What has truly revolutionized manufacturing? It’s not lean principles, not Industry 4.0 practices, and not even the assembly line. The game-changer is Connected Workers.
These individuals, armed with cutting-edge technology, are redefining the way manufacturing operates. They’re the driving force behind a shift towards real-time data, predictive maintenance, and enhanced workforce productivity. In fact, statistics show that companies leveraging Connected Workers have seen a 20% increase in productivity and a 30% reduction in downtime.
In this article, we’ll dive into the transformative world of Connected Workers and their pivotal role in modern manufacturing.
The concept of connected workers is similar across all the industries. But, there are just some minor changes based on the industry processes. In the manufacturing industry, connected worker or augmented worker use advanced tools and technologies to keep track of manufacturing processes and aspects like production, worker productivity, assets downtime, quality control, etc.
Several technologies support connected workers manufacturing on the industry floor, such as Augmented Reality, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and more. With the use of these state-of-the-art technologies, on-floor factory workers can keep a tab on all the manufacturing processes in real time.
Unlike traditional ways, there is no need for paper-based instructions or checklists for conducting industrial tasks. Advanced AR applications are used in manufacturing for training and on-floor operations.
The global connected worker market will reach $23.4 billion by 2029. Thanks to Industry 4.0 and the rapid adoption of various advanced technologies. Let’s take a quick look at the technologies that make the concept of connected workers in manufacturing more prominent from industrial point-of-view:
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are indispensable technologies for every industrial sector today. As data is the best money-making ingredient in the technological landscape, AI and machine learning algorithms provide meaning to it. The manufacturing sector utilizes AI and machine learning for complex data analysis.
Processes like predictive maintenance of machines are based on data analysis that is undertaken by AI algorithms. Data from several IoT sensors is analyzed to provide maintenance to machines beforehand. On the other hand, on-floor workers can use AI chatbots for task assistance and access work instructions.
Wearable devices play a critical role in the connected worker environment. On the factory floor, the use of wearable devices like smartglasses, smartwatches serves a great purpose. Workers on the floor can communicate with each other, share details via messaging, access work instructions through apps, and much more.
Other than smartwatches, the use of wearable devices like smart glasses allows workers to safely handle equipment. On top of all, these devices are also helpful in training frontline employees and providing remote assistance.
The Internet of Things is the network of internet-connected devices continuously sharing data with each other and the central gateway. As these devices continuously emit data that can be seen on an interactive dashboard, workers can keep a tab on the health of every machine on the factory floor.
IoT sensors like RFID tags, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and motion detectors are used to get data updates. Based on the data input and analysis, necessary actions can be taken to prevent any machine failure and downtime. Data from motion directors can also be used to detect any manufacturing defect as well.
Augmented Reality is another crucial technology for manufacturing connected workers. As per definition, the integration of virtual elements with the real-life environment of the user is defined as Augmented Reality. Augmented Reality is used in several ways across various industries.
For example, Augmented Reality in manufacturing industry can be used for faster troubleshooting of the machines. Technicians can use remote AR assistance software and seek assistance from industry experts to fix machine issues quickly. Moreover, it can also be used in training the new employees. The use of Augmented Reality offers an immersive training experience while ensuring hands-on control of the machine with safety. Bosch is an excellent example to check out in the context.
Mobile apps are the core of all the technologies described in this blog. No matter if it is Augmented Reality troubleshooting, Cloud Computing, data dashboards of IoT devices, or data from wearable devices, everything requires a mobile app. A mobile app helps a worker see and manage the devices and communicate with the other workers.
As per statistics, 60% of the world’s corporate data is on the cloud. Moreover, the cloud application market is over $150 billion. These stats clearly convey that cloud computing is a relevant technology for the modern world. In the case of the manufacturing industry, the role of cloud computing is indispensable.
Manufacturing businesses ensure a connected worker environment leveraging cloud computing platforms like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Azure, etc. They are used for data storage, backup, remote access, and data analytics. Further, the workers can access the required data from anywhere with the help of cloud computing solutions.
