Advances in additive manufacturing, AI, automation, IoT, robotics, and other technologies are revolutionizing the way products are designed, produced, and distributed. These process technologies are creating efficiency, innovation, and sustainability to help companies remain competitive in an evolving global market.
Companies must keep the quality of their products high while controlling prices. As raw material and labor costs go up, the best way to control these two factors is revolutionizing the manufacturing processes.
Process Technology Is Shaping The Future With Automation
Automation is typically the first advanced process technology adopted by manufacturing companies. Its benefits include increased productivity and a great return on investment. After production operations are automated, workers can collect data from the equipment and software. This is accomplished by adding smart sensors to their automated machinery and equipment that collect performance data that can pinpoint areas for improvement.
AI and machine learning are used to analyze the huge quantities of data generated by smart sensors. These technologies can seamlessly adjust automated operations to optimize production in an interconnected manufacturing facility.
A goal some manufacturing and processing businesses are working toward is called lights-out manufacturing. This is achieved by eliminating human workers on production lines with 100% automation. Although this is in its infancy, it is the technology for many factories of the future.
3D Printing Is A Growing Technology
Another advanced manufacturing technology used globally is 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. Its adoption helps achieve these advantages:
- Improves designing and prototyping products
- Ability to create prototypes faster
- 3D scanners can easily upload product specs
- Easily change the design as needed
- Get products to market sooner
Currently, companies are exploring 3D printing with many types of materials from metals, plastics, and wood to biomaterials. Two examples include 3D-printed houses and buildings and personalized medicine with 3D-printed customizable drugs. As this technology advances, it will be used in virtually every industry in the future.
3D printing is currently used for producing small product batches with the hope of mass producing products. This process is useful for creating parts and components in a short timeframe. It is fast becoming a daily part of many production processes.
| “Advances in additive manufacturing, AI, automation, IoT, robotics, and other technologies are revolutionizing the way products are designed, produced, and distributed.” |
Process Technology Is Shaping The Future With IoT And Industry 4.0
Real-time monitoring and management of various processes are connected with IoT. Networks of physical objects, equipment, machinery, vehicles, software, and other items are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and share data and information. The result is faster and more efficient productivity. IoT also has the advantages of:
- Enhancing quality control and managing energy consumption
- Gathering large volumes of useful data from sensors
- Uncovering data used to identify trends in your industry
- Detecting anomalies and optimizing production processes
- Facilitating predictive maintenance and detecting equipment issues early
- Monitoring machine performance and allowing seamless communication between workers, machines, and systems
Industry 4.0 is a broader concept of creating smart factories through integrating IoT, robotics, automation, cobotics, and other advanced technologies. Smart factories use manufacturing processes that are highly data-driven and interconnected. The advantages include flexible production, predictive maintenance, and real-time decision-making. These facilities use cutting-edge technology to improve competitiveness, optimize resource allocation, improve product quality, and create safer workplaces.
Workforce Training Is A Necessity
There are two trends currently facing the manufacturing industry that are estimated to grow worse in the near future. One is a workforce shortage and the other is a skills gap that must be addressed now. Many employees must upgrade their process technology skills with specialized training to advance with the competition and evolving technologies.
Process technicians are becoming part of this industrial revolution with virtual reality (VR) and augmented (AR) training. Virtual tools allow experienced tech professionals to remotely teach new and current workers. VR learning opportunities are not only necessary, they are invaluable to make up for the shortage of training leaders.
Augmented training can enhance workers’ abilities to use machinery, equipment, digital tools, and inventory management. Teaching with this technology allows workers to learn to handle tasks and feel comfortable with new equipment, technology, and processes. Other benefits of advanced training include:
- Retaining information better
- Proving a safe learning environment
- Making learning mistakes without risks
- Increasing the effective use of these technologies
- Improving workforce safety
- Driving manufacturing to become more connected.
Process technology is shaping the future of manufacturing and similar industries. If you want to be part of this industrial revolution, earn an associate degree to prepare for an entry-level job.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
