Technology has become the key for the manufacturing industry to move forward. In the last 25 years, most producers have implemented new technologies in various forms, aiming to increase output revenue. Now, the manufacturing industry is facing further challenges, namely the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase its business increase.

What is IoT? The Internet of Things, also known as the abbreviation IoT, is a concept that aims to expand the benefits of Internet connectivity. As for capabilities such as data sharing, remote control, etc., including objects in the real world. For example, food, electronics, collections, and any equipment, including living things are all connected to local and global networks through sensors that are embedded and always active.

Basically, the Internet of Things refers to objects that can be identified uniquely as virtual representations in an Internet-based structure. The term Internet of Things was originally suggested by Kevin Ashton in 1999 and became famous through the Auto-ID Center at MIT. Now IoT is one of the tasks for a student at a college.

Also read: Three Outsourcing Industry Trends in 2022, from Digital Transformation to E-commerce

The IoT system allows users to achieve more depth in automation, analysis, and system integration. Especially for those who want to increase regional reach and accuracy. IoT utilizes new and existing sensing, Network, and Robotics technologies.

How do manufacturers make use of IoT? There are many ways, but one of the most significant and useful is for maintenance automation.

Maintenance automation using technology such as installing sensors on equipment provides many benefits. This can increase situational awareness of plant operations and equipment conditions in real time. Maintenance information in a concise view can be seen by staff through the dashboard with real-time measurement and performance.

This can provide automatic warnings such as early warning so that staff has enough time to act and prevent more serious disturbances. And, if manufacturers have adopted further concepts, such as predictive maintenance, improving analytic functions will affect performance, output, and efficiency. This technology is very helpful in the manufacturing industry.

What are the main benefits of implementing IoT in maintaining manufacturing facilities? In general, IoT has the biggest effect on:

Downtime

One of the benefits of IoT is minimizing downtime. By identifying potential problems before they occur, IoT can minimize and even eliminate downtime, especially those that can affect product quality, and the high cost of replacing the engine.

Production efficiency

 Another benefit of IoT is production efficiency. With overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and total effective equipment performance (TEEP) facilities, IoT can help create increased production and long-term savings.

Failure Rates

Another benefit of IoT is to reduce failure rates. There is no commensurate production efficiency if the product fails and must be withdrawn. By using IoT in maintenance, the team can focus on identifying potential problems before engine damage begins.

Intrusiveness

Also, another benefit of IoT is intrusiveness. Preventive maintenance can involve dismantling / re-installing the machine, which can weaken the system and increase the potential for interference. IoT can facilitate predictive maintenance, see system problems or the condition of a component in real-time, without affecting system and machine life.

Those are some of the benefits of utilizing manufacturing facilities. One industrial area that has used internet technology in its manufacturing industry is Karawang New Industry City. As one of the largest industrial estates in West Java, KNIC is an industrial area that already uses IoT technology.