Industry 4.0: What Every Manufacturer Needs to Know

With each passing year, our world becomes a little “smarter.” Each successive iteration of Internet technology produces a new generation of machines that look familiar yet demonstrate an increasing ability to learn from us and to automate our lives in surprising new ways. Just consider how, in a relatively short period of time, we’ve gone from landline phones to pocket-sized communication devices that know exactly where we are and can predict where we’re about to go next—and even suggest a route to avoid traffic. Or consider the fact that we can now rapidly prototype virtually anything using CAD software and a desktop 3D printer. Instead of talking about the Information Superhighway, we’re contemplating a burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 in which online devices wirelessly interact with other online devices in real time, learning from one another and helping us apply the massive amounts of data now floating around in cyberspace to live better, more productive lives.

Such technology is already changing the way we live, work, and play. That’s why forward-thinking manufacturers are preparing for a new era of production in which human workers no longer operate machines; they collaborate with them. After all, in an age of “smart” phones, “smart” homes, and “smart” cars, it’s only a matter of time before we have “smart” factories, too.

Welcome to the world of Industry 4.0. That’s shorthand for the next wave of digitized automation in manufacturing, which focuses on the disruptive potential of big data, extraordinary computing power, and unprecedented virtual connectivity. The first generation of industrialization involved mechanization, and the second generation involved electrical automation and mass assembly. The third generation arrived with the advent of computerized digital technology; and now, with the introduction of the Internet and machine learning, we’re heralding the dawn of fourth-generation paradigms.

Here are a few examples of what Industry 4.0 manufacturing looks like:

• Utilizing big data to streamline processes. Instead of merely operating according to a set of programmed instructions, machines optimize processes in real time by continually acquiring and analyzing sensory data at multiple points along the production line. A high level of interconnectivity between machines enables them to leverage the power of distributed computing to establish complex metric histories, contextualize data at particular capture points, and correlate fluctuations in data against historical benchmarks. Plants therefore see improved recovery rates and reduced input costs as machinery automates routine QC checks and procedural adjustments.

• Digitally mapping physical entities for better design and process engineering. In much the same manner as 3D modeling enables a user to predict the output of a 3D printer, Industry 4.0 technology models physical interactions between machines in cyberspace, enabling a plant’s equipment to prototype and “test run” its production environment digitally–without wasted assets. Errors can be more accurately anticipated and addressed in the engineering stage rather than at the point of production, and product designs can be optimized against
equipment capabilities.

• Enhancing personnel performance through more intuitive human-machine interfaces. Biometrics, voice recognition, and augmented and virtual reality technology enable more contextualized delivery of information to human workers. This improves real-time decision-making, reduces simple human errors, and automates record-keeping as employees go about their jobs. Increasingly, humans and machines interact according to a collaborative model as the unilateral “operator-tool” mindset becomes obsolete.

Those are some monumental developments, and they represent a sea change in how manufacturers may be doing business in coming decades. It won’t be an overnight transition, of course, but for many, it’s not a question of whether we’re moving in this direction, but of how quickly we’ll get there. Manufacturers need to be ready, or they’ll be left behind. We’re committed to helping you stay informed, because navigating this emerging landscape requires visionary courage and a little help from seasoned partners who know the terrain. Be sure to get in touch if you have questions about how automation technology can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Four Ways Manufacturers Benefit From Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is now the choice platform for many technology enterprises due to its innovative and dynamic features. As opposed to on-premise implementation, manufacturing in the cloud gives developers access to unlimited resources such as servers, storage, hardware, and software. Cloud manufacturing enables manufacturers to outsource almost everything they need for software configuration. Software vendors in the cloud implement all the hosting, software update, and maintenance operations.

Cloud deployment has many advantages over the traditional on-premise model of implementation. Let’s take a look into four key areas where cloud computing beats on-premise deployment:

Cloud computing saves you time and cost
With the on-premise approach, you have to invest massively in hardware, software, and servers. Cloud computing takes care of these costs since a third-party vendor provides the infrastructure and you rent it out for a fee. This fee is much less compared to deploying your resources to purchase everything you need for your setup. Apart from saving you money, cloud computing also saves time spent by your internal IT staff developing, managing and maintaining your on-premise technologies.

Agility
With cloud computing, you get access to resources when you need them; hence you can complete and deliver projects within short periods of time. In this era of great demand for technologies and applications, clients require that you take the shortest time possible to deliver with efficiency.

Scalability
Cloud computing enables you to customize your technologies depending on your needs. You can easily scale your cloud capacity up or down based on your bandwidth demands. Available resources are matched to your actual usage needs, keeping costs contained and taking the worry out of database capacity.

With cloud computing, you don’t have to worry about regular software updates. Your supplier handles all the security upgrades and compliance concerns so you’re always up-to-date. Security updates and disaster recovery are also handled by your supplier so you can focus on running your business.

