The connected factory is one of biggest steps undergoing in the transformation process to industry 4.0. Connected factory means that machines, tools, products and system are linked together and communicate with each other in real time. Factories reach a new level of integration in connected factory which increase the efficiency in the production and boost competitiveness.
In addition to the increase of efficiency has the connected factory many benefits, allowing the factory to early identify problems and bottlenecks, keeping the production process running smoothly and minimizing downtime. Additionally, the constant flow of data allows for more accurate calculation of production costs and more efficient use of energy.
Connected factories relies on a fast, reliable and secure network connection. A fast and reliable network is needed to avoid any disruptions and delays in production. The time needed today to complete a full cycle in PLC (Programmable logical controller) and other industrial CPUs measures with milliseconds, therefore a fast network is essential to reach a real-time data transfer with the fast industrial components. Strong secure network is also essential to protect information and prevent cyberattacks.
Several advanced technologies are using the connected factory features such as IIoT (Industrial internet of things), which using Internet to connect machines, sensors, PLCs and control systems, in order to analyse and optimize assembly, maintenance and logistics processes.
Another key technology use connected features is Big data. Big data collect and analyse the information from all connected machines and industrial components to identify trends and patterns, which help to predict and future machines failure which may happen, in order to reschedule the maintenance and production plans, and improve efficiency. So Big data is not about a large volume of data and information, but its about using this information in a way to enhance decision making.
CPPS (Cyber-Physical Production Systems) is a system use IIoT and Big data technologies to combine physical machinery with digital controller connected to the internet. By this combination can CPPS monitor and optimize production in real time. A practical example of CPPS is an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), a robot interact with humans and other machines to move and handle material, based on instructions received over internet.
The backbone of this connectivity is 5G wireless technology. 5G offers high speeds and lower latency, allowing data to be transmitted quickly and reliably between industrial and network devices. This capability is essential for maintaining the real-time communication required in a connected factory.
Many manufacturers today adopt these new technologies, which make the Connected factories the new standard in the industrial factories. Connected factory is the new key of success in the future of industry, which leads to flexibility, efficiency by integrating smart systems, real-time data with an advanced connectivity and technologies.
