History of Growth of Manufacturing Analytics
History of Growth of Manufacturing
Analytics
Introduction
The evolution of
manufacturing analytics has been driven by advancements in technology, data
availability, and the need for more efficient and effective production
processes.
Key
developments in manufacturing analytics:
Early Years:
In the early stages of manufacturing, data collection, and analysis were
limited. Manufacturers relied on manual record-keeping and basic statistical
analysis techniques to monitor production and quality.
Introduction of
Automation: With the advent of automation
technologies in the mid-20th century, data collection became more standardized
and automated. Machines began generating data points, such as production counts
and cycle times, enabling basic performance monitoring.
Statistical Process
Control (SPC): In the 1980s, the concept of SPC gained
prominence in manufacturing. SPC uses statistical methods to monitor and
control processes, detect variations, and ensure product quality. This approach
involved analyzing data from sensors and quality control checks to identify
patterns and take corrective actions.
Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP): The 1990s saw the emergence of ERP
systems, which integrated various business functions, including manufacturing,
into a single database. This allowed manufacturers to capture data from different
areas and gain a holistic view of their operations. Analytics capabilities
within ERP systems provided insights into inventory levels, production
planning, and resource allocation.
Advanced Analytics and
Machine Learning: With the increasing availability of
computational power and big data, advanced analytics techniques started gaining
traction in manufacturing. Machine learning algorithms were employed to analyze
vast amounts of data from multiple sources, including sensors, production
lines, and supply chains. This enabled predictive and prescriptive analytics,
helping manufacturers optimize production, improve quality, and reduce
downtime.
Internet of Things (IoT):
The proliferation of IoT devices and connectivity in the early 2000s brought a
significant transformation to manufacturing analytics. IoT sensors embedded in
machines, equipment, and products began generating real-time data, providing
visibility into every stage of the production process. Manufacturers could
leverage this data to monitor equipment health, identify bottlenecks, and
implement predictive maintenance strategies.
Industry 4.0 and Digital
Twins: The concept of Industry 4.0 emerged, combining
digital technologies, automation, and data analytics to create "smart
factories." Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets or
processes, became popular for simulation and optimization purposes.
Manufacturers could use digital twins to predict the behavior of their
production systems, test different scenarios, and make informed decisions based
on real-time and historical data.
Cloud Computing and Edge
Analytics: Cloud computing enabled manufacturers to store,
process, and analyze massive amounts of data without significant infrastructure
investments. It facilitated scalability and allowed for easy collaboration and
integration across multiple sites. Additionally, edge analytics, where data is
processed at the edge of the network, gained prominence. Edge analytics reduced
latency, improved real-time decision-making and enabled local data processing
for critical applications.
Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and Cognitive Analytics: The convergence of AI,
machine learning, and cognitive analytics has further revolutionized
manufacturing analytics. AI-powered systems can autonomously analyze vast
amounts of data, detect anomalies, optimize processes, and make intelligent
recommendations. Natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision
capabilities enable systems to understand unstructured data, such as
maintenance manuals or visual inspections.
Integration with Supply
Chain and Business Intelligence: Modern manufacturing
analytics systems are becoming more interconnected with supply chain management
and business intelligence tools. Data from different parts of the supply chain,
such as suppliers, logistics, and customer demand, is integrated, providing
end-to-end visibility and enabling proactive decision-making to optimize
inventory levels, production schedules, and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Overall, the evolution of
manufacturing analytics has been driven by advancements in technology, data
availability, and the quest for operational excellence. The integration of
advanced analytics techniques, IoT, AI, and cloud computing has transformed
manufacturing processes, allowing for continuous improvement, higher
productivity, better quality, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.
Reference
1. Westerlund,
M., & Holmström, J. (2014). Manufacturing Analytics and Big Data: The Route
to Manufacturing Performance Improvement. International Journal of Production
Research, 52(21), 6346-6358. doi: 10.1080/00207543.2014.932633
2. Thirumalai,
M., & Sinha, R. (2018). A Systematic Literature Review of Analytics and Big
Data in Manufacturing. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 49, 141-159. doi:
10.1016/j.jmsy.2018.07.007
Hitansh Lakkad
Business Analytics intern at
Hunnarvi Technologies Pvt Ltd in collaboration with nanobi analytics.
VIEWS ARE PERSONAL
#manufacturinganalytics#businessanalytics#business#hunnarvi#nanobi#isme
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