Manufacturing has undergone many revolutions over the centuries, and there is a particularly significant shift occurring as we speak as a result of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
So what does this movement have to offer in a CNC machining context, and what else do you need to know about how it will change the industry going forward?
How Can IIOT Revolutionize Manufacturing?
Many experts believe that the IIoT is set to revolutionize the way we think about and approach manufacturing. With its ability to link machines, people, and data across networks, it can create a truly connected system that allows for greater efficiency in production processes.
By making use of advanced analytics and automation technologies, manufacturers will be able to gather valuable insights from their systems which they can then act upon quickly. This could reduce downtime on machinery by anticipating possible issues before they occur, as well as optimizing energy usage with predictive maintenance techniques.
Additionally, IIoT technology provides access to real-time data, allowing for better decision making when it comes time for production planning or scheduling operations. This translates into increased productivity at lower costs.
Enhancing Efficiency with Automation & Robotics
The coming age of IIoT in CNC machining is set to make a huge impact on the way manufacturers run their production processes.
With automation and robotics enabled by this technology, companies can reduce production time, while improving accuracy. By connecting machines together across networks, data can be shared almost instantly, which eliminates human error and streamlines all aspects.
Moreover this tech means that legacy equipment, including the second hand CNC machining centers and other top-notch manufacturing solutions from Revelation Machinery, can be adapted and integrated as part of cutting edge, partly or wholly automated setups. This is good news for organizations of all sizes, as it levels the playing field for IIoT adoption, rather than making it a tech that’s reserved only for the biggest players.
Improving Safety Across the Board
It’s not just things like lower costs and improved productivity which are worth shouting about when discussing the rise of the IIoT, particularly when it comes to CNC machining.
Safety considerations are also a selling point, since the aforementioned reduction in downtime and human error will also mean that equipment operators are not put in harm’s way as often. This is a positive aspect from a reputational standpoint, as well as in terms of the morale boost it will offer entire teams.
There is of course the concern that the increased automation will lead to job losses, but more often than not this will actually translate into changes to existing roles, and the creation of entirely new ones. So there’s no need to fear the encroachment of the IIoT, as it should really help to plug worker shortages and provide all sorts of enhancements for existing professionals in this field.
Moreover there will be additional demand for experts who are able to design components to be machined, and also to code the systems involved in the Industrial Internet of Things, as there is for the consumer-facing IoT. The interplay between different hardware and software systems throws up its own hurdles, but experts from across an array of disciplines will be called upon to step up and overcome them together.
Final Thoughts
Companies and individual professionals that want to get ahead of the curve should certainly start exploring the possibilities presented by the IIoT. Knowing your own goals will help here, since it will let you consider how the application of this tech can help you towards achieving them.
