3 Ways IoT Enhances Manufacturing Workflow Capabilities

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to connected devices that function as an integrated network in a factory or manufacturing setup. The idea is to collect and analyze data on how different devices and components are functioning. 

This is done to ensure that the production facility should operate smoothly and without a glitch. IoT is, therefore, also called IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). The basic idea of IoT is to see if operations and processes are alright. If, not what’s wrong and how it can be set right.

In a large manufacturing facility, where thousands of machines and people are working at different geographical locations, it is impossible to keep a manual check on all the devices and components and ensure that they are working efficiently, optimally, and in a cost-efficient manner. 

IoT or IIoT is a software solution that collects relevant information from all the departments in a complex manufacturing or business environment. It analyzes it for productivity, cost-efficiency, and various other parameters.

JDE or J.D. Edwards is the world’s largest business resource planning software provider. It offers IoT solutions to the world’s top 5000 companies whose operations are extensive and spread across the globe. JDE also provides customized IoT solutions to many large companies and business enterprises.

JDE has a cloud-based solution for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). It offers ERP tools and applications for manufacturing, HR, finance sectors. These solutions are used by large as well as midsize businesses worldwide.

So, what are the three ways IoT enhances manufacturing workflow capabilities? You may be interested in knowing how your organization, manufacturing facility, or business can benefit from IoT.

Here are the three most important benefits of IoT:

No More Blindspots in Manufacturing Process

Machines and processes that are IoT enabled and optimized can communicate operational details to personnel inside their organization and outside vendors. The people who may have access to such information and details include managers, operators, and field personnel. 

Even people outside the organization may have such data for better coordination and timely decisions. These may include suppliers, contractors, and OEMs. This means your production process is fully connected and networked with different decision-makers who can make decisions critical to the project. 

From the operator to the field and administrative staff to the top leadership, everybody has access to mission-critical data on a real-time basis. This kind of connectivity increases efficiency and removes all blindspots in the entire operational life cycle. 

There is no scope for anything disrupting the workflow because something has gone wrong, and the follow-up needs time for communication. IoT ensures the transmission is going on at all levels without any breakdown. This improves productivity.

Improved Inventory Management

IoT and modern technology in the field of inventory management ensure that people tasked with inventory management have all the information available to them. They can make use of RFID and other asset tracking systems to be always in control of things. There is never a delay in reporting what is available and what is not. 

The JDE ERP ensures that all costly mistakes are avoided. IoT provides your inventory system is ahead of its times, and it ensures all allied departments sport the same levels of efficiency and competitiveness. IoT ensures that all the items are tracked, and the data is fed into ERP automatically. 

Not only does such a system ensure there is a discrepancy in the process, but it also provides that there is a delay in updating the database.

Keeps Your Facilities Safe

Malicious attacks on manufacturing facilities are not new, and the concern is only growing with time. IoT can create and implement a full-proof protection mechanism to ensure your production facilities do not fall prey to any malicious attack.

Through IoT, all the data coming into and going out of your system is recorded and monitored in real-time for any security breach. IoT can help your organization detect and prevent any suspicious activity on your network. 

Furthermore, IoT can help you store your critical data and operation management on the cloud, giving you an extra layer of security.

Final thoughts

IoT helps you find what’s not up to the mark and where interventions are required in your enterprise. Based on these inputs, corrective and constructive measures can be taken. 

These measures not only improve productivity but also ensure better efficiencies across the board. The competitive edge of an organization improves significantly once IoT is implemented.