Advanced Manufacturing Requires Advanced Software

Publication date: February 2, 2023

Manufacturers face the ongoing challenge of delivering more goods at greater speeds while maintaining competitive prices in overcrowded markets. Automation, featuring software-integrated solutions, helps manufacturers meet these challenges by providing precision and versatility through intelligent systems that increase order fulfillment and improve quality control. Steffen Thierfelder, Managing Director, Northern Europe, Dematic UK and Ireland, explains:

Software-driven automation solutions are set to become a major component of advanced manufacturing in the next decade, and how manufacturers respond to this opportunity will be critical to their own success. They need to embrace change and invest in their employees to develop new technology-focused skill sets.

This shift will rely on a technically skilled workforce to support automated solutions powered by intelligent software.

Understanding manufacturing operations with software

Software is already deeply embedded in the fabric of supply chains and order fulfillment processes. Manufacturers must now focus on leveraging data. Data is becoming a valuable tool as it provides insight into performance and productivity.

By developing software-driven advanced manufacturing, operational data is key to maintaining top performance of equipment by identifying areas that can create weak spots or bottlenecks that are at risk of failure. becomes.

That is why Dematic has invested heavily in developing its own operational optimization and condition monitoring platform. Its advantages are two-fold. First, factory operators can react quickly with a software-driven monitoring system that operates in real time. For problems within the production process. Operations teams can use the digital platform to identify and locate potential problems and minimize problems before they lead to equipment malfunction.

Second, it simplifies proactive maintenance. Addressing potential issues before they impact operations means reducing downtime periods. This is especially important for fulfilling orders during busy times, such as seasonal holidays, when the supply chain is even more stressed.

transportation automation

The safe and efficient transport of goods on the factory floor is an area that has undergone a major transformation. Towed vehicles operated by human drivers have historically been the primary mode of heavy goods transportation. However, this model makes inefficient use of human time and raises health and safety concerns.

Manufacturers are keen to eliminate the human error variable with technology-driven transportation solutions. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) follow data-driven delivery protocols, resulting in improved performance. They rely on orders relayed by software and data analysis tools and are far less likely to make mistakes.

AGVs operate on tightly controlled routes with stable speeds and delivery rates. Their reliability ensures that goods are handled with care, limits the possibility of damage and ensures that the correct goods reach their destination on time. AGVs are also a much safer option, reducing the need for workers to participate in potentially dangerous situations. Finally, AGVs are largely self-sufficient, saving operational time by docking or charging when not in use.

Minimize downtime

Manufacturers know how much damage a shutdown can do to their business. However, all equipment can succumb to component failure due to wear and tear. These occurrences, whether infrequent or small, can be costly.

Given the unpredictable nature of these failures, a fast and effective maintenance team is essential. Remote and onsite maintenance teams can work together to address breakdowns. However, a data-driven software solution would allow him to solve the majority of the problems remotely on a 24-hour schedule.

Advanced manufacturing operations are critical for companies looking to improve performance across their supply chain, expand operations, and stay competitive. Initial funding for technology upgrades can be an important consideration, but manufacturers are willing to invest as the new technology proves its worth in providing reliable performance and faster order fulfillment speeds. You can get a profit that far exceeds the

https://twitter.com/DematicGlobal

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dematic/