What does this mean in practice?
The machines are connected to the network by sensors inside them, sharing all relevant information. The technology has become widespread thanks to smart devices and is constantly evolving at an accelerating pace.
The machines are connected to the network by sensors inside them, sharing all relevant information. The technology has become widespread thanks to smart devices and is constantly evolving at an accelerating pace.
IoT devices can automatically collect performance data that can be used for predictive maintenance to avoid downtime or increase machine availability. As customers expect more customisation and faster production than ever before, many manufacturers are looking for ways to increase productivity.
This means that in order to remain competitive, manufacturers need to free their employees from repetitive, process-driven tasks (e.g. continuous, manual control of machines on the shop floor). While manual human supervision will always be necessary, companies can be more productive if they train workers for more creative, engineering tasks such as product development.
In many factories, only the workers who operate the machines are aware of their functionality. Without a centralised system, it is easy for maintenance to be neglected and equipment to fail. On the other hand, machines are often over-maintained, which increases the costs of the factory.
With smart sensors and the right software, manufacturers can monitor the status of their equipment remotely. This is done by creating a digital twin, a virtual representation of the machine.
In this way, the use can be optimised, resulting in energy savings. This can help the company’s drive towards carbon neutrality. Similarly, sensors installed in entrances and doors can help to identify the total number of people in the building at any given time.
Employees can now see in real time which offices and meeting rooms are booked or available on a calendar and use a visual floor plan to choose the right room for them. This kind of occupancy management also provides useful data, giving employers an accurate overview of how often each space is being used.
This allows the software to provide real-time information about an emergency, fire or any crisis. Thus, these applications are particularly useful in remote facilities, especially in industrial and high-risk environments.
Smart energy management literally means collecting information and using it to make informed decisions. In addition, advanced analytical systems are increasingly capable of self-optimisation, allowing further automation of the energy management and control process.