Manufacturers in Massachusetts are looking ahead as expansion and manufacturing advancements quicken pandemic recovery. Among the 2021 forecasts and prominent industry trends, four main ideas continue to be the center of conversation on the East Coast. IIoT is a known trend among manufacturers in Massachusetts. Stemming from COVID-19, advancements like virtual collaboration and near sourcing are proving to be staples in the industry.
IIOT
The Internet of Things. Industrial IoT (IIoT) has long been revered as the future of manufacturing but what is it? The internet of things refers to physical devices that connect to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. With the ever-evolving advancement in technology and manufacturing, practically anything can be considered part of the IoT. The tech company IDC predicts that by 2025 there will be 41.6 billion connected IoT devices or “things”.
How does this impact manufacturing?
IIoT contains billions of devices and is a leading force in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). This refers to the use of these “things” in a business or manufacturing settings. The main aim to advance Massachusetts manufacturing is to use a combination of IoT applications, data, AI, analytics, networks, and IoT sensors to optimize the industrial process.
Introducing IIoT to production increases productivity, saves costs, and can even create separate streams of revenue for businesses.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is machine learning maintenance that monitors equipment during regular operations to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure without human intervention. Collecting data on machines isn’t a new trend to manufacturers in Massachusetts, however, AI and IoT systems are making this more accurate in the world of manufacturing. Finding the correct data to monitor improves the ability to find risks in real time before breakdown.
Flexible Factory
Streamlining production, flexible factory, and localizing production is bringing larger opportunities to Massachusetts manufacturers. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that manufacturers need to rethink how their products can get out to the public — all while shifting their focus to a local level. A change in a global perspective to a localized one helps better meet clients quickly changing needs. Being able to use existing production lines in a variety of related ways minimizes downtime and reduces complexity within the supply chain.
Massachusetts is well known for their manufacturing multitasking within the medical world. This makes it the perfect place for expansion. Localized production and near sourcing is exactly why Freudenberg Medical expanded to Beverly, Massachusetts.
“The Boston life science cluster is the ideal place for our new headquarters and expanded manufacturing operation. It brings us closer to our customers, provides access to a strong medtech workforce, and allows us to connect with local universities and research institutes,” said Dr. Max Kley, President and CEO of Freudenberg Medical.
Virtual Connection
Lastly, providing workers with technology that allows them to connect and collaborate virtually was a trend on the rise pre-COVID. Using tools and technology to create a productive remote workforce is a top priority for many companies as social distancing becomes the new normal. Data shows that recent college graduates are more likely to work for businesses that are more digitally inclined.
Not only do virtual initiatives entice a younger workforce, but it helps with predictive maintenance. Adoption of new technologies isn’t something that is going to go away. By embedding digital strategies into your company’s plan you can be sure to increase effective collaboration, decrease equipment failures, and stay ahead of the competition.
For more industry insights, be sure to check out our upcoming show – EASTEC.