Smart manufacturing is a process that optimizes manufacturing procedures through automation, Big Data analytics, and computerized controls that minimize costs and maximize productivity. It is a technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process. Smart manufacturing is a broad category of manufacturing that employs computer-integrated manufacturing, high levels of adaptability and rapid design changes, digital information technology, and more flexible technical workforce training. The goal of smart manufacturing is to optimize the manufacturing process using a technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process.
Some key features of smart manufacturing include:
- Big Data Processing: Smart manufacturing involves the processing of large amounts of data to control all phases of construction, distribution, and usage of a good.
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: Smart manufacturing uses AI and machine learning to analyze data and make intelligent decisions based on the inputted information.
- Interoperable Systems: In smart manufacturing, a smart factory has interoperable systems, multi-scale dynamic modeling and simulation, intelligent automation, strong cybersecurity, and more.
- Efficiency Optimization: Efficiency optimization is a huge focus for adopters of "smart" systems, which is done through data research and intelligent learning automation.
Smart manufacturing offers a number of benefits, including improved efficiency, increased productivity, and long-term cost savings. It enables manufacturers to quickly and effectively respond to changes on the factory floor and across their value chain. Smart manufacturing technologies aid in identifying problem areas, so the overall network of connected manufacturing devices produces competent and profitable operations. Manufacturers of all sizes must adopt smart manufacturing initiatives to remain competitive.
