In today’s dynamic manufacturing landscape, the importance of IoT visualisation tools for production engineers and managers cannot be overstated. As the industry gravitates towards smarter factories, the role of Internet-of-Things (IoT) becomes increasingly significant. This article aims to explore visualisation in IoT and the necessity of selecting appropriate IoT visualisation tailored to different situations to understand and fully realise the real value of it.
The Rise of Smart Factories and IoT
The shift towards smarter factories is a direct response to fluctuating demands and the adoption of new working styles, including remote operations. For instance, Mitsubishi Electric’s research in 2020 revealed that nearly half of the businesses using Factory Automation (FA) products advanced their transition to smarter factories. These developments are not just about technology implementation but also about enhancing productivity and reducing total costs.
e-F@ctory: A Case in Point
Mitsubishi Electric’s e-F@ctory illustrates the power of IoT in manufacturing. It is a comprehensive solution aiming to optimise the production process – from engineering to maintenance – thereby reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This approach also underscores the importance of using data to enhance production speed, lower costs, and minimise defects. A notable success story involves a customer who integrated IoT to streamline production with fewer line workers, resulting in significant downtime reduction and a payback period of under three years.
Investment Decisions in IoT
The potential Return on Investment (ROI) is a primary driver of investment decisions. Mitsubishi Electric aids this process with tools that help factories understand their current IoT maturity and set targets for improvement. Moreover, this approach ensures the alignment of investment decisions with the factory’s specific needs and goals.
Visualisation plays a critical role in IoT deployment. It is not just about displaying data; it is about using that data effectively to enhance productivity. However, choosing the right visualisation tool is crucial, and should align with the factory’s specific conditions and requirements.
Tailoring Visualisation in IoT
Without doubt, not every factory will benefit from the same visualisation tool. Factors like the condition of the factory, the equipment used, and specific needs must guide the selection. For instance, a factory with standalone equipment might find a different set of tools more beneficial than one needing to monitor multiple devices.
Mitsubishi Electric offers three ranges to suit most applications. The GOT series are machine mounted HMIs from basic to advanced functionality and provide a seamless gateway to other industrial automation devices. MAPS is a PC based life-Cycle Engineering, SCADA, HMI, alarm management and intelligent reporting to help users’ lower ownership costs.
Finally, the GENESIS64 SCADA software suite offers scalable solutions for comprehensive monitoring and management. Moreover, it provides detailed insights into the production process, from individual equipment to the entire system. This level of visualisation aids in identifying errors, tracking workpieces, and displaying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) effectively.
The End Goal – Visualisation in IoT & Understanding the Real Value
The overall key to effective manufacturing visualisation in IoT lies in flexibility and strategic planning. Starting small and scaling up as needed can be a prudent approach. Moreover, setting clear targets and estimating potential ROI in advance can guide the selection of the most appropriate tools. A nationwide network of specialist partners is available to provide expert guidance.
The end goal is to find a visualisation tool that fits the specific situation and needs of your factory. A tailored approach is both strategic, and a necessary step towards achieving efficiency and productivity in a changing world.
If you would like us to explain how we work closely as Mitsubishi Electric Innovation Parners, and how we can help you with on your journey to smart energy management, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, by calling, emailing or using our contact form that can be found below.
