Technology-driven change is nothing new in the world of aerospace manufacturing. Smart companies keep an eye on technology trends and find ways to leverage relevant solutions to improve their operations or build entirely new business lines.
However, in the case of Industry 4.0 (the combination of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technology) there is a tendency of many companies to hold off implementing changes until there is a clear “solution” to adopt.
Delaying can be a mistake as a company can benefit from adopting some of the more proven aspects of Industry 4.0 (like real-time data monitoring) now, while waiting for newer aspects to develop, such as 5G wireless and artificial intelligence. Here are just three benefits to beginning the transition now rather than later.
- Allows for a more gradual transition to IIoT and AI. If you already have in place the right ERP and data management solutions, adding IIoT and AI will be much easier for your company from both a process and budget perspective. If you are already working with data in real-time using line personnel to update statuses of jobs on the floor, adding in devices that automate that data entry and even add new data points will feel like a natural next step for everyone involved.
- Improves efficiency through real-time analysis. If you make the move now to real-time data monitoring, the transition to analyzing that data in real-time becomes much easier. Real-time analysis can provide early warnings of production issues, from supply chain snafus to quality control problems. Getting to this stage without building proficiency with managing data in real-time is possible, but the learning curve is much steeper and disruptive for companies not familiar with real-time manufacturing data.
- Builds the workforce of the future over time. It is difficult to find and train workers who can provide the diverse skill set needed in the modern manufacturing operation. And losing skilled workers unnecessarily can be avoided if the transition to Industry 4.0 is handled well. Just as your entire operation can avoid disruption with a gradual transition, your employees can benefit from the same. Moving from helping update manufacturing data to owning and monitoring the data to acting on the data is possible for most, if not all, of your current workforce if they can see how each transition is an extension of and further improvement on the previous process.
These are just three reasons to focus some of your resources on starting the transition to Industry 4.0 now. A full review of your current technology utilization may find even more opportunities to take the next step towards full internal connectivity.
Triple Helix has provided data and information systems for the aerospace and manufacturing industries for the last fifteen years. Our solutions complement existing technology investments to help companies take advantage of the revenue enhancement that smart manufacturing can provide. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation assessment of your company’s digital tools and processes.
