Gain a competitive edge by embracing smart spaces in manufacturing

With significant advancements in sensors and monitors, and the ever-increasing complexity of manufacturing operations, the use cases for smart space technologies are endless ... and that’s just one important conclusion Cisco Meraki and Industry Week came to when reviewing the results of their “A Business Case for Smarter Manufacturing Spaces” survey.

Manufacturers face significant challenges in the current global economy: supply chains are still somewhat disrupted, machinery and infrastructure continue to pose cybersecurity risks and labor shortages can impact the ability to grow and compete. Yet, despite challenges, technology can be a crucial factor in developing and maintaining resilient, sustainable and scalable operations. 

Almost a quarter of manufacturing leaders have already made significant investments in technology while another 43% reported plans to increase those investments throughout 2023, according to the Alithya Manufacturing Survey 2023. This represents a 30% increase over 2022, and when manufacturers invest in technology like automation, advanced analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), they can see 30-50% reductions in machine downtime, the same survey reports.

Acknowledging the need for digital transformation

While in the past manufacturers may have been skeptical about the potential benefits digitization could bring to their organizations, it is precisely those companies that can immensely profit from digital transformation, according to Supply and Demand Chain Executive. Indeed, most manufacturers now acknowledge the need for tech investment as a means of gaining or maintaining a competitive edge. The numbers show that manufacturers are making that investment, as new orders of manufacturing technology totaled $411.3 million in June 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by the Association For Manufacturing Technology. That report also shows that June 2023 orders increased 12.6% over May 2023. 

As many manufacturers work to update their legacy architectures, they are also recognizing opportunities to improve their organizations with smart space technology. 

Below are some examples of how manufacturers can make their spaces smarter:

• Environmental sensors and smart cameras can help automate security processes to limit access to restricted areas to only pre-qualified personnel and devices.
• They can also bolster safety and compliance efforts by automating alerts when workers are not meeting personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements or occupancy requirements.
• Sensors can give organizations real-time visibility into environmental conditions that may impact productivity, such as temperature, humidity, leakage data, intrusion alerts and more.
• Smart cameras and sensors can help manage inventory levels, track assets, and monitor contractors and employees.
• Environmental sensors and smart cameras can improve sustainability efforts by better managing energy usage, and by alerting manufacturers of protective maintenance steps that should be taken to protect critical equipment and assets.

What’s driving the push towards smart spaces in manufacturing?

While manufacturers don’t typically list technology as one of their key challenges, upgrading their technology and the networks that support that technology can help with some of their acknowledged pain points.

“The maintenance of equipment considerably reduces operational costs and saves manufacturers' costs. Managers from multiple manufacturing lines can detect when a machine fails by utilizing sensors, cameras, and data analytics,” reported Science Direct, in a peer-reviewed journal article.  Futurist and author Bernard Marr agrees, “In a manufacturing context, predictive maintenance refers to the use of sensor data and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect failure patterns in machinery and components. The idea is that by understanding when a machine or part is likely to fail, manufacturers can take preventative action and maintain their equipment more effectively.”

Driven by trends including the rise of data and connectivity, analytics, human-machine interaction, and improvements in robotics, manufacturers now realize that legacy technology was designed for legacy organizations. New capabilities require innovative approaches, such as secure connectivity to cloud applications and the internet, and the insertion of smart spaces technology into existing processes and locations. 

Sensors included in smart spaces can automatically detect indoor environmental events as they happen (changes in temperature, humidity, water detection, air quality, and more) and send real-time alerts to manufacturing staff members to minimize business disruptions, reduce unnecessary costs and maximize resources. Motion sensors in cameras can streamline monitoring of equipment, customer waiting areas, deliveries and a diverse range of other applications. Cameras are available to meet every video monitoring need including indoors, outdoors and infrared for areas with poor lighting, and are especially valued when combined with video analytics to provide track and trace capabilities. 

Another use case for sensors in smart spaces that is becoming prevalent: with the adoption of collaborative robots (cobots), human operators are now closely interacting with robots, which can increase collision risk, and other dangers. Sensors are being installed on cobots to bolster proximity detection and collision detection. 

According to A Business Case for Smarter Manufacturing Spaces, when asking respondents which use cases rose to the top, process efficiency, IT security, quality control, and automation were indicated. However, the most valuable perceived usage for manufacturers adopting smart spaces was safety. According to that same report, “When asked which aspects of smart space technologies are most valuable, safe environments — technologies that protect employees and spaces, monitor compliance, and securely connect to what matters most — ranked most valuable.”

Smart spaces can enable manufacturers to do more with less

The right sensors are ecosystem-ready with an API-first architecture, meaning that they can connect data from various sources across businesses in a meaningful way. Manufacturers should choose technology partners that can custom-build applications to further benefit smart space functionality, such as automating HVAC and creating custom visualizations for analysis. Properly sourced and installed cameras and sensors can help allow IT, facilities, and operations personnel to minimize business disruptions, reduce unnecessary costs, maximize resources and improve employee or customer experience in any space. 

How Spectrum Enterprise can help

Manufacturers can get the technology services they need in one robust solution with enhanced security, delivered by a single partner that makes modernization easy. The Managed Workplace Package brings together connectivity, communications, equipment and network management in a single solution — allowing manufacturers to focus on what matters most, running their businesses. Cameras and sensors are easily added to the Managed Workplace Package solution, enabling manufacturers to create smart spaces and maintain an optimal physical environment. Manufacturers can choose what works best for their unique needs, with a range of options — from co-managed to fully managed solutions.

Find out more about why 80% of Fortune 500 manufacturing companies rely on Spectrum Enterprise for technology solutions, and how Spectrum Enterprise can help manufacturers gain maximum benefits from their digitalization efforts.