5G and smart manufacturing
The rollout of 5G in India is said to play a crucial role in driving the industry 4.0 transformation, and the manufacturers can leverage this technology to boost their competitiveness. According to Bakshi, the Indian manufacturing sector is set to benefit from 5G due to its faster and more reliable connectivity, real-time data exchange, and advanced tools like IoT and AI.
He further noted that "with 5G, manufacturers can achieve seamless connectivity across their production systems, enabling better control, predictive maintenance, and optimised resource utilisation." "This technology empowers them to gather valuable data through IoT devices and sensors, leading to process optimisation and improved quality control," Bakshi added.
Deepak Keni believes that the rollout of 5G technology in the market will not only enable faster and deeper communication and digital connectivity between people, but it will also pave the way for enhanced communication between machines through IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). "This will further allow low latency and high reliability of communications between machines; and people + machines; allowing for reliable and confident use of real time critical communications over 5G network as mandated by Industry 4.0 use cases," he added.
Essentially, "all devices on the manufacturing premises connected through sensors and IoT can communicate seamlessly, securely over 5G networks; allowing manufacturers to create a competitive advantage with increase in connectivity and speed of communications; allowing for more flexibility in production," Keni said, while talking about the perks of 5G technology.
For Nitin Kalla, the fifth-generation mobile network, is a faster and more powerful and, capable of handling the full integration of the IoT in a smart factory. He affirms that 5G has finally entered the realm of manufacturing and some companies in advanced economies are already testing it. "Not only has it cut production time but is also a sustainable way of production as downtime is low," Kalla added.
Digital twins
Digital twin technology is rapidly evolving and set to make a profound impact on the manufacturing sector. Digital twins enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimisation of manufacturing processes, leading to improved productivity, reduced downtime, and enhanced product quality.
According to Patil, the adoption of Digital twin technology is expected to increase as manufacturers are realising its benefits. He further noted that "with advancements in IoT, AI, and data analytics, digital twins will become more sophisticated, providing a holistic view of the manufacturing environment, and enabling predictive maintenance and optimisation. As a result, manufacturers can expect increased efficiency, cost savings, and accelerated innovation in the days to come."
As per Nitin Bakshi, Digital twin technology, such as the EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin, enable manufacturers to create virtual models of machines, allowing for efficient design, commissioning, and testing before the physical construction begins. He further noted that "Technologies such as this offer several benefits including reduced commissioning time, faster time-to-market, savings on quality costs and improved machine performance."
Bakshi goes on to suggest that "with the continuous advancement and seamless integration of digital twin capabilities into manufacturing processes, one should anticipate a surge in their adoption and utilisation across diverse industries." Moreover, "digital twins hold the potential to empower agile production, enhance productivity, and offer greater flexibility in both design and operations," he added.
Cloud and edge computing
Cloud and Edge Computing is transforming data storage, processing, and analysis. Cloud platforms offer scalable storage and computational power for easy data access and collaboration. "Edge Computing brings computing closer to data sources, enabling real-time analysis. Manufacturers are leveraging these technologies for data management, remote monitoring, and faster decision-making," said Nitin Bakshi, while commenting on its application in the manufacturing industry.
IOT, IIOT & supply chain
IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) have had a profound impact on the supply chain in the manufacturing industry. These interconnected technologies have revolutionised the way manufacturers manage their supply chain processes, leading to increased efficiency, visibility, and responsiveness.
According to Deepak Keni, "Digital manufacturing technologies including IoT and IIoT along with integration of IT and OT technologies are creating an agile and flexible supply chain which is highly efficient and responsive to both internal and external factors." He further noted that all the manufacturing processes across the supply chain can be digitised for real time visibility and increasing process efficiency.
"The traceability from procurement to finished goods, transportation/ warehousing, point of sales and consumption is significantly enhanced with advancements in sensor technology and communications technology. Supply chain command centres are very common which provide improved end to end visibility, traceability and efficient management and control of supply chain operations," Keni added.
Sharing his viewpoint, Patil said, "Real-time data analytics, IoT devices, and automation provide visibility into inventory levels, production processes, and potential bottlenecks." Further he stated that the traceability is enhanced by capturing information at every stage, ensuring compliance and quality. Automation streamlines tasks like order processing and inventory management, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
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