In the next five years, factories will change more than they did in the last 50 years.  A look at the Factory of the Future.

Manex recognizes the Factory of the Future –  Manufacturing 4.0 or the Smart Factory – for the inevitable force that it has become. We are entering the fourth industrial revolution thus the 4.0 moniker. It is not driven by a single force, but a combination of technologies,  including sensors, algorithms, and robotics.  In use for decades, but now at a low cost, with broad access, high speed, fine precision and now interconnectivity or internet of things (IoT) have opened the door to a new reality. Their synthesis is connecting all parts of manufacturing;  people, processes, materials and creating far more than the sum of their constituent parts. However, we believe that this process in the small and medium-sized manufacturing space will be an evolution not a revolution. The first step will be the need to reconcile legacy, then digitize and then smart manufacturing.

Computability – the ability to work on a problem within a computer rather than the physical world not only drives an increasing evolution of smartphones, digital assistants and self-driving cars, but is driving a new revolution in manufacturing. Computation will get smarter, faster and will forever change business models, distribution models and generate new types of value. Sensors, computers, robotics and material science will augment the following four basic actions when making anything.

  • Capture– sensors
  • Compute– algorithms what and how to make
  • Create – machines follow digital instruction to shape things into precise forms
  • Compose – Better materials are brought together to make better things.

We have always used physical tools to magnify our ability to shape objects. Now, digital fabrication will give us infinite expressibility. We can shape and place the right materials in the right places at the right time in the right ways, enhancing our craftsmanship.[1]

What is the Factory of the Future?

The Factory of the Future is a vision for how manufacturers should enhance production by making improvements in three dimensions: plant structure, plant digitization, and plant processes.

Why do we have to prepare for the Factory of the Future?  In a report on Industry 4.0, Tecnalia lists the following six socioeconomic trends we have to commit to for the Factory of the Future at this time:

  • Availability of new technologies that allow us to reach goals unthinkable until now
  • Scarcity of natural resources driving efficiency
  • Adopting environmental sustainability
  • Aging population and late retirement which leads to physical work reduction
  • Specialization of the production staff
  • Customization 

What will the Factory of the Future look like?[2]

The Factory of the Future will have the following characteristics:

  • Automated – Collaborative robots (cobots) performing tasks of lower added value and changing from one task to the other easily (Cobots in action)
  • Digital (Connected) – Incorporating electronics to capture data in a massive way and manage production processes in real time
  • Intelligent – Interpreting the data of the processes and facilitating the decision making in advance, promoting the continuous improvement and innovation
  • Flexible – In design (involving customers) manufacturing and logistics to adapt immediately to changes in demand
  • Sustainable – With a rational and responsible use of resources and energy
  • Human – All of the foregoing will only be possible if we properly train our employees and activate their talent. People will continue to be the center of activity and will make a difference in this scenario

The Factory of the Future will continue to require Manex services, especially:

Join us in this evolution that will become a revolution for California-based manufacturing companies.  Let’s make the future happen and let’s be globally competitive.

Call us today to discuss Manex’s Automation Services including Auto-Quotation and Online Ordering System and Digital Factory.

 

[1] The Future of Making by Tom Wujec

[2] Sisteplant; PSA; Tecnalia; Siemens

 

About the Author

Gene Russell is President and CEO of Manex and has over 30 years of senior executive strategic planning, operational management, and consulting experience in the manufacturing and technology sectors. With his extensive knowledge of manufacturing operations, he has developed and implemented key strategic initiatives for companies, allowing them to improve performance and achieve profitable growth.  He can be reached at grussell@manexconsulting.com.