Over the past two decades, automation in manufacturing has been transforming factory floors, the nature of manufacturing employment, and the economics of many manufacturing sectors. Today, we are on the cusp of a new automation era: rapid advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart factory.
The smart factory today represents a leap forward from more traditional automation to a fully connected and flexible system—one that can use a constant stream of data from connected operations and production systems to learn and adapt to new demands. A true smart factory can integrate data from system-wide physical, operational, and human assets to drive manufacturing, maintenance, inventory tracking, digitization of operations through the digital twin, and other types of activities across the entire manufacturing network. The result can be a more efficient and agile system, less downtime, and a greater ability to predict and adjust to changes in the facility, or broader network, possibly leading to better positioning in the competitive marketplace.
The concept of adopting and implementing a smart factory solution can feel complicated, even insurmountable. However, rapid technology changes and trends have made the shift towards a more flexible, adaptive production system almost an imperative for manufacturers who wish to either remain competitive or disrupt their competition. By thinking big and considering the possibilities, starting small with manageable components, and scaling quickly to grow the operations, the promise and benefits of the smart factory can be realized.
For a smart factory to be achievable, the real-time utilization of production shop-floor data and efficient connectivity with IT systems is essential. With Mitsubishi Electric’s IIoToffering- e-F@ctory, we offer seamless connectivity between the shop-floor and IT systems and analyse on a real-time basis with optimal efficiency. With continuously enhanced performance on a wide range of Factory Automation products, Mitsubishi Electric uses e-F@ctory to optimize all aspects of production and coordinate information between MES systems and production floors. The Edge computing component of e-F@ctory solution comprises MELIPC (Industrial PC) and RDA ensure Analysis of the shop-floor data on a real-time basis. The real-time feedback ensures immediate corrective actions and reduces losses.
Implementing the concept at the machines/equipment level can be a wise decision and Mitsubishi Electric’s e-F@ctory Starter Package can help you to start your journey of digital transformation.
The e-F@ctory starter package includes sample projects with pre-programmed functions of MELSEC iQ-R / iQ-F PLCs and GOT2000 Series HMIs for operational monitoring and preventive maintenance, capable of supporting customers with IIoT, that can be implemented with minimal investment.
Benefits of e-F@ctory Starter Package areas mentioned below:
1)Low-Cost Investment – Realization of ROI much quicker.
2)Wide range of applications prepared by “process”, “usage” and “equipment” – Easy Introduction (small start) and quick effects
3)System Consisting of highly reliable Factory Automation products manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric and partner companies – Achievement of long-term of stable operations
4) Know-hows and ideas about manufacturing by Mitsubishi Electric and our partners over the years – Rapid Improvements in productivity and quality
5) Seamless Connectivity with Enterprise / IIoT Platforms with Additional Functional Modules – IIoT Ready Package
e-F@ctory utilizes Mitsubishi Electric’s cutting-edge Factory Automation equipment based on its high-speed networking technologies like CC-Link IE and CC-Link IE TSN to visualize information and coordinate with high-level Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), to improve productivity, while reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). In India, Mitsubishi Electric’s e-F@ctory provides Smart Manufacturing Solutions through more than25 Alliance Partners. Theses alliance partners can provide system integration and application development support for different kinds of smart manufacturing needs for industries like Automotive, Pharma, F&B, among many others.
e-F@ctory Solutions are scalable and can be adopted for brown filed as well as green filed projects. We will continue to lay efforts to provide the beste-F@ctory solutions for enabling smart manufacturing across Industry Verticals.