APRIL 20249 or directly add sensors to even older machines and get the benefits of fast digitalization of legacy machines. Using digital twin applications that display and process these real time data, they can be alerted to potential issues and rectify them before productivity is impacted, or tweak and enhance processes for productivity gains. Quality, too, can be enhanced using applications integrated in resilient private wireless networks, such as those that enable real-time remote video monitoring and alerts. Any anomalies in the production process will trigger alerts to teams so they can rectify issues quickly to limit raw material wastage and enable zero fault manufacturing. With greater reliance on robots and autonomous processes, zero-touch handling is enabled too, increasing accuracy and decreasing waste for dramatic productivity gains. Reduce the Impact of Supply Chain VolatilityUsing sensors to connect assets, the smart factory will offer greater visibility into a manufacturer's inventory allowing them to better adapt to fluctuations in raw material availability as well as stock levels. For example, as AMRs access stock, levels will be adjusted automatically. By integrating current raw material lead times into workflows, procurement can be alerted to the need to source more to minimize the impact of supply chain volatility.Manufacturers with integrated logistics companies can benefit from clear visibility of the asset journey and, as their digitalization journey continues, can incorporate greater automation into logistics processes too. Others can better integrate external logistic company data into their operations. Accurate asset tracking will also reduce issues and costs associated with misplaced assets or theft.The Path to DigitalizationElectronics manufacturers should work with technology providers who offer the most comprehensive private wireless solutions, incorporating a robust mix of connectivity, on-premises edge processing, devices and applications. Providers that have gained a real understanding of the needs of the industry will be able to simplify the path to digitalization and help manufacturers benefit more quickly in a further wide range of areas such as worker collaboration, optimized internal material flow efficiency, production quality and emission reductions. By collecting and processing operational technology (OT) data and using it to enable Industry 4.0 use cases, electronics manufacturers want to overcome challenges while increasing productivity and flexibility, decreasing costs and achieving sustainability goals
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