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Smart factories are becoming a reality with emerging innovative technology

Website Editor • Feb 17, 2020

There is a significant need for IoT to be more widely implemented into the manufacturing industry. This includes the numerous benefits of predictive maintenance, agile production, and a greater need for operational efficiency and control.

Manufacturing a Car

Smart factories are becoming a reality with innovative technology that is surrounding us in our every-day lives. You may be wondering what a smart factory is? A smart factory is a factory that has been fully transformed by integrating and collaborating emerging technology into manufacturing systems. However, it’s not a one step process, moreover it’s about implementing a combination of technologies and solutions to improve the factory. 


The real concern, is that customers are increasingly expecting mass customisation of products amongst mass production that is already being experienced in many factories globally. The use of smart manufacturing is making way for manufactures to be able to meet both expectations of mass customisation and mass production. Such technology enabling smart manufacturing includes artificial intelligence, blockchain, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), and robotics. The implementation of technology is not necessarily about the technology itself but about the data collected and the insights that can be developed. 


How The Internet Of Things Is Helping

The internet of things isn’t a new concept, it has been around for roughly a decade. The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is however an extension of this, which applies to the manufacturing industry. A report published by Markets and Markets on IoT in manufacturing markets stated that the market size of IoT in the manufacturing industry will rise to USD $45.3 billion by 2022. 


There is a significant need for IoT to be more widely implemented into the manufacturing industry. This includes the numerous benefits of predictive maintenance, agile production, and a greater need for operational efficiency and control. As mentioned before, the manufacturing industry needs to find a way to enable increased production demands while meeting greater mass customisation of products. Smart manufacturing is making the way to allow manufacturing companies to be able to meet the increasing demands of the industry. 


The Potential Of AI & Robotics Together

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are now coming together, both concepts complement one another unlocking further potential benefits. AI in itself has the potential to collect and generate large amounts of data at a low cost. Coupled with robotics AI has enabled robots to take perception-based decisions, although AI has many other uses as well such as predictive maintenance. As you may be able to see, it’s not simply about one technology working alone, it’s about technology being used in conjunction to fully utilise its potential. 


As robotics are becoming more widely used particularly within the automotive industry, robots are becoming more intelligent allowing them to complete more than a single task at a time. As AI and robotics are slowly being implemented into the manufacturing industry, robots will begin to become more autonomous, allowing them to make smarter decisions and respond to various situations on a real-time basis. For example, this is seen by a type of robot called collaborative robots. Ultimately, they are able to work alongside humans to support them and learn from the tasks being undertaken. This enables the robots to learn how to perform the task by themselves with the exact same amount of precision. 


AI can also be used to enhance many manufacturing processes. AI capabilities will enable manufacturing systems to respond in real-time without human interference. Such technology enables mass customisation, greater automation, implementation of smarter robots and responsive machines. These solutions are reshaping the manufacturing industry and is leading the industry into the 4th industrial revolution. 


The Influence Of Blockchain

Although the main focus is not on blockchain in the manufacturing industry, it can be beneficial in the supply chain process. Many still relate blockchain to cryptocurrency alone. It is only recently the full potential of blockchain technology is coming to light. Blockchain can be applied to almost any industry in numerous ways. Blockchain has the potential to maintain quality throughout the supply chain by allowing concerned entities to view and make entries to the ledger ensuring each step of the product’s journey is maintained to the standard it is meant to. 


It’s estimated by Statista that the augmented reality (AR) market will grow to be worth US $198 billion by 2025. There are already a growing number of manufacturers who implement AR into their factories simply for training their employees. The experience makes training hands on, while also allowing employees to resolve problems with machinery and conduct repairs where necessary easily and safely. Deloitte points out that 10% of fortune 500 companies have already began exploring options for utilising AR or VR solutions. It’s in fact predicted by Gartner that by 2020, 20% of large enterprises will evaluate and adopt such solutions including augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality solutions into their digital transformation strategy. 


It’s only a matter of time before all industries embrace the technology that we see emerging. Using the advanced technology as mentioned above, allows endless benefits for companies to be unlocked. Manufacturing companies in particular that are labour intensive should without a doubt be embracing the idea of smart factories becoming a reality with emerging innovative technology.

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Temperature-controlled logistics is a crucial aspect of global supply chains, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Maintaining the correct temperature during transportation is not just a logistical issue but also a critical factor in ensuring the safety and efficacy of life-saving vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. As the demand for temperature-sensitive products like vaccines and biologics continues to surge, ensuring their safe transportation is paramount. Any deviation in temperature during transit can compromise the efficacy of these products, leading to significant financial losses and potential health risks. This blog delves into the evolution of temperature-controlled logistics, critical challenges faced in this sector, and groundbreaking innovations that address these challenges. With a focus on real-time monitoring through IoT solutions, we aim to showcase the advancements that contribute to the efficiency and compliance of global pharmaceutical supply chains. Evolution of Temperature-Controlled Logistics Temperature control has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades. Stringent global regulations, customer demand for new temperature ranges, emerging markets with extreme temperatures, and the growing value of drugs like biologics have been essential driving forces. These factors have spurred the evolution of temperature-controlled logistics to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The landscape of temperature-controlled logistics is evolving, thanks to technological advancements. Trends include the growing availability of prequalified shippers simplifying the validation process, sophisticated supply chain services, a rising interest in reusable packaging, and advances in temperature-monitoring technology. These innovations contribute to the industry's ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment. Temperature-controlled logistics involves managing the flow of products through a cold chain. Divided into food and pharmaceutical sectors, the global market size of cold chain logistics is projected to grow significantly. From USD 242.39 billion in 2021 to USD 647.47 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.1%, the industry is expanding rapidly, reflecting its critical role in modern commerce. 3 Key Challenges in Temperature-Controlled Logistics Compliance Issues Stringent Regulatory Standards: Global temperature-controlled logistics operates within a framework of strict regulations set by health and safety authorities. Meeting diverse regulatory requirements across international borders poses a significant challenge for companies in this sector. Documentation & Reporting: Compliance involves meticulous documentation and reporting of temperature-sensitive shipments. Keeping up with the evolving documentation standards requires streamlined processes and robust systems. Validation & Qualification: Ensuring the validation and qualification of equipment and processes according to regulatory standards is an ongoing challenge. The need for continuous validation adds complexity and time constraints to logistics operations. Risks of Temperature Deviations Product Integrity: Temperature-sensitive products, especially pharmaceuticals and biologics, are highly susceptible to temperature deviations. Even brief exposure to temperature breaches during transit can compromise the integrity and efficacy of these products. Financial Implications: Temperature deviations can lead to significant financial losses for companies. Replacing or disposing of compromised products and potential legal repercussions contribute to financial challenges. Supply Chain Disruptions: Temperature deviations can disrupt the entire supply chain, leading to delays in product availability. This not only affects businesses but can have critical implications for healthcare providers and patients relying on timely access to medications. Security & Theft Concerns Value of Cargo: Temperature-sensitive cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and high-value perishable goods, can become a target for theft. The significant value of these products heightens security concerns throughout the supply chain. Vulnerability During Transit: The vulnerability of cargo during transit, particularly in unsecured areas, poses a constant risk. The potential for theft during transportation adds complexity to securing temperature-controlled shipments. Need for Tracking & Monitoring: Ensuring the security of temperature-sensitive cargo requires robust tracking and monitoring systems. 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