Despite extensive safety standards and regulations, worker safety is a major challenge in many production facilities. Companies are therefore looking for new technologies that can reduce risks in the workplace. By making the workplace safer, companies will significantly reduce the costs associated with workplace injuries.
The National Safety Council approximates that 4,500,000 injuries occur in the workplace every year . This article will discuss the latest technologies that can help improve security in manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
5 technological upgrades to increase security
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system of physical objects integrated with software, sensors and other technologies. IoT aims to connect and exchange data with other systems and devices over the Internet without human intervention.
Industrial manufacturing and warehousing are using IoT to collect and analyze data. This data is critical in improving safety on the warehouse and factory floor. The data is used to predict worker trends and identify risks that could cause injuries. Technology can quickly locate workers and notify them of dangerous situations.
IoT can also monitor the navigation of equipment and vehicles within a warehouse, thus preventing a collision. The technology also identifies protruding objects that could result in a collision.
Predictive analytics is also another crucial role of IoT in enhancing security. Real-time IoT data is integrated with artificial integrity and advanced analytics to establish key performance trends. Variations can then be detected as soon as they appear, preventing potentially dangerous situations such as overheating or gas leaks.
However, there are cybersecurity concerns when implementing IoT. Therefore, manufacturers must keep a close eye on IoT devices and partners to ensure they are properly implemented and maintained.
2. Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing (AM) , commonly known as 3D printing, is an industrial production approach that allows the creation of more robust and lightweight parts and systems. The shift from analog to digital made this technological advancement a possibility.
AM brought safety, flexibility and efficiency to industrial processes. AM uses 3D object scanners and computer-aided design (CAD) to instruct hardware to arrange materials into precise geometric shapes.
Additive manufacturing creates objects by adding materials. Creating objects using traditional techniques often requires removing material through carving, machining, shaping, and milling.
3D printing and rapid prototyping are generally used to refer to additive manufacturing. However, they are subsets of AM. AM has notably led to new software and materials advances, which have opened avenues for new economic applications .
Bioprinting and digital autonomy have enabled seamless switching between different materials. Furthermore, this technology has allowed manufacturers to better visualize the potential for mass customization.
3. Advanced Automation and Robotics
Manufacturing and warehousing facilities have seen a continued trend toward collaborative environments. Smart manufacturing has increased safety and efficiency using autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) use advanced navigation technology to study the entire facility and create a map. RAMs are then able to determine the most effective route without the intervention of a human. Additionally, this advanced navigation technology allows AMRs to navigate around obstacles without the need for human intervention.
However, AMRs are not ideal for transporting all types of materials within your facility. A robot that chooses a different route each time may be less effective. Additionally, a robot that can change course, especially when transporting heavy materials, can be a concern.
Automatically guided vehicles (AGVs) follow a specific route to transport materials within a facility. These routes are integrated into the floor of the facility and the AGV uses wires or magnets placed in the floor. An automatic guided vehicle system is ideal for heavy materials. However, AGVs cannot bypass obstacles and cannot determine their own routes. They are, therefore, less flexible than RAM.
4. Working with wearables
Manufacturing facilities and warehouses can use wearables to monitor environmental conditions and analyze worker health. Wearables enable workers to understand their health. Additionally, companies can monitor the health and safety of workers especially those working in hazardous conditions.
Wearables such as smartwatches, jackets and helmets are integrated with sensors. These wearables can measure important personal health indicators such as blood oxygen levels, temperature and heart rate.
Supervisors can use this data to identify workers who are showing signs of fatigue, stress, or strain. Supervisors can then take preventative action. These wearables have proven to be effective in increasing employee safety and productivity.
Wearables can also facilitate hands-free training in a manufacturing setting. Hands-free training is critical as inexperience can lead to serious injury, poor performance, and equipment damage.
Manufacturing and warehousing facilities can also use wearables to increase situational awareness. Modern warehousing and manufacturing facilities are dynamic. Installation settings are constantly changing to allow for more work. It is a challenge for workers to remain aware of shelves, equipment and hardware that are always in motion. Wearables can frequently update workers on what is happening around them.
5. 5G Network
Manufacturing and warehousing facilities are moving to advanced technology, which requires reliable internet connectivity. The Internet of Things, many connected devices and demands for bandwidth have intensified due to the growth of technologies adopted by industries.
5G network technology satisfies the need for secure, reliable and high-speed connectivity. The 5G network can reach speeds of 10 gigabits per second, approximately 100 times faster than 4G .
Despite this, there are significant concerns about the risk of loss of connectivity in warehouses and production facilities. With many devices relying on internet connectivity, a sudden loss of connection can be devastating.
For example, a collaborative robot transporting materials suddenly loses connection. While integrated software can provide some mitigation, prolonged loss of connection can result in significant negative consequences.
Conclusion
The need to increase security in production and storage facilities has required more advanced technologies . Many industries are adopting these technologies to ensure they comply with safety standards and regulations.
Additionally, many warehousing and production facilities seek to reduce costs associated with workplace injuries. However, not all technology upgrades are ideal for every production and storage facility. It is essential to carry out an assessment and determine which technology is suitable for your facility.
Luke Goodwin is an experienced content marketing manager with a proven track record of working in the logistics and supply chain sector. He currently works at FlexQube where he creates valuable and relevant content for the intralogistics and material handling sectors. To learn more about FlexQube and see more industry articles, you can visit the news site.
