“We’re in an extraordinary age of connectivity, interoperability, and automation well beyond simple machine-to-machine (M2M) interaction. IoT data from a diverse platform of wireless sensing solutions can transform connected factory operations.”
- Brad Walters, Monnit Founder and CEO

In the March 2022 issue of Sensor Technology magazine, Brad Walters share’s how the industrial world’s evolution thrives in smart, connected factories with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies. Walters answers insightful questions about how managers can make factory sensor data flourish, such as:

• How can people and machines share data seamlessly to orchestrate ideal production and performance?
• Why should management take a careful, systematic approach to factory automation?
• What are the key components of an industrial-grade wireless sensor platform?

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

A TIME OF REAL-TIME DECISIONS

Today, connected factory machines make many of their own IoT-AI-ML-enabled, real-time decisions to control and automate processes and keep production running seamlessly. Simultaneously, management in the main office and on the factory floor remotely monitor equipment, workers, and machines with low-power, long-range wireless sensors and quickly make data-driven decisions to:

• Improve cost and operational efficiency.
• Enhance production and product safety.
• Predict machine and equipment maintenance.
• Transform business processes and value.

VALUABLE DATA INSIGHTS COME FROM CONNECTED MACHINES

Uptime is everything in manufacturing. When one machine malfunctions or fails, it can create ripple effects of increased time to market and potentially damaging downtime all the way to product delivery and customer service.

Data from the IIoT is the “currency” of the smart, connected factory. It produces reactive, predictive, and even transformative value by fundamentally influencing how and when a person or machine takes control, makes corrections, conducts maintenance, and streamlines production. Actionable data from the IIoT is the main benefit of a connected factory.

Using data to feed dashboards, analytical tools, and operational management systems leads an organization to better innovation, efficiency, and profitability. Wireless sensor data activates the IIoT’s value across a factory — from faster corrective reactions to predictive management to transformative business innovation.

Read the full article and get Brad Walters’ direction for creating a smart, connected factory here.