2021 Directory

62 www.bfpa.co.uk hassle involved in having to order extra parts and waiting for them to be delivered. Another benefit of remote diagnostics is that it is capable of identifying future problems such as part failures and can analyse data captured from machines around the world to make live assessments against different machines and components. This thereby creates an extremely powerful predictive algorithm for scheduling the optimum time for maintenance in order to minimise downtime, ordering spare parts arranging plant shutdowns. Data and predictive maintenance In essence, this type of software is using Industry 4.0 principles, IIoT, Big Data and essentially predicting an event based on an anomaly within that collected Big Data. This is far beyond what humans can analyse, instead drawing on the power of machine learning capabilities. Humans could look at data all day and never get anywhere near matching this type of computer software in terms of picking up trends and knowing how to react to them in the best possible way. And by comparing the historic behaviour of the same or similar part this software can help you to predict quite accurately when something is likely to fail. For example, the software could log a pattern of vibration, temperature fluctuation, pressure drop or pressure change based on the data it receives from sensors on a particular piece of equipment – equipment such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, pumps, valves etc. Better production and stock management Connectivity between retail and manufacturing is helping with the predictive side of giving an order to the site to make and manage their stocks. In the near future that process is going to become even more refined to the point where we are more accurately able to predict what we need to make on a daily basis based on historical data related to everything from regular order patterns from customers seasonal events such as Bank Holidays, Wimbledon, a major football event or Christmas. This will further help to reduce stock levels and reduce waste, saving money, time and environmental damage. This type of regime is going to be made increasingly possible through digitally transformative concepts such as Industry 4.0, Machine Learning, AI, Big Data and even the fast- emerging technology around Block Chain. With Block Chain you can’t go back and alter a transaction, so in that way its largely tamper-proof and provides highly accurate information related to order transactions, track & trace or ingredients and potentially activity related to the whole supply chain. It’s not currently being used to any major extent within industries such as food & beverages, but I believe it will become a more common technological feature within a number of industries over the next few years. Compelling benefits So, the world of digital transformation is fast-developing and offering a raft of benefits concerning time, cost, maintenance, logistics, accuracy, safety and waste-reduction to companies within the industrial, mobile, retail, logistics and warehousing sectors. The rate of adoption in the UK could be far greater, but I believe as more and more case-examples of the benefits to be had become wider known, an increasing number of companies will come on board and derive major benefits from many of the advantages on offer.