Changing the manufacturing game

ALTHOUGH still in its infancy, the explosion of social, mobile, analytics and cloud (SMAC) technologies is making an impact in the manufacturing industry. For instance, analytics can be leveraged to simulate and model different manufacturing processes to create more adaptable and flexible production lines. Social platforms on cloud have enabled stakeholders across the manufacturing organisation - from plant managers to senior leaders - to share information and access analytics to improve operational efficiencies.

"Informed Manufacturing" is an envisioned state of operations in which all relevant and synthesised information is made available when, where and in the form in which it is needed across the manufacturing supply chain, to all stakeholders including people, process, products and infrastructure. This state is characterised by the interconnection of highly intelligent cyber-physical systems to create what is known as the Internet of Things.

The four essential elements of manufacturing are converging like never before, creating a gateway to the world of Informed Manufacturing. They comprise :