Photo by @casparrubin
Manufacturing is one of the sectors that benefit most from advances in technology as experts aim to ease manufacturing processes through automation and integration of technology. Advances in technology in the recent past have led to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things.
To facilitate heavy data use and generation that comes with such advances, cloud based computing is being adopted as a solution because it offers massive data storage, with flexibility and scalability. A simple description of Cloud computing is the practice of delivering different services through the internet.
It is a different approach to computing architecture where the central characteristic is that computing services and resources are accessed and stored virtually over the internet. Computing services can then be accessed in real-time as an on-demand service which ensures infinite scalability and flexibility and access over broad networks.
Cloud computing can be used to transform the different aspects of modern manufacturing. It can change the way the organization operates and the relationship with the supply chain. Inside the manufacturer, cloud computing can be used in:
Designing products
Fabrication of products
Use of the products
Cloud computing also facilitates the use of different production systems such as:
Industrial robots
3D printing
Internet of Things
High-performance computing
Cloud computing can be applied to not only resolve technical difficulties but also in the development and promotion of business benefits. While the introduction of cloud computing is a complex process, it allows for a gradual shift of infrastructure with some remaining on the premises.
Ways that cloud computing is driving manufacturing
Accelerated manufacturing cycle times: The manufacturing cycle time is the time that lapses from when a manufacturer takes an order to the time the order is completed and included in the finished product inventory. Cloud computing offers better insight into the manufacturing cycle through its intelligence systems.
A manufacturer develops a better competitive edge depending on the level and accuracy of insight provided which enables them to make effective changes. More manufacturers are adopting cloud-based execution models that provide analytics and seamless data handover to increase integration, visibility, and operational flexibility.
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
Cloud computing offers stronger insights into OEE levels per machine and how the machine interactions affect teamwork flow of work and overall productivity. With this information, the organization can adjust the operation to get more work done in less time.
Cloud platforms often incorporate a system that tracks the OEE at the machinery and tool level and thus can provide insight into the performance of machines and highlight areas that require improvement. Manufacturers can track efficiency, curb losses, and plan maintenance of equipment by using cloud computing to observe, track, and evaluate the health of machines in the plant.
Automation of compliance and reporting: Various manufacturers are required by various authorities to maintain records of their products at the batch, unit, and lot level. Regulators in fields such as food, drugs, and medical equipment are very strict on this requirement and the manufacturer has to ensure compliance before the products leave for distribution. On an international level, manufacturers are also expected to comply with ISO standards.
Manufacturers are now using cloud-based compliance applications which also maintain historical records of the product. This removes the need to manually track and catalog records for the preparation of organizational, industry, and government records.
Supply Chain Integration
Cloud-based inventory management system (IMS) and ERP systems are being used for the generation of data sets that observe patterns in the supply chain, enabling the manufacturer to anticipate changing demand.
Being aware of the levels in inventory with various vendors in the supply chain enables the manufacturer to plan and manage efficiently for production and dispatch in different locations. Such insight is valuable as it improves forecast accuracy which in turn contributes to the optimization of manufacturing and production planning leading to better distribution and revenue growth.
New product introduction
Cloud-based applications are being used to integrate the various teams involved in the development of a new product such as product development, engineering, supply chain, and production planning. The teams’ activities are managed on a singular platform which may even be on a global scale to reach high product quality levels.
The manufacturer performs readiness reviews, fixes any bugs in the production process, and adjusts the schedule as necessary to ensure the final product is of the highest possible quality. With such new product management processes, the manufacturer reduces the risk of product default.