In the age of industry 4.0, machinery and equipment manufacturers are increasingly aware of the importance of monitoring and predicting problems. This type of information is essential for both the factory maintenance team and for the final customer operational team.
Many companies have taken the initiative to create complete system development lines to meet the growing demand of industry 4.0. But is this initiative really worth it? In this article, we will address the challenges of this endeavor and evaluate if it is indeed advantageous.
Technical and financial challenges in the implementation of industry solutions 4.0
The decision to invest in advanced solutions for industry 4.0 brings with it a series of technical and financial challenges that cannot be underestimated. One of the main obstacles is the high cost associated with the development and implementation of these technologies. The creation of robust and integrated systems requires significant investments in infrastructure, software, and especially specialized talents such as automation engineers, software developers and data analysis specialists.
In addition to direct financial costs, companies need to consider the time necessary to develop and implement these solutions. The development process can be long and complex, requiring strict tests and constant adjustments to ensure that the system meets the expectations and needs of the critical application market. This development time can impact the launch time of new products, delaying market entry and potentially resulting in loss of competitiveness.
Another relevant technical challenge is the integration of new systems with existing infrastructures. Many factories operate with equipment and technologies that were developed before the advent of industry 4.0. The integration of these technologies with legacy systems can be a complicated process that demands deep knowledge of both old and new technologies. In addition, end customers today look for systems that are compatible not only with the equipment provided by the manufacturer, but also with other devices already installed on the plant. Without proper integration, there is a risk of creating information silos, where data do not flow efficiently between systems, compromising the potential for predictive analysis and automation.
Other technical challenges of development:
- Complex Architecture : A robust IIOT System requires integration between several layers including communication devices, protocols, data, applications and processes.
- Security : With increasing cyber attacks, ensuring data and system security is crucial and extremely complex.
- Scalability : As more devices are added, the system should be able to climb without losing performance.
- Integration : The system should be able to integrate with various types of controllers, sensors, protocols and existing systems.
- Data Analysis : Implementing intelligence algorithms for predictive analysis requires specific expertise in data science.
- Continuous Maintenance : The system needs constant updates, bug corrections and evolutions for new technologies.
The importance of predictive analysis and continuous monitoring
Despite the challenges, the benefits that industry 4.0 offers are substantial. Predictive analysis and continuous monitoring are central components of these solutions, allowing machine and equipment manufacturers to offer their customers added value from the collection of operational data from their machines. Using sensors and intelligent algorithms, it is possible to detect signs of wear or imminent failures before they turn into larger problems. This not only improves equipment reliability and availability, but also reduces maintenance, travel and repair costs, creating a positive value cycle for all involved.
In addition, continuous monitoring allows the collection of large volumes of operational data, which can be used to optimize real -time equipment performance. By analyzing this data, manufacturers can identify use patterns and adjust operational parameters to maximize energy efficiency, prolong component life and reduce resource consumption.
The need for flexibility and adaptability
In an environment of constant technological evolution, flexibility is an essential feature for any system developed in the age of industry 4.0. Solutions need to be designed in a modular way, allowing updates and expansions as new technologies emerge or market needs change. This means that, in addition to developing innovative technologies, companies need to adopt a continuous innovation mindset, where constant adaptation and improvement are seen as integral parts of the development process.
Adaptability is also crucial in the context of different industrial sectors. Each sector has its own specificities and challenges, which requires solutions to be customizable to meet the particular needs of each client. A solution that works well in a auto industry may not be equally effective in a food manufacturing plant, for example. Therefore, machine manufacturers need to ensure that their solutions can be adjusted and personalized to offer the best performance in a variety of industrial contexts.
The best strategy in the age of industry 4.0
Although investment in industry 4.0 technologies may seem like a tempting opportunity for machine and equipment manufacturers, it is important to consider the risks and challenges involved. By deciding to develop their own technological solutions, many companies end up diverting their focus from the operational core, facing the need for continuous and high investments to maintain and update these systems. This deviation can result in a resource overload, as well as requiring a constant adaptation to rapid technological changes, which can become a costly and exhausting task in the long run.
Instead of investing in internal development, it makes much more sense to opt for an established industrial IoT monitoring platform. These platforms are designed to provide continuous updates and ensure unlimited compatibility with different systems and equipment. In addition, they offer a horizontal view of the entire industrial plant instead of vertical monitoring focused only on the equipment manufactured by the company itself. This means that customers can monitor and optimize their entire operation in an integrated and efficient manner, without the limitations imposed by internally developed solutions.
The advantages of this approach include:
- Focus on Core Business : Allows the company to direct its resources to its best - the manufacture of high quality machines.
- Access to Expertise : Specialized partners bring years of experience and in -depth knowledge in the development of IIOT software, ensuring high quality solutions.
- Cost Reduction : Eliminates the need to invest in an internal team of software development and IT infrastructure, significantly reducing operating costs.
- Agility in Time-to-Market : Ready and tested solutions can be implemented much faster than developing a scratch system, accelerating market entry time.
- ROBUST SOLUTIONS : Specialized companies offer mature, widely tested and reliable solutions, providing greater safety and efficiency.
- Scalability : Partner solutions usually offer greater flexibility to grow according to demand, allowing efficient adaptation to market changes.
The case of Bridgemeter
Above-Net, with its Bridgemeter solution, perfectly exemplifies the benefits of a strategic partnership in IIOT software. Bridgemeter is the full predictive monitoring platform, which is effective in various types of machines and equipment.
By adopting a solution like Bridgemeter, machine manufacturers can provide their customers:
- Real -time monitoring : continuous monitoring of machine performance to ensure efficient operation.
- Predictive analysis : preventive maintenance tools, reducing inactivity time and repair costs.
- Valuable insights : Detailed and segmented information for the manufacturer and end customer about the operation and efficiency of equipment, allowing more informed decision making for both parties.
- Simplified Integration : Easy compatibility with existing systems and infrastructures, avoiding information silos.
- Drag & Drop Interface : Allows the instant setting of rules, synotic and charts on the platform.
- Robust Data Security : Industrial level protection to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
- Business Intelligence : Analytical capabilities that help identify opportunities for improvement and optimization.
- Additional Revenue Generation : Opportunity to resell the solution to end customers, creating a new source of income.
Conclusion
By using an industrial IoT monitoring platform, companies not only reduce their development costs and efforts, but also ensure that their customers receive a high quality solution, always updated and able to track technological innovations. This approach allows manufacturers to focus their efforts on what they do for the best - developing and manufacturing cutting -edge machines and equipment - while leaving the complexity of monitoring and predictive analysis in the hands of IoT experts.
Want to know more about how Bridgemeter can revolutionize the monitoring of its machines and equipment? Download now our full catalog and discover all the resources and benefits of this innovative solution and take the first step to transform your predictive maintenance. Don't miss the opportunity to raise your business to the next level with leading technology in IoT industrial!
