Standing still is going backwards, we all know that by now. The industrial revolution was the turning point for a lot of companies for a reason. Yet much has changed since then. In the meantime, the revolution of the past has itself gone through many waters. For example, we are now going through the4th industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 as we also call it. The era of switching to a smart factory or smart factory, which offers the most advantages both technically and economically.
What is a smart factory?
Stand strong in the industry 4.0 with a smart factory, a digital factory. Because only with an intelligent structure, machine learning and ingenious systems that are seamlessly align ed can you increase the efficiency of your production process. Thanks to the maximum digitization of processes, a smart factory even ensures higher productivity throughout your company.
The benefits of a smart factory?
Granted, a smart factory is not the slightest investment. But in terms of return on investment, well worth it. A smart factory offers you numerous benefits:
- More efficiency
That’s because we know how to use your available resources optimally. In addition, we minimize the margin of error, this protects you from expensive emergency interventions that could have actually been avoided, provided a well-thought-out system.
A smart factory operates on the principle of “simultaneity.” Every second is used optimally. Your storage and transport systems are finely tuned to each other, so you lose less time throughout the production process.
- More overview
Smart machine systems ensure that you have perfect insight into your production process and progress at all times. This makes unpleasant surprises a thing of the past.
- Competitive
Thanks to complete digitization and thoughtful integration of your machinery, your factory is the most competitive version of itself. Improving production gives you an edge. Your company sets the tone and challenges the competition.
- More flexibility
A smart factory is more flexible. Processes can be adjusted much faster as opposed to when these processes can only be changed manually.
- Increased safety
Smart and safe, that’s the future for all businesses. Thanks to new technology and sensors, factories can also become safer. After all, you get notifications when irregularities occur, so you or we can intervene immediately.
The importance of a smart factory?
In fact, research confirms the importance of switching to a smart factory. As many as 86% of the manufacturers surveyed believed that whether or not to switch to a smart factory would become decisive for how competitive companies could still be in the future.
Moreover, 83% of manufacturers believe that the advent of smart factories will cause products to be manufactured differently.
Those who have already switched see an average 10% increase in their production output. Smart factory owners see the benefits of such a system both operationally and financially.
Did you know that the Flemish government also offers subsidies for companies that jump on the digital bandwagon? You can read all about the subsidy and the conditions in our blog.
Step by step to a smart factory
Step 1: Checking your machines and production process
Everything starts with you, your production process and your current machinery. We delve into your production process and check the machines that are part of it to get the best possible overview.
Step 2: Analysis of your systems and sensors
All sensors present in your production process and your entire machine park are analyzed. Our experts focus on noticing opportunities to simplify and further automate your production process.
Step 3: Creation of your dashboard
Thanks to our dashboard, you get a complete overview of all machines and sensors in your factory. This allows you to follow the progress of your production process up to the minute thanks to the real-time monitoring of your machines and data at your disposal. The most important parameters are temperature, vibration and frequency. But parameters specific to your production process are also covered.
We develop the dashboard so that it is easy to use and track.
Step 4: In-depth analysis
Artificial intelligence and the sensors installed in your machinery offer a lot of possibilities. For example, we can make predictions based on the data on the dashboard. These are deviations from normal values. Thus, you are even better prepared and “surprises” become a concept of the past. It also offers the possibility of predictive maintenance.
This is an important step that can save you a lot of time and money. But even without in-depth analysis with AI, you can get started perfectly.
Step 5: Follow-up
If there appears to be an anomaly in the system, we are notified immediately. Is there an unusual rise in temperature or are there unsettling vibrations? Then we notify you immediately. You can intervene yourself or you can opt for a Meyland intervention.
Wondering how to turn your factory into a smart factory?
For all your questions related to switching to a smart factory and the automation of your internal logistics, please contact us – your supplier in smart factory systems.
Feel free to ask for more information about our no-obligation audit. Our experts take the time to analyze and optimize your production process. This is how you ensure the future of your company in the age of industry 4.0, where competition is scorching and survival is becoming increasingly difficult. Because those who invest in efficiency save a lot of money in the long run and can remain more competitive.