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What is Smart Factory? How should the factory start?
Smart Factory is another popular word that arises during the industrial transition to the digital world or into the Industry 4.0 era.
But for Thailand, this may be a new story. Since Thai industrial factories have been developed into Smart Factory before, there are usually only big factories. In this article, we will take you deeper into what Smart Factory really is. And how can we start doing it? If you really want a change.
Get to know Smart Factory, an important step of modern factories.
Smart Factory, or in the Thai name, is a smart factory. is the integration of Automation technology with IoT and other technologies. related and adapted to the factory system to drive the capacity of those factories higher
What’s in the Smart Factory isn’t just one type of technology. make the definition of This “smart factory” seems confusing to many who wonder what exactly is the core of the work. especially picking up various technologies Some say that AI is the core of the Smart Factory, some say that the Internet of Thing (IoT) is a device connected to the Internet. Many people say that cloud data management is the most important.
If asked which one is correct I must say that the intro is all important. Because the essence of using a Smart Factory really is to make such innovations and technologies “Working together” rather than focusing on one aspect
High technology Comes with more competition
The application of Smart Factory in Thailand is growing by leaps and bounds. We can see the number of related things increasing sequentially. Especially equipment related to automation and IoT systems, which have higher purchase rates from abroad. whether the automotive industry electronics Aircraft parts, whether small or large, are all moving in the same direction, which is the application of almost all automation technology.
Why is that? The reason is because if compared in the long term Changing into the Smart Factoy system is more cost-effective. save money including increasing the ability to compete more
Another shocking fact is that What is a good trigger for Smart Factory is the epidemic like Covid-19 that has come in to stimulate the transition. Because during that time “human” can not work. “Automation” and “Robot” are alternatives.
So what’s hidden in the word Smart Factoty? Let’s take a look.
The composition and functionality of the Smart Factory
If talking about the factory in the original form Many people may think of a picture of a factory owner. He is the one who plans to order the whole factory. Sure, it might go through a supervisor layer, but the Smart Factory will change this entirely.
There are four main components of a Smart Factory:
- Prediction
- Planning & Scheduling
- Analytic Computational analysis
- Execution
- What sets the Smart Factory apart is that all its components are used in conjunction with the next generation of technology, the IoT or Internet of Thing.
Why the Internet of Things is the most basic Because it is the key medium for connecting everything in the factory to the center. Makes whether executives, managers, and employees You can instantly see what machines are doing, and see the flow or the whole operation. how much fluidity Where are you stuck?
Of course, another system that is indispensable is the use of robots with automation or automation systems that can all work with a single command. even if the controller is not an expert It can also make these robots run.
not just machines but also to various devices inside the factory From the safety control system to the electrical system We can connect it through IoT technology.
Summarizes how Smart Factory works
The operation of Smart Factory in each factory will be somewhat different. which can be summarized as a summary of the working system as follows:
- have a forecast Pre-production estimate from By evaluating the available information including orders from customers. All orders will be stored in the system for later evaluation. The data is based on management software or systems of type MRP or ERP to increase accuracy. and speed of management
- production planning with reference to the above information How much will we have to plan all production to fit the needs of customers?
- production management analysis that from the production planning How will it be produced with what kind of machinery? How much manpower will be the most worthwhile?
- carry out production With devices equipped with IoT systems that allow us to keep track of all production data. and carry out production with automation systems that humans do not need to go down to work by themselves It’s just the commander and the inspector.
Systematic start-up of the Smart Factory
Starting a Smart Factory is not difficult. But it’s also a multifaceted complex. We have compiled and summarized the techniques to start working with Smart Factory as follows.
1. Ask your own factory questions.
Why did we choose to upgrade our own factory into the Smart Factory system? How much is needed in a self-related market? In what ways do we want to modify the factory? one part or all
2. Explore what is involved in the factory.
Whether it is capital, personnel, space, short and long term production plans, including machines that can be used today and need to be ordered more. Looking at the whole thing as a whole In order to have a plan for investment, work, desired results including other long-term management plans
3. Smart Factory investment planning
Find information and understand the Smart Factory and related equipment. Inquire for installation, training, and total cost of remodeling work. for the most worthwhile investment as appropriate in your factory including choosing a reliable company Have credit for working on Smart Factory
4. Train and understand employees
The issue of personnel is inevitable when we will push the factory to be a Smart Factory, especially working in a traditional factory. that many people are familiar with may be reasoned that “Why would there be a change?” The management should have an understanding of the employees. and training knowledge To enable employees to work immediately when the Smart Factory related system is installed.
5. Test all relevant systems before actual installation.
In the operation of the Smart Factory, all systems should be tested in a specific area. by referring to the real factory first to let us know how it all works Are there any points that need to be corrected? so that the actual work on site can work without interruption
6. Install relevant equipment
Referring to the above planning by calculating the installation time working steps This includes preliminary testing of the system before all final testing is performed after the preparatory work is complete.
7. Check the system after installation.
Check the installation and operation again throughout the factory. as proof that the entire plant can operate efficiently.
8. Carry out work and follow up.
As for the operation of the work, it is the employee’s part. But the executives themselves have to contact with inquiries and follow up on the performance of the system within their own Smart Factory.
Getting started with Smart Factory and related factory systems has many issues. that is much more digestible A good way for those who are interested should seek knowledge from experts to increase their understanding. Before proceeding with the installation of the system or device
Summary at the end of the article
Optimal operation is optimal operation. Automation system and Smart Factory are the same. Every factory interested in the operation of this system should go to the real site to study the actual system to compare and evaluate all the work as a worthwhile investment. value or not
Not ready or unsure? In addition to consulting an expert, we recommend starting with a small investment, such as a factory storage system or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) type system, that can help you get an overview of how things work. more of the factory and make them know that what we want in the present How well can it actually work with our factory?
