Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 11

40 JOHN HALL President CMH MANUFACTURING COMPANY ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS: • Benefits of IIoT: Increases efficiency, new business models, new revenue streams, risk management • Why foundries need to adopt IIoT and how to get started "A fundamental new rule for business is that the internet changes everything" -- Bill Gates But has it? The Internet has changed most things in our daily lives. We no longer read paper books, we read an iPad. We no longer buy records or CDs, we listen to our iPhone. We no longer read newspaper, we read Facebook. We no longer watch cable TV, we watch Apple TV. We no longer shop at the mall, we shop on Amazon. We no longer talk on the phone, we Skype, text, or email. With all the changes internet technology has brought us, most foundries today use the twentieth century discrete manufacturing method. Discrete manufacturing is an industry term for the manufacturing of finished products that are distinct items capable of THE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS & INDUSTRY 4.0 IN GRAVITY DIE CASTING being easily counted, touched or seen. In theory, a discrete product can be broken down at the end of its lifecycle so its basic components can be recycled. In most discrete casting cells today the PLC (Programmable Logic Control) is not connected to the Internet. Foundries today are facing the new world of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and Industry 4.0 or the fourth Industrial Revolution and these hyped up dreams are quickly becoming reality. Regardless of what devices are sensored, connected, integrated, IIoT will continue to expand and change processes for casting. The competitive gains realized by increased and consistent visibility, accuracy and data driven insights on foundry equipment and casting processes results are to important to ignore. IIoT provides benefits across four key areas: • Increased Efficiency Foundries can capture more data about their processes and products through the use of technologies such as sensors. In some cases, the data collected will provide valuable new rule information to transform business practices or make real-time decisions. • New Business Models New services and products are emerging, enabling new approaches to creating value for customers. The IIoBill T allows automation of some processes that can improve time-to-market, measure performance and rapidly respond to customer needs. • New Revenue Streams New models open up new sources of revenue. The IIoT can help to monetize additional services on top of existing products. • Risk Management & Safety Compliance By identifying areas that require attention, the IIoT can help reduce risk and monitor safety protocol adherence. Machines can learn to monitor and audit compliance procedures, flagging irregularities and issues much more quickly than humans can.