“Smart factories” is a term which is quickly becoming established as a handy umbrella phrase for all for of digital integration with the manufacturing process. From big data to smartphone apps, if you believe the software companies, in just a few years we’ll all be manufacturing in a quiet hum of efficiency, accuracy and flawless timing.
But for many SMEs, this seems unrealistic - and unnecessary. Where margins are critical, performing a complete software and process control upgrade, including ERP, MES and so on could be at the very bottom of the long-term business plan. Not to mention the time and investment required for re-training.
But who’s to say that all of that is necessary. Others would argue that a few small measures would have a huge impact on streamlining, with minimal effect on cash flow.
In recent years, we’ve seen many of the processing machinery manufacturers launching free apps for smartphones - often seen as a simple and effective way of integrating digital control into newer machines. But, of course, a newer machine (or at newer least control system) is often a pre-requisite for this kind of capability.
Arburg, during its recent open house event, discussed ‘Industry 4.0’ - the German government’s own platform for approaching the ‘Smart Factory’ head-on. The group’s first major foray into this area looks at the use of printing for networking resources - both human and machine. It aims to tackle issues of traceability, accountability and quality management, and there are already some impressive examples of it in use.
Again, for some, the technology may still seem like a distant prospect, and unnecessary for the indivudual. However, it could also be viewed as the natural progression from the already prevalent use of barcodes, batch numbers and tracking references. And simpler, too!
Production systems have evolved greatly over the years, and whilst the software giants are certainly guilty of exploiting the next stage of evolution as a means to enter the manufacturing marketplace, the next stage is certainly not far off for many manufacturers.