Wearable Technology & IoT Are Transforming The Manufacturing Industry

Wearable devices have lots of potentiality for the average customers including mobile notifications, health, and fitness tracking, as well as other cool features.

However, this technology likewise depicts plenty of promise in the business world. One notable example is healthcare where wearables are used for collecting information regarding hospital patients.

All these tools have found a place in the manufacturing industry, particularly with the advent of IoT and related machinery. In the subsequent paragraphs, we have highlighted some notable ways in which wearable technology & IoT are transforming the manufacturing industry these days.

1. Enhanced productivity and process efficiency

Workers will be able to make use of wearable technology for improving existing functions and processes within commercial and industrial settings.

For example, on the production line, this technology can be used by staff members for staying focused on what is being done by them, obtaining additional information, or delivering remote orders.

Wearable technologies are capable of speeding up operations in warehouse settings as well with the implementation of modern tools such as JD Edwards ERP software.

The Dutch company Active Ants made use of an innovative technology named Google Glass for helping workers select and prepare custom-designed items. The result was that there was a 15% enhancement in speed while errors dropped by 12%.

2. Situational awareness

Although this is particularly true of development and construction, it also applies to manufacturing as well. The setting is changing at all times to accommodate more work and updated projects.

However, it is somewhat different as compared to general safety since it is quite difficult to stay aware of the hardware or equipment which is always moving throughout an area or space. With the help of IoT, body-worn wearable tech, and connected sensors, it will be possible for the workers to be more careful of what is taking place around them.

For instance, suppose somebody is walking through a narrow pathway which is blocked on every side by tall and packed shelving.

It is not possible for them to visualize what is there on the other site and they will also not be able to comprehend what is waiting for them once they depart from that area. Smart wearables such as connected eyewear or helmets will be able to pinpoint exactly where equipment and objects are positioned. This will enable the workers to avoid walking out in front of a forklift or top-loader which is moving.

This type of setup will also notify the workers once something has changed within a plant. For example, in case there is a hazardous spill somewhere, the managers will be able to inform everybody to avoid that particular area of the property.

3. Opportunities for remote management

It is a fact that connected sensors and IoT, particularly in a manufacturing plant, will allow the managers to visualize how all things are operating remotely. Almost all the things are synced back to a central system or hub that allows administrators to review status information, make alterations, or even plan actions for the future.

However, the personnel will also be able to experience the same thing in case they have wearable technology as well. Managers will be able to visualize where everybody is, what is being done by them, how efficient they are, and also the potential problems or bottlenecks.

While 2 employees are walking in different directions, it is possible for them to collide. The actual allure will be the option of delivering requests and commands irrespective of the location of the managers or what is being done by them.

4. Security planning and authentication

In specific industrial and manufacturing settings, it is important to maintain appropriate security protocols and also authenticate 3rd parties or workers before accessing specific areas of any property. For instance, the management might not like an equipment vendor to gain access to any area of the plant with unannounced items or products.

Wearable technology has the ability to monitor, block, and allow certain movements of the workers. It is feasible to authorize their headset, mobile device, or wristband for letting them in.

Once the assignment has been completed by them, the area can be locked down once again. In case you have identified somebody not sticking to the proper protocols, it would be possible to prevent them from accessing the equipment in the future so as to prevent any further harm or injury.

Conclusion

Modern wearable technology is presenting lots of innovative possibilities for enhancing the way things function. Human workers as well as the equipment used by them can be modified for enhancing productivity, efficiency, and safety.