The internet’s growing capability  has become a critical component for virtually every industry, but it is emerging as especially important in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing involves multiple operations and complex processes, which must be achieved across a broad range of components and systems.

From raw materials to the finished product, the value of the internet of things across supply chains, logistics and transportation is immeasurable.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is defined as the totality of the devices, vehicles, buildings, machinery and more which are embedded with electronics, software, and network connectivity.

The IoT allows these objects to collect and exchange data, making them all part of a collaborative effort as opposed to a stand alone process. Here are some ways the IoT has impacted the manufacturing industry.

How Manufacturing Uses the Internet of Things

  • The manufacturing industry utilizes an integrated approach, and there are few other industries where the physical and digital assets are routinely merged. Robotic systems communicate with the cloud, delivery drivers are connected to the warehouse regarding the timing of their arrival, and customer order data is integrated with just-in-time processes.

    That seamless collaboration of the physical and the digital is becoming inherent in the most traditional of manufacturing environments.

  • According to the International Data Corporation, the manufacturing sector is driving the largest amount of IoT related investment, at approximately $178 billion annually as of 2017.
  • The IoT is being used in manufacturing processes, production asset management, operations, field services, shipping and quality control, and employee safety, security and productivity.

    Other applications include vehicle and asset tracking, monitoring of air quality on factory floors, and facility management and security. Any operation traditionally monitored or handled by a machine can now be tweaked, perfected and improved upon by connecting to online data and real-time information.

  • All of the above is collectively driving what is known as Industry 4.0, or the 4th industrial revolution. This inclusive term embraces contemporary automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies; drawing together Cyber-Physical Systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services.
  • According to PwC, over 34% of manufacturing firms have already deployed devices which will collect and measure data from their customers – and 18% more have plans to implement these measures within 3 years.

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Interesting Statistics Regarding the Internet of Things

According to a 2016 study of market trends by Verizon, early movers in the sector reported the following:

  1. 76% of those in manufacturing say that IoT is giving them valuable insight into customer behaviors, perceptions, and viewpoints.
  2. 66% reported that they are using IoT to measure risks, protect their assets, and to improve employee safety.
  3. 61% of respondents are using IoT to improve performance of their products, and reliability of their services.
  4. 66% said that the adoption of IoT into their manufacturing processes is critical to maintaining a competitive advantage.

If your manufacturing firm is looking for opportunities to collect data, or have begun to collect data from your customers which is not being optimally utilized, it is time to speak with a professional IT services firm.

We can help you to determine if information gathering techniques would be useful for you, identify the areas, products and services where you can begin to collect data, and set up an overall IoT ecosystem at your organization which will provide valuable ongoing data for you to get- and keep -your competitive edge.

As Industry 4.0 gets underway globally, and the Internet of Things becomes a mainstay in the manufacturing sector, don’t get left behind. Alliance IT has the knowledge, skill and professional expertise you need to get up to speed on these exciting prospects.

Why hire an IT employee when you can hire a team of experts? Call us today to learn more.