‘Tis the season for making resolutions for the year ahead. What can we expect in manufacturing in 2016? Here are some predictions from a variety of sources, as well as our take on how these predictions can fit into your compressed air strategy for 2016.
Advanced analytics will continue to grow in importance.
According to cerasis.com, “advanced analytics will be further involved in everyday manufacturing operations” and will help improve quality, forecast demand, maximize equipment value and increase equipment uptime.
Performing predictive maintenance through remote monitoring of compressed air equipment is one of the most effective strategies to help facilities avoid downtime. Whatever the facility’s production schedule, 24/7 remote monitoring is constantly compiling compressed air data in real time—data that can be analyzed for key performance indicators to predict potential problems. This helps plant managers develop an ongoing plan to improve system usage and efficiency throughout the production cycle.
The Internet of Things will make manufacturing smarter.
The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to connect manufacturing plants like never before. According to an article in IndustryWeek, “SCM World’s recent field survey on smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things finds that while one in five today admit their factory operations are offline completely, this will drop to near zero in five years.” Smart manufacturing means data is being compiled, sorted and analyzed all in real time across the manufacturing facility’s footprint, from compressed air to production to logistics and beyond.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t started tracking your compressed air system’s performance through Atlas Copco’s remote monitoring system, SMARTLINK, plan to get started in the New Year.
The image of dirty factories will be a thing of the past.
With advancements in new technologies, including 3D printing and automation, the idea of factories as a dirty, messy place to work can finally start fading from people’s minds. However, even if the area surrounding equipment is pristine, it doesn’t mean the insides of the equipment are equally as clean. While maintenance costs only account for about 5-10% of an air compressor’s annual cost of ownership, failing to set aside a budget for maintenance can lead to potentially devastating consequences. Deferred maintenance leads to an increased risk of downtime and decreased efficiency throughout the compressed air system.
These are just some of the many trends that will affect manufacturing in the year ahead. Do you have thoughts on how advances in technology will affect your business? Let us know by contacting us or leaving a comment below.
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