Time and budget constraints abound everywhere and manufacturing is no exception. Companies are also under more pressure to seek investments which yield maximum impact. Remote diagnostics and support can help improve response time in the event of breakdowns, getting production lines up and running again faster and reducing downtime. So how does it work, where does the Internet of Things (IoT) fit in and what are the benefits?
- Proactive maintenance, troubleshooting and response time:
- remote diagnostics enable real-time diagnosis from a distance. This speeds up response time as specialist support isn’t required to be on site.
- collecting data from connected devices can allow manufacturers to predict potential issues before they occur. This proactive approach can help prevent breakdowns, minimise downtime and production interruptions.
- Reduced costs:
- traditional on-site maintenance often involves 3rd party travel costs and fees as well as the time taken to attend site.
- remote diagnostics and support can help reduce the need to attend site and consequently contribute to reducing these costs
- Insights:
- remote diagnostic equipment and IoT sensors can continuously monitor machinery performance. The data collected can provide insights into the health of the equipment, plus automated alerts can be set up to warn of any issues.
- predictive analytics can also help schedule maintenance during planned downtime reducing unexpected disruptions.
- Increased machine availability:
- downtime – especially unplanned downtime – is the enemy of productivity. Remote diagnostics can minimise this by early identification of problems and initiating timely repairs.
- production lines operating optimally means deliveries are made on time.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction:
- manufacturers not only have their needs – they often supply products and parts to other businesses too.
- remote diagnostics and support can help reduce the risk of breakdowns cascading downstream and affecting customers improving supply chain reliability.
- Data-driven decision making:
- remote diagnostics generates a wealth of data. Analysing this information can help manufacturers optimise processes and improve overall efficiency.
- decisions are also better informed as they can be based on real-time data, thus driving continuous improvement.
- Reduced environmental impact:
- fewer visits to site means less travel, reduced carbon footprint and ecological footprint.
- supports and aligns with companies’ ESG goals.
In summary, remote diagnostics and support can help manufacturers stay ahead of challenges. By leveraging IoT connectivity, companies can proactively maintain their machinery and equipment, minimising costs and maximising availability.