What is a Smart Factory
and Why is It Important for Modern Factories?
With the increasing competition in the industrial market and the constant development of tools and technologies, many business operators are focusing on adopting technology across all aspects of factory operations, including production processes that help streamline workflows, ultimately leading to the creation of a Smart Factory. This has become indispensable in the modern industrial landscape.
Some readers may wonder, what exactly is a Smart Factory, and why is it important for today’s factories? In this article, we will explain the concept, its advantages, and how to fully transition your factory into a Smart Factory.
Definition of a Smart Factory A Smart Factory is a manufacturing industry that incorporates advanced technologies such as machinery, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) into various production processes, replacing some human labor and ensuring efficient operations within an appropriate budget. This could include remote production control, the establishment of factory work systems, or data analysis for future applications.
Differences Between Traditional Factories and Smart Factories Compared to traditional factories, Smart Factories offer key differences that help improve factory operations, including smoother workflows.
| Current Factory | Smart Factory | |
| Number of workers | Using a lot of workers in every step of the production process | Replacing workers in the manufacturing industry with machines, resulting in less labor in various processes or no labor at all |
| Value | Many costs and expenses are spent on factory labor | Machine is durable, making it a long-term investment with good returns |
| Production time | Takes longer to produce because humans need to have a break | Reduce production time because the machine can work continuously for a long time with constant efficiency |
| Data collection | Entrepreneurs need to collect data by themselves, which can lead to errors and take a long time | Data can be collected in the system, displayed, and calculated to make it easier for entrepreneurs to make decisions |
| Flexibility | Difficult and time-consuming to change the production process | Production process can be changed quickly and respond to changing customer needs |
| Safety | A risk of danger to workers in the factory because people have to work directly with machines | Highly safe because it uses workers to control robots, machines and automation systems, reducing accidents during work |
| Accuracy | Human error can occur due to various factors such as physical and mental health | High precision of machines can reduce the chance of errors in the production process |
Components of a Smart Factory
One of the most evident distinctions of a Smart Factory is the integration of technology into the production process. The tools and systems used can vary based on the operator's decisions, but the main components can generally be divided into four categories:
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Prediction: Evaluating production, forecasting customer demand, planning machine maintenance, and managing inventory using data to calculate statistics with precision tools such as MES, MRP, or ERP systems.
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Planning & Scheduling: Using data from the Smart Factory system to plan production and set work schedules, ensuring that sufficient products are produced in response to customer demand. This improves the accuracy of processes, reduces production time, and minimizes waste.
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Analytics: Analyzing production processes to calculate costs, assess machinery, labor, strengths, and weaknesses, and apply findings to improve production efficiency.
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Execution: Implementing production using modern factory systems equipped with machinery and technology that reduce the amount of labor needed in the production process.
Steps to Transition into a Smart Factory for Efficient Operations Transitioning
A traditional factory into a Smart Factory might seem like a daunting challenge. However, with thorough research and careful decision-making, transforming into a Smart Factory may not be as difficult as it appears.
Beyond production planning and workforce preparation, establishing a robust internal system is essential for enabling high-quality production within an appropriate timeframe. The MES system is one of the key tools that enhance data recording and monitoring efficiency by incorporating digital solutions such as real-time data management, order tracking, labor management, machinery control, data inspection, and logging.
KINSUS INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY, a leader in advanced board production with expertise in R&D, sought to develop a new system to support efficient operations. The ciMES system helped streamline the information management process, standardize product designs, and manage factory data accurately, minimizing errors in every step of the production process.
If you are considering a full-scale transition into a Smart Factory, ARES is a software expert ready to provide consulting services and assist you in transforming your factory with ease. You can learn more about the ciMES system on our website.
Conclusion on Smart Factories
A Smart Factory is a modern intelligent factory system that incorporates various technologies to enhance production efficiency while reducing costs. This enables you to improve the quality of products and services in an increasingly competitive market.
At ARES, we are software system experts with over 40 years of experience. We offer consulting and installation services for Argo ERP and ciMES systems to meet the diverse needs of our customers.
Contact us
For a demo, please contact us at Contact Us or for further inquiries:
Phone: 0633253640 or 02-6863000 ext. 3042
Email: support@aresth.co.th
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