Advantages of an Industrial Data Platform

Advantages of an Industrial Data Platform

There are several advantages of using an industrial data platform. They include:

1. Consolidated Data: In a data platform, data is consolidated in one place in the cloud. This consolidation means all databases can use the same service to render insights and suggest business strategies and process optimization.

2. Improved Access: Because data assets are housed under a single service provider and use the same analytics engines, users can quickly and easily access data from the production floor. The value of HMIs, mobile tablets, phones, and PCs mean that decision-making is faster and data-driven.

3. Valuable Applications: Because data operations are tiered within the platform, users have access to customizable reporting and real-time KPIs. They also have the ability to zoom in to view specific machines and spindles or zoom out to view overall factory performance.

4. Improved Operations: The real-time analysis of machine conditions can lead to new strategies within management, as well as enable automation. For example, predictive maintenance programs using actual machine performance and conditions can significantly lower maintenance costs and reduce downtime.

5. Higher Security: Many companies risk security with ad hoc and fragmented IoT devices and software. Integrated solutions mean that even though IoT devices may lack full security, the data platform can significantly manage security through authentication and device authorization. This lowers the risk of a successful attack.

6. Reduced Costs: Since IoT devices and deep data analytics use real-time monitoring, they can automate or semi-automate many processes. This automation reduces labor, unlocks capacity, lowers the number of variables and manual tests required for quality checks, and optimizes maintenance strategies. A platform with integrated solutions leads to optimized processes, higher productivity, and less waste.

How Influential Will Industrial Data Platforms Be?

It’s estimated that over 175 zettabytes of usable data will be generated by 2025. Industrial data platforms won’t only be influential; they’ll also become essential. They’ll create shared data in many industries with unique data and analytical needs.
Right now, most manufacturers are reliant on legacy MES and ERP systems to manage their operations, but these solutions struggle with data collection. We see this market rapidly change as larger players attempt to add on solutions to enable device connectivity, and new entrants offer simply point solutions for tracking just the bare minimum.

More about: Ten benefits/advantages of IIoT and analytics for manufacturers

This is an excerpt from “THE IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL DATA PLATFORMS ON MANUFACTURING”.