Data Analytics is closely related to Artificial Intelligence. While data analytics is used to find patterns and trends in data to devise valuable insights, AI is used for complex and faster data analysis.
Data analytics allows industries and their workers to process optimization, quality control, resource allocation, predictive maintenance and much more. In a nutshell, data analytics helps businesses make sense of the obtained data.
The benefits of connected workers in manufacturing are extensive. Some primary advantages include:
Let’s begin with training and skill development. In the connected worker environment, it is super easy for workers to set their hands on a machine. With AR work instructions and AR-VR immersive training environments, manufacturing businesses can train their new operators quickly.
Along with the training speed, the use of AR and VR technology allows the employees to obtain hands-on experience. Moreover, the detailed AR instructions prevent injuries that could have been possible while operating without proper instructions. Boeing is currently involved in making their aircraft maintenance process simpler and faster with AR.
IoT and AI are the primary technologies that are used here. With IoT sensors fitted to machines across the factory floor, workers can have real-time access to data produced by the machines. Running this data through the AI algorithms, workers can make proactive decisions regarding predictive maintenance. If any abnormal machine behavior is detected, it can be repaired and maintained before any permanent damage happens.
With the use of AR solutions like AR work instructions, on-floor workers can handle all the manufacturing tasks step by step with proper precautions. It helps in better operations with enhanced safety, thus preventing any downtime due to labor shortage. Stats suggest that 16% of unplanned downtime is caused by human error.
On the other hand, access to real-time information from all the machines and effective communication between the workers fosters faster decision-making and, consequently, better productivity.
Remote monitoring and support is a critical aspect for several industries. Along with manufacturing, industries like telecom, retail, consumer electronics, etc., require remote monitoring and support software. Thanks to Industry 4.0, the advent of technologies like IoT and Augmented Reality has made this possible.
In a manufacturing-connected workers landscape, IoT devices and sensors can use protocols like LoRaWAN, LTE, NB-IoT, etc., to transfer data from a remote location. This data can be collected for analysis. Further, using Augmented Reality remote assistance software, technicians at remote locations can seek professional help from experts. With an AR app on their smart devices, experts can guide technicians via annotations to fix issues quickly.
Porsche’s Tech Live Look solution lets technicians quickly identify and fix engine and other vehicle issues via videoconferencing with remote experts.
The primary as well as the basic benefit of connected workers in manufacturing is real-time communication. With the help of mobile apps, workers across the factory floor can communicate with each other seamlessly and quickly. Therefore, it allows them to report issues and improvements in the machines faster and seek solutions.
Real-time communication helps in faster decision-making and reduces downtime.
Real-life case studies that demonstrate the connected worker benefits:
All in all, manufacturing connected worker revolution has empowered frontline workers to carry out operations more effectively & safely. Plutomen is a connected worker platform, which give frontline workers carry out tasks effectively related to maintenance, inspection, and quality control with an option to receive remote guidance from experts. Remote experts can access a web dashboard where they can observe the tasks being performed by the worker who is equipped with smart glasses or a mobile device. These remote experts have access to advanced features like AR powered video call & text messaging, allowing them to guide the worker in real-time via a video call.
Workers also have the capability to document their progress by capturing photos or videos at key stages of their work. They have the option to utilize Smart Glass or mobile technology for hands-free, step-by-step workflow instructions. They can easily access and follow checklists and document their progress with photos or videos.
This technology enables workers to tackle tasks, even those they may have less experience with, while data analytics and artificial intelligence techniques can further assist in minimizing errors during task execution.
Plutomen’s connected worker platform empower your frontline workers with on-the-job “knowledge-transfer” from top experts, anytime & anywhere.
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Chirag brings with him 15+ Years of experience in Digital Transformation, and IT Leadership. At Plutomen, he holds deep experience in business with a track record of customer-centric approaches helping them build business transformation.
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