Manufacturers can leverage IoT to connect their machinery, equipment and devices. This creates a web of interconnected systems for real-time data exchange and analysis. AI-driven predictive analytics uses historical and real-time data to:

• Forecast demand
• Optimize inventory levels
• Reduce supply chain disruptions

These can help to revolutionize how manufacturers manage their supply chains and optimize production processes. Digitization can significantly increase efficiency and reduce costs if properly implemented across an entire organization.

On the other hand, when deploying this type of technology, not all companies succeed. Managing huge numbers of machine protocols and digital information is very complex. There can be challenges with analyzing which functions should be supported by what management systems.

Questions arise regarding the optimal deployment location for enterprise resource planning or supply chain management systems. Should they be situated at the edge, on the manufacturing site or in the cloud? Security issues also must be considered.

Communications Gap from OT to IT

Manufacturing plants have two sides. One is operational technology (OT). OT involves systems that control and monitor physical equipment, such as machinery and devices.

The second is information technology (IT), which encompasses digital information. IT includes computer hardware, software, network infrastructure, storage, and cloud computing.

OT and IT are often independently managed as they have different management personnel, architectures and protocols. It’s equally complex to integrate both on top of new and legacy systems.

Since they have different languages and processes, there is often a communication gap between IT and OT teams. In addition, their networks are either not up to date or not sufficiently connected.

Satvsoft bridges that gap between OT and IT. This platform helps all your factory machines and applications “talk” to one another without custom code. This platform makes it easy to connect and translate data from the factory floor and legacy machinery through older protocols.

Many manufacturing facilities must take a hybrid cloud approach. Some data goes to the cloud, other data stays on site in the local data center or at each individual machine. With Satvsoft, you can easily extract data at the edge. It can transform the data and send it anywhere.

The Impact of IoT on the Supply Chain

Smart factories leverage technologies such as automation and data exchange. The goal is to drive greater productivity and responsiveness in the supply chain. Smart factories create interconnected, data-driven production environments using IIoT systems.

Applications and benefits include:

Process Optimization

Real-time overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) visualization tools offer data collection and transformation for full visibility into a factory’s efficiency.

Predictive Maintenance

Monitors the condition and performance of connected machines and assets to maximize equipment uptime and avoid operational disruptions.

Supply Chain Management

End-to-end visibility of raw materials and finished goods at production and delivery stages for better asset and inventory management.

Improve Quality Control

IIoT makes it easier to connect the factory to inbound and outbound supply chains suited to manufacturing verticals from automotive to water.

Successful supply chain management hinges on tracking materials and products from production to delivery. IoT empowers organizations to achieve this visibility by creating smart supply chains.

IoT-enabled supply chains improve production while enhancing product safety during transit. In all cases, increasing productivity directly impacts a business’s profitability and performance.