Before the coronavirus pandemic, manufacturers were just beginning to adopt tactics put forth by Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The foundational technologies that makeup Industry 4.0 include human-machine interaction; advanced engineering, analytics intelligence; and connectivity, data, and computational power are extremely impressive. In fact, for manufacturers using digital solutions based on Industry 4.0 principles, the disruptions caused by COVID were lessened and they did better than their peers throughout the crisis. Importantly, some of these strategies can be advanced without major investments in technology as in the case of digital work instructions and performance management, allowing manufacturers to see big benefits with modest outlays of capital.
One of the best ways to gain the advantages of Industry 4.0 is to focus on easy to deploy strategies that are also cost-effective, such as integrative communication. Integrative communication helps businesses deliver a cohesive message across all channels from employees and stakeholders to suppliers and partners.
Adding Integrated Communication to the Manufacturing Floor
The internet of things (IoT) is helping manufacturers create overall communication systems that are interconnected and have the ability to effectively analyze, disseminate, and leverage information to create and promote smart strategies on the manufacturing floor. But to fully realize the power inherent in these systems, your manufacturing organization must adopt comprehensive digital communication strategies using a mix of technologies. Here are some pointed advantages to using integrated communications on the manufacturing floor:
Effective Factory Floor Communication
Staff can communicate effectively using headsets and transceivers while on the floor and rely on mobile devices when in other settings to stay connected and safer, as the factory or production floor can be both noisy and dangerous.
Facilitation of Factory Tours
Investors, stakeholders, operational leaders, potential partners, and even customers may want to plan in-person visits to your plant. In fact, the demand for in-person meetings and learning tours is rising. Since factory floors can be noisy environments, you will need tour guide communication systems that can ensure everyone can hear instructions and dialogue. Features may include amplified sound options, translation systems, and more. For customers or stakeholders that cannot or will not travel, having video conferencing abilities will be important.
Onboarding of Employees
Manufacturing employees must have hands-on instruction to ensure they understand safety protocols and can learn any new skills they must have to do their jobs. This type of training can only happen on the manufacturing floor, so employees must be able to hear and understand one another. Providing integrated communication through appropriate headsets, video cameras, and other technology can support these kinds of two-way discussions and enhance the on-site learning experience.
Gemba Walkthroughs
An important way to gain operational opportunities and increase agility is through Gemba walkthroughs that give executives and other leaders that change to view operations firsthand so they can understand the current conditions, explore ways to increase efficiency and operational performance, and even target increased employee safety protocols. However, for these walks to be functional, all attendees must be able to converse easily with one another, before and after the meeting. IoT technology can assist, as can video conferencing tools.
Blue Technologies Has a Wide Range of Communication Technology
Integrating your communication system properly is dependent upon your current infrastructure as well as your business needs, goals, and challenges. Our team of professionals consists of IT experts who are well versed in leading-edge communication channels and technologies, such as VoIP phone systems, video conferencing equipment, camera and mic systems, and more.
Once we analyze your circumstances and understand your goals, we can create a custom-tailored communication solution that can be easily integrated into your current hardware and software. By centralizing your communication system and needs, you can control costs, manage contact and information delivery, and bring a new level of enhanced performance to your factory floor.
Move into the next phase of Industry 4.0. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant and learn how our communications technology and Managed IT expertise can help transform your manufacturing operation.
