The Internet of Things (IoT) has started gaining ground across all core industry sectors. But, the manufacturing sector is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this futuristic technology. Globally, IoT in manufacturing can open the doors of new approaches in factory operations. IDC has found that the combined added value of IoT-based improvements in operations is expected to cross $470 billion per year.
When it comes to bringing automation in the processes and integrating digital transformation solutions in the manufacturing sector, IoT can contribute to achieving these objectives in modern smart factories. IoT and sensors can offer a lot of benefits to the manufacturing industry. Let’s discuss the top IoT trends in manufacturing that will rule in the year 2022 and beyond.
Top Seven IoT Trends to Watch for Manufacturing Sector in 2022
1. Business Transformation using IoT
This is one of the most important IoT trends in manufacturing. Today, IoT capabilities have gone one step ahead. Manufacturers can transform their existing business models into more productive ones. It is, however, necessary for manufacturers to build a clear strategy for ensuring smart adoption of IoT in manufacturing industry. Connected products, connected supply chain, and smart manufacturing are the three top categories for bringing transformation in business processes using IoT technology.
2. Improved Safety for Employees
Manufacturing is one of the most hazardous fields where many accidents take place annually. IoT in manufacturing can improve safety and prevent any hazardous incident or injuries. IoT has established and nurtured the concept of connectivity and monitoring. When active sensors send accurate info in real-time, you can easily evaluate the situation of equipment or the state of the facility and identify potential risks and hazards with ease. Here AI technology is useful as an additional technology.
3. 3D Printing and Customization
3D printing has brought revolutionary changes in additive manufacturing. It enables manufacturers to come up with a new product easily and cost-effectively. 3D printing and customization can take the manufacturing segment beyond the traditional approach. Industrial IoT trends also enable manufacturers to collect behavior data from clients and improve services accordingly. For example, a sports equipment manufacturer gathers the data on how players use various equipment and create the same for optimized performance.
Also Read- How IoT Technology in Asset Management Reduces Operational Costs
4. ERP-focused Approach
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) has brought revolutionary changes in the way enterprises manage administrative and other functions. The main objective of ERP is to create a single and uniform ecosystem for storing corporate data. The Industrial IoT (IIoT) trends can amplify the storage and planning capacity while opening new opportunities for manufacturing companies. Here, connected devices and sensors can collect data about almost any process or facility and transmit it automatically to the ERP system. Such an ERP-focused approach is useful for increasing efficiency and productivity.
5. Big Data and Analytics
Industrial IoT solutions have a built-in concept of big data analytics for leveraging the benefits of Industry 4.0. Though the big data concept brings some challenges for the manufacturing industry, AI and other IoT trends can address them effectively. IoT devices may track various parts of the production cycle or supply chain that are otherwise unreachable using other technologies. As a result, IoT becomes highly valuable in the thriving manufacturing sector.
6. VR and AR Technologies
Virtual and Augmented Reality are useful for offering rich visualization. These concepts can make the most of IoT data and prevent it from losing its original purpose. A bunch of AR/VR and IoT can bring many benefits including reduced costs, new opportunities to product lines, and increased productivity. AR and VR-based applications are useful for training new joiners and managing equipment effectively. They are also beneficial for identifying the best strategies for optimizing various locations and warehouses.
7. Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is another effective and popular Industrial IoT trend that is yet to be established properly. It is beneficial for increasing the life cycle of assets and reducing maintenance costs. It can also play a vital role in ensuring the physical safety of employees and decreasing the risks of accidental breakdowns. Predictive maintenance is also designed to increase the life cycle of assets and improve equipment monetization.
Simply put, predictive maintenance is one of the most promising IoT trends in the manufacturing sector.
Concluding Lines
IoT acts as an integral part of smart manufacturing and brings automation to core processes. Nowadays, as technology evolves, new IoT trends keep on coming. Here we have covered all major technology trends including ERPs, 3D printing, and AR-VR technologies. These trends will certainly gain momentum in the year 2022 and beyond.
Rejig Digital is a leading digital transformation solutions provider. We integrate IoT in manufacturing industry along with advancements in emerging technologies. Our best-in-class remote asset monitoring and management solutions are useful for the core industry sectors. Our experienced developers take care of the requirements of manufacturing plants while considering the client’s business model.
