TimesTech Buzz: Why manufacturers need to wake up to the Internet of Things?
Sameer: Many of the discussions around the Internet of Things and manufacturing has been focused on how it can streamline the manufacturing processes and make them more efficient. While this is a compelling use case, the transformational power of the IoT is much greater. The IoT is an integral part of the connected economy, and to capitalize on the opportunity that it presents, manufacturers need to adapt and become service ecosystems. Manufacturers indeed need to realize and capitalise the benefits of Industry 4.0 enabled by the smart and connected technologies which could drive further significant growth for the manufacturing sector. Adopting the next wave of technology would enable manufacturers achieve efficiency, automation, customer-centricity, competitive benefits, and the advantages which are provided by using data across the manufacturing value chain and tapping into new revenue sources, an essential aspect of digital transformation in manufacturing.
TimesTech Buzz: How Aeris is helping manufacturing industry with IoT technology?
Sameer: Thanks to the advancements in technologies, like the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, AR/VR, cognitive computing, digital twins, Machine Learning, robotics, creating cyber-physical systems, 3D Printing, blockchain, etc facilitating Industry 4.0, the world of manufacturing is transforming its four building blocks – material, machines, methods and manpower.
Aeris is a pioneer and leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. We have successfully created a unique IoT ecosystem for enterprises, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), technologists, system integrators, and solution providers across vertical sectors, including manufacturing. With a wide range of solutions, Aeris offers end-to-end IoT solutions and services for the manufacturing enterprises. Covid-19 has made every industry realise that technology is the only option for business continuity and survival. We are helping manufacturers in their greenfield Industry 4.0 implementations as well as helping owners of brownfield factories transform into smart factories. In addition, we provide IoT solutions for Remote Asset Monitoring, Employee Tracking inside the Manufacturing facility, Cold Chain Monitoring, Fleet Management and many more. For Example: Aeris’ technology has helped Paragon Footwear to resolve supply chain issues and India’s largest railway connectivity provider also uses Aeris Technology to monitor 3500 maintenance staff in field.
TimesTech Buzz: Elaborate on the ways that SIM enabled IoT optimizes the manufacturing process?
Sameer: A decade ago, the introduction of computer-driven automation brought fundamental change to the manufacturing industry. Today, with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing is changing again. The traditional factory floor already adapted to interconnected production means a predefined hierarchy, with every asset working together to achieve efficient output at optimal costs. With SIM-enabled IoT, new smart factories envision a hyper-connectivity that maintains consistent data flows along every link of the value and supply chain to close information and inventory gaps, increase operational efficiency, and lower overall manufacturing costs. This new level of connectivity, backed by IoT and SIM technology, has led some to declare SIM IoT manufacturing as the fourth industrial revolution.
Interruptions and delays in the manufacturing process are one of the business’s most significant preventable cost factors. According to an industry survey, 98% of companies report that a single hour of downtime costs more than $100,000, with 33% answering that downtime costs from $1 to $5 million an hour. SIM-enabled IoT monitoring makes manufacturing processes smoother and more effective. Real-time data also gives factory operators the power to precisely manage supply lines, enabling effective implementation of lean manufacturing practices and ensure that components are available without keeping an inventory of excess materials costly to operate and deteriorate or become obsolete.
TimesTech Buzz: What future does SIM IoT manufacturing hold in the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0?
Sameer: IoT enables smart factories to stay connected to their consumers by analysing value chain information that can be cross-referenced with inventory and machine data. Value chain data provides greater production agility, enabling manufacturers to create products that adhere to exact customer specifications. The IoT extends the lifetime of the product. For example, once a smart meter is connected to the internet, it can be upgraded remotely. Not only does this save the manufacturer money, but it also reduces the product’s environmental footprint. However, manufacturers can run into problems if the communications protocol or the sim’s characteristics change, so partners’ right ecosystem must be established to ensure the entire ecosystem can support the deployed product from the cradle to the grave. It’s clear that the IoT opportunity is enormous, but the market is also incredibly complex. A few key stages a manufacturer needs to consider providing a truly end-to-end IoT solution.
TimesTech Buzz: How blockchain can help companies identify the point of disruption in supply chain networks, by connecting all stakeholders in the extended network, enabling them to prepare for any future challenges?
Sameer: Blockchain has an immense potential to transform every supply chain step, from raw materials procurement to distribution to the consumers. It also enables supply chain reengineering by establishing a blockchain-based Business Process Reengineering framework. Every transaction made can be restructured using blockchain technology, and the journey can be made faster and more secure as Blockchain technology can be used to secure both IoT systems and devices against attacks from outside sources and protect data exchanges between IoT devices. Robust security is at the forefront of an agile, cost-effective, and scalable IoT solution. That’s why Aeris is dedicated to making sure our network is guarded with ironclad protection. From connectivity solutions that are secure by design to our industry-leading connectivity platform, Aeris technology sets standards for tomorrow’s enterprise IoT deployments.
