Automation is a double-edged sword which, on the one hand, might leave workers jobless while on the other hand, might lead to better profit margin for companies, businesses, and industries that embrace it. The only thing industry leaders can do is walk the fine line between layoffs and profitability. Thankfully, the Internet of Things (IoT) might help with some of these issues.

What is the big deal about IoT?

IoT allows for the connection of machines through a network, usually the internet. These machines communicate with each other through communications and embedded systems technologies with little to no human intervention. IoT is the convergence of many different systems, and if you offer CNC machining services, IoT utilises a mix of a network (internet), electromechanical systems, wireless technologies and the software that holds it all together. Through the internet, it is not only possible for companies to operate their machines safely, but it also allows for innovations like online CNC machining.

The benefits of integrating IoT into your manufacturing processes

One of the biggest disadvantages of having human manpower is that humans get injured. Work-related injuries that leave a sizeable number of workers out of commission is a problem most companies would rather not have. Some of the most common injuries in the workplace include strains, sprains, punctures, and cuts. CNC machining involves grinders, mills, drills, and routers which means there are bound to be a few injuries from time to time. IoT eliminates this risk as it allows workers to control machines from a distance.

A common bottleneck to getting workers up and running is getting them familiar with machines. If you offer rapid prototyping services, you need new workers to start work as soon as possible as any downtime on their part could mean you will be losing money. IoT lets workers work with smartphones and tablets – devices that are already familiar to and intuitive for them. This means that a worker might take less than a day to get familiar with your processes and be on the floor working.

IoT allows for standardisation of manufacturing processes and therefore helps improve the quality of the final products. Every company that does sheet metal prototyping understands the need for speed and accuracy in their work. Being even a millimetre off could jeopardise the whole process. Humans can make such mistakes, but it is almost impossible for machines to do so. Once the machine has been given instructions on what to do, the only other area an error like this could occur is when a human is entering the inputs. Because machines are very precise, companies can standardise their manufacturing processes.

A company like RapidDirect has tolerances of just 0.002mm, which is a testament to the rescission and standardisation of their processes. They offer different types of CNC machining processes too, so you can find the one that suits you. With real-time order tracking and integrated quote management, this service is an efficient way to outsource your manufacturing and still receive the quality products your clients expect.

When a company is so precise, it reduces the amount of time from prototyping to sheet metal fabrication to when the product leaves the factory. It also eliminates the wastage of material which could save a company a lot of money.

IoT could also change how companies handle their supply chains. Machines are reliable, unlike humans who can get tired and may need rest and breaks from time to time. Because of this, suppliers can know exactly when to expect their inventory. The integration of other systems into the manufacturing process, such as real-time inventory management and reporting, could lead to better tracking of inventory and in this way help companies produce just what they need and eliminate wastage in inventory holding and warehousing costs.

Integrating IoT into your manufacturing processes

IoT relies on a simple concept, low-cost software solutions that work together to produce a result, in this case, CNC services online or even injection moulding services from miles away. When integrating IoT, the first thing you have to do is upgrade your machines. Machines have to have a way to connect to the internet or other machines so they can work together. This can be done by adding sensors that do this for you. A company might also decide to overhaul their whole manufacturing process by getting new machines that have these sensors preinstalled, which most new companies that want to offer online CNC services usually do.

The next thing to do is find services that offer fast connectivity and storage. You don't want to give a command to a machine and then wait a few minutes to get the process started; time and money are on the line here. Some services you might consider include Amazon Web Services (AWS) and a good internet provider. In addition to giving you fast connectivity to your machines, AWS gives you facilities that allow for fast data storage.

Say you are doing CNC prototyping and want to upload CAD files that you will use in rapid machining. You want to have this file uploaded fast and be available as soon as possible. Fast online storage and server providers like AWS also allow for collaboration where different people can work on the same file at the same time. This is hugely advantageous for companies that do not hire in-house CAD designers.

Next, you want to have automation services. This automation service triggers the sensors on your machines to do something after something else has happened. Some of these actions include sending an email, a CAD file finishing uploading or another machine finishing what it was doing and handing the work over to another machine. Companies that do rapid tooling will appreciate the seamlessness of the connectivity between devices and software, especially if they consider how much they will save because they will not have to hire employees to do all these things for them.

Using the right tool for the right job

IoT can offer solutions to companies that do not want the wrong machine used in a certain process. Take a prototype moulding machine that uses a certain type of plastic. The machine can be programmed to detect the type of plastic being used and halt the process if the right kind of plastic is not being used. This has the potential to save a company hundreds of thousands of dollars in both material wastage and machine repair costs if the wrong type of material would have damaged the machine.

Should we embrace IoT?

Simple answer? Yes, we should. There are so many advantages to integrating IoT, especially for companies that offer CNC services and that would like to cut down on costs. The problem is, when companies offering CNC services China integrate IoT, there is always the chance of layoffs. This is a massive issue that companies that offer CNC and rapid machining services have to think about seriously. The devastation and economic implications to former CNC machining China workers whose companies choose to go the IOT route and lay them off are massive.

The sad truth is that every other company, from prototype manufacturing, prototype machining to CNC machining, are all looking to integrate IoT into their manufacturing processes.

The Internet of Things will change the way companies manufacture their products. The only questions are how and when these companies will do this, and what effects this process will have on workers who work in these companies and industries.