications, like for motion control and power equipment. Any one protocol cannot rule all applications but various open protocols can be for common use.
Moving information to the next level
One may assume that the barriers regarding cost and technique can be overcome for gathering information in a smart factory; the first step that needs to be taken is making the information visible to operators and managers, who would be able to make informed decisions then.
Both printouts of numbers as well as tabular lists present information in vast, scattered and unorganized way. Hence, it is difficult for people to interpret and process the data. Therefore, many variants of Hidden-Measurements Interpretation (HMI) packages and graphical display software have been developed.
Older versions of HMIs resided locally to their associated factory processes. However, today‘s HMIs use networking via Internet along with cloud services (public or private). Through networking, HMIs extend their reach to users, irrespective of the latters’ location. Instead of coordination between just one machine, factory or product line, now it is possible to manage coordination between multiple factories across the world in an organized manner.
Smart manufacturing information can be published to tablets, laptops and smartphones via internet and cloud services. This way, information becomes directly accessible to users. Features of various visualization software packages have specifically adapted to mobile device operation. Streamlined “dashboard” view has become useful for mobile devices as it shows only the most important information in an easy-to-read format.
User expectations with regards to HMI packages
With high-performance home computers, smartphones, and tablets, it is natural for end users to have high expectations from HMI packages. Graphics need to informative, user-friendly and visually appealing. HMIs taking advantage of zoom gestures and multi-touch swipe appear to be more user-friendly. Today, there are browser-based products that can publish information conveniently over the internet. These products are extendable to all types of devices.
However, smart factory goes beyond delivering beautiful graphics. At factory level, command information and proper status flow is imperative for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that strive to track and record the production of finished goods. At higher level, data is required for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and effective business logistics systems.
Users can overcome various inefficiencies and intelligently re-vector trends if they can properly harvest Big Data from many IIoT sources and then effectively analyze it. They can make discoveries only after obtaining right information.
Benefits of data harvesting and smart manufacturing
According to the news on various industry news websites, benefits of data harvesting and analysis are visible and can be seen in improvised throughput, labor costs, material costs, energy efficiency and lastly, the cost of adverse quality.
Implementing smart manufacturing is not easy. That is why; it is preferable to adopt smart technologies and methods in steps. Not only this would reduce the initial cost, it would also allow the organization to determine which pieces of smart factory yield maximum benefit relevant to their situation and requirements.
What are your thoughts about integration enabled by network standards and information harvesting? What are your expectations with HMI packages? Post your comments.
In the next part of this series, we will talk about specific components relevant for typical IIoT implementation. We will also explore networking nuances. To explore more insights on IoT, Android and other relevant technologies, you are welcome to join us on LinkedIn.