Sensors are transforming manufacturing and moving us toward what is being called Industry 4.0. Today’s sensors provide cost effective solutions to measurement and monitoring requirements.
What is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 builds on the computer revolution of Industry 3.0 by combining intelligent devices by way of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Systems (IoS). This machine to machine communication can be harnessed to create a smart factory that is more efficient and productive. This is because integrated intelligent devices can monitor, analyze, and diagnose production independent of human interaction.
Developments in Sensor Technology
Advances in hybrid electronics and the development of low-cost flexible circuits are innovations that are driving sensor technology forward. These devices often incorporate micromechanical systems (MEMS) at the semiconductor level to combine functions and provide digital signal transmission. An example of combined functions would be a sensor that can measure electrical current, temperature, and vibration.
Uses of Sensors on the Manufacturing Floor
Sensors can be incorporated into condition monitoring and predictive maintenance programs to gather information from machinery and systems critical to production. This data can be used to detect critical stresses conditions before failure occurs. As a result production downtime can be greatly reduced.
Sensors in Quality Control
Sensors are also transforming manufacturing in quality control. They provide precise measurement and are of great value where there are tight tolerances. These sensors also can perform inspection processes in a highly repeatable fashion resulting in representative data. Applications for quality control include temperature, coating thickness, torque, dimensional measurement, and location or orientation.
Sensors for Facility Management
Sensors can be implemented in facility management to improve asset management, control energy costs, and detect environmental issues. This can greatly increase efficiency and maintain regulatory requirements.
Information Integration and Quality Management
Data gathered from sensors, once analyzed, can provide metrics to increase quality and efficiency. This can greatly increase the scope and pace of a Quality Management System. To accomplish this processes and procedures must be created to effectively analyze and integrate this data. This can provide a much more dynamic, real time assessment of quality parameters and allow for rapid corrective actions and optimizations.
CVG Strategy Quality Management Solutions
CVG Strategy quality management experts can tailor solutions to your business requirements. We have experience in ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, ISO 27001:2013, AAR M 1003, and ISO 13845:2016. Our experts can provide guidance and the essential training to help you achieve a more efficiently run business with improved customer satisfaction.