TWO THINGS THE IIOT CAN DO FOR YOU

The Industrial Internet of Things is the cornerstone of the Industry 4.0 transformation – but many manufacturers, due to cost, fear, lack of knowledge or all three, have been slow to take it up. Yet the IIoT has plenty to offer, says intelligent product identification specialist Matthews Australasia.

According to Mark Dingley, CEO Matthews Australasia, the IIoT can make manufacturing safer, more efficient, and more profitable – it’s not just about “objects, sensors, big data, cloud technology, interconnectivity and the internet”.

“The IIoT is about smart connectivity and data. It’s all about the ability of physical devices to connect with the internet so that one device can talk to other devices and provide valuable data and insights,” he says.

IIoT technologies can boost manufacturers’ operations in several ways, the first being improving food safety – a valuable prospect, as product recalls and withdrawals from failure to meet standards can be devastating to a brand.

“IIoT can track ingredients, packaging and finished goods faster and more effectively: for example, by using food sensors connected to the internet to monitor production times, shipping times and temperature so manufacturers can keep a constant watch on refrigeration temperatures throughout the production, transportation and storage of food,” says Dingley.

Additionally, the IIoT can boost efficiencies thanks to its big-data capabilities, says Dingley. “Analysing the data from IIoT can bring many advantages in preventing manufacturing downtime and the continuous effort for better efficiencies,” he says.

“On the factory floor, one of the biggest advantages is how sensors and connectivity can provide a constant flow of data to optimise workflows and staffing. The IIoT can monitor production flow in real-time to eliminate waste and unnecessary work.”

Matthews Australasia will exhibit on Stand D140 at AUSPACK 2019.

Source: Auspack