Potential Impact of Internet of Things in Steel Manufacturing The most hyped technology of 2014, Internet of Things, has been analyzed and assessed primarily from the point of view of the ordinary consumer. While there is no doubt that a technology that enables machines to communicate directly with each other through the Internet will have a huge impact on ordinary individuals, this technology is likely to have an even bigger impact on Industrial Internet. A steel manufacturing unit consists of numerous departments that utilize different types of machines ranging from blast furnaces to lean computers. Further, a steel plant will have tie-ups and contracts with different vendors supplying different types of products, including raw materials, and services. A manufacturing software program that allows all the machines to interact with each other, and analytics programs that draw logical conclusions from the big data generated by the machines can have a huge transformative effect on the organization. Efficient Manufacturing Manufacturing software solutions that facilitate M2M communications can help the management focus on more efficient, greener, and cost-effective manufacturing. Even a giant steel plant can opt for lean manufacturing policies and minimize inventory costs and logistics issues through the Internet of Things. While such strategies may have been unworkable due to the sheer scale of operations and complexity of the machines, the M2M model can help the organization overcome all challenges and obstacles towards a more efficient manufacturing setup. Faster Repairs and Maintenance A network that receives data from all the machines in the organization can simplify the process of maintenance of machines and equipment. A badly-maintained machine will consume more resources, create more pollution, and produce poor quality output. IoT combined with big data analytics can help the organization take preventive steps even before the machine starts showing signs of wear and tear. Inter-Departmental Efficiency Manufacturing is just one of the many operations carried out in a steel plant. Inventory management, stocking of finished products, sales, marketing, administration, human resources —there are many other departments that must work in sync for the organization to function efficiently.
Internet of Things will ensure lack of data will not hamper quick decisions. Further, the organization can opt for increased automation to ensure routine tasks involving multiple departments are carried out without any delays. Safety Big data analytics can combine video camera output, thermal images, machine data, usergenerated data, and other information provided by different machines to ensure all safety polices are followed at all times. IoT will ensure the person in charge of safety receives constant update about the functioning of all machines and equipment in the plant at all times. Combination of IoT with mobile devices will result in significant reduction in the risks involved in the smooth functioning of the steel manufacturing process. Conclusion IoT need not be restricted to a single plant alone. All the plants in the country can share information about compliance with local and national laws related to mining, operations, safety, and taxes through the Internet of Things. From increased operational efficiency and better safety to reduced tax litigation, M2M and big data can transform the way modern steel plants contribute to the global economy. Reference Links http://www.hcltech.com/manufacturing