February 28, 2019 Productivity and Efficiency in Manufacturing

Tech is changing the world. An example is the manufacturing industry, which is improving productivity and efficiency with tech developments.

February 26, 2019

There are many computer systems, including CRMs, that can aid you in efficiently planning your workload. Analytics can also allow you to correctly judge what, and when, updates are required. Across all businesses, it’s evident that technology is evolving and allowing companies to improve their productivity and efficiency. This could be anywhere from takeaway businesses using mobile phone applications, to sports events bringing in video assisted refereeing. The number of technological advances available are certainly helping our world progress and enhancing it.

The use of bodysuits

In Michigan, USA, the Ford plant started using innovative technological developments in a bid to help its workforce. In 2017, the company announced that line workers would be piloting exoskeleton suits. These are wearable technology aimed at supporting the arms of a worker if they were completing tasks above head height. The suits were able to be altered in order to support different weight limits and it was up to the user to change it to suit their needs.

Not even a decade ago, this type of suit would have looked more at home in futuristic movies. However, the suits have been met with great feedback from users, with staff claiming that they aren’t as sore at the end of a shift if they’ve been wearing the advanced creation.

Embedded metrology

While it’s not a process that can be too heavily relied on due to the fact faulty parts may still slip through following checks, the ever-improving embedded metrology can keep helping manufacturers produce a perfect product. It’s a quick and convenient solution that can be more accurate than if humans were involved.

Generally, a quality control process can take up a lot of time, leading to huge expenses. This way, randomly selected machine-made parts would get tested individually. If they successfully passed the check this would then validate the batch it was made in.

3D printing

Nowadays, automated printers don’t have to be manned. Not only this, but they can also work around the clock. While using robotics isn’t designed to replace human interaction, it is certainly a way to make employees’ jobs a lot simpler.

Human error can come with a huge bill for manufacturing companies. This is where 3D printing can play a huge part. It may still be early days in the concept, but it has huge potential on how practical we work. If it continues to progress as expected, it will hugely transform almost every industry because it will alter how manufacturers conduct their business and also impact key issues such as material costs, product pricing strategies and the traditional assembly line.

Drones

Another concept which vehicle manufacturer Ford has brought into play is the use of drones. This is used to help perform high-risk inspections on the factory’s machinery in its engine plant in Dagenham. So far, it’s been said that checking this way is saving up to 12 hours on each inspection as it now only takes 12 minutes to complete the task. However, it’s not just speed that drones are helping with. Using the technology is also eliminating risks to health and safety as nobody needs to scale huge heights to inspect gantries.

The drones are ensuring equipment is still safe to use and also helping to provide the company with in-depth video and still footage that allows the company to monitor and store its findings so it is able to monitor changes over a set period of time. This tool has become crucial for the company and the factory.

It’s predicted that the human aspect can be completely removed in years to come and that technology will provide a fully integrated and fully automated quality control plan. It’s completely understandable that the public will be wary of such processes as there may be job losses, but enhancements can surely only be a good thing as manufacturing companies will continue to improve productivity and efficiency.

With technology continuing to impress, it’s clear that the automotive industry is fully embracing it.

This article was provided by Lookers, who sell used Ford Focus models.

Jamie Roberts, professional copywriter on behalf of Lookers. He has a passion for automobiles, technology and sport – and writing about all three.

Sources
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/31/ford-is-using-drones-to-keep-an-eye-on-its-factories.html
www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/15921/exoskeletons-unveiled-at-ford-manufacturing-plant
https://matrixrecruitment.ie/5-innovative-technologies-solve-manufacturing-problems-2018/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDq0RWQBHms
https://www.insight.com/en_US/learn/content/2017/04112017-3-manufacturing-technology-trends-shaping-factories-of-the-future.html
https://disruptionhub.com/5-technologies-factory-of-the-future/

Subscribe to Industry Today