For more information on the advantages of cloud deployment, contact a Radley product specialist today.

Automated Data Collection: Count the Ways Its Saves

Many manufacturing companies balk at the upfront costs of automated barcode data collection, but a look at manual data entry reveals hidden costs that can be significantly reduced by automation. Production managers constantly seek ways to measure and positively impact efficiency and costs. Automated data collection does this in several ways at a cost that is repaid over time.

Automated barcode software improves efficiency in a manufacturing environment through real-time reporting that allows easier and faster identification of inefficiencies. One example of this is inventory. Performing this task via barcode scanning is faster than manual counting and recording and eliminates inaccuracies resulting from human error. This in itself improves efficiency and reduces cost by allowing more accurate ordering, less waste, and prevention of overstock. Automated data collection takes this elimination of human error beyond inventory and into all of your processes. There are no more mistakes from handwriting that is difficult to read, or from inexperienced or multi-tasking employees.

Automation also cuts supply costs and is good for the environment. Supplies required for manual record keeping are no longer necessary. Paper records are now on a computer, saving storage space, which can impact required office and warehouse space and leasing costs.

Automating how employees report their working time simplifies analysis of hours worked by various departments and at various pay levels. The simplified and faster production of this data means you can more quickly compare this data to other company data and identify possible changes to work schedules or staffing levels that will improve efficiency.

The cost of an investment in automated data collection pales in comparison to the immediate reduction of other costs and immediate improvements in efficiency. It’s an investment that will more than pay for itself in the long run.

Learn more about Radley’s solutions for data collection, or contact us for a free consultation.

Radley Corporation President to sit on "Cloud" panel of experts at IMPACT 2012

Online Tech to Speak About Transitioning to Cloud Computing at IMPACT 2012 Conference -- Panel to Help Businesses with Real-World Examples & Insight on Cloud Computing

MarketWatch
Joining Klein will be Mark Farneth, President of Radley Corporation, Jamie Hamilton, VP of Software Engineering at Quicken Loans, and James White, ...  

Congratulations Communications Systems, Inc. (CSI)

Grand Rapids, Mich., January 2012 -- Communications Systems, Inc. (CSI), provider of physical connectivity infrastructure and services for global deployments of broadband networks, has selected the automated data collection and EDI solutions from Radley Corporation to complement its IFS Applications Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, which will replace legacy enterprise systems. Radley IFS/DC and iR*EDI are planned to be rolled out to multiple global locations. Radley IFS/DC will automate IFS transaction processing for material handling and production processes. Radley iR*EDI software will be used to manage eCommerce activity with CSI’s electronics customers. CSI joins with dozens of other IFS Applications users that rely on Radley’s IFS/DC and iR*EDI solutions to maximize the productivity of their ERP investments. 

Read IFS’ Press Release here: http://www.ifsworld.com/en-na/news/2012/2012-01-05-csi-selects-ifs/

Radley Corporation Employees Elected Officers of AIAG MMOG/LE Subcommittee

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Radley Corporation is proud to announce that Bobbie Jarvi, Radley Corporation's Director of Client Services - Europe, and Kimberly Strange, MCSE, have been elected by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Materials Management and Logistics/Supply Chain Management Steering Committee, Global MMOG Revision AIAG & Odette sub-committee, to serve as Secretary and Co-Secretary. Other participants include Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, Gates Corporation, General Motors Company, Odette, and QAD.


"Bobbie and I have our feet on the street with global implementations for suppliers across all of the major OEMs," Kimberly Strange stated, "Moreover, while we implement for one, we impact many. For example, we may be implementing solutions for a supplier to achieve the Level A required by Ford, but that same supplier may also use the solutions for BMW, Mercedes, Chrysler, GM, Nissan, or Toyota. By understanding the reason behind the requirement, we ensure that Radley's solutions are based on informed business decisions. The majority of the F3 questions in the MMOG/LE self-assessment tool are addressed directly by our eCommerce Platform (EDI) and our WorkForce Productivity (barcode, RFID, automated data collection) Suites of products."

Additional Resources:AIAG Training | AIAG Website | Odette Website | Ask Radley

WellPet Continues to Reduce Customer Lead Times with IFS Applications and Radley Data Collection

On August 30th WellPet went live with Radley's Automated Data Collection Solution for IFS Applications in their Mishawaka, IN location.  WellPet is a new company, formed by the merger and acquisition of several leading pet food companies. 

Why did WellPet choose Radley?  

WellPet’s primary objectives for automated data collection, as recommended by IFS North America, were to:

• Automate material and production control transaction processing within IFS
• Provide an error-proof method of controlling finished goods inventory
• Customer Order picking

Read the IFS Press Release.