The average life expectancy of a facility is estimated at 20 years. How can a business experience greater longevity? It's no secret that data lies at the heart of the fourth industrial revolution. The "Industrial Internet of Things" (IIoT) is massively growing, however, the information that flows from it can bring little value without the right analytics techniques as well as attention to safe responsibilities.
Getting a facility in shape for a sustainable future is by no means an easy task. Nearly all decision-making is subject to company higher-ups as well as outside financial influencers and regulatory organizations. Progressive teams, however, are seeing the benefits as computers are increasingly enabling plants and other facilities to operate safely while maintaining ideal production levels. The right technology allows for areas of manufacturing and distribution to be able to keep up with buying demands and expectations. Along with these digital systems, having the right information on how to best operate safely and communicate efficiently is crucial.
Industrial conglomerate Honeywell aims to bring existing facilities to the next level of data-driven optimization. The company has "connected plant" services that through technology connect a company's assets and equipment to a cloud. Analytics and data monitoring of information that is gathered in that cloud are then examined by Honeywell and its partners. The idea is to help a company avoid critical asset failures and unplanned shutdowns. According to Honeywell, the connected plant technology requires minimal infrastructure and reduces maintenance costs through a dynamic communication system.
For example, to help meet more stringent global environmental health and safety standards, Honeywell optimizes its energy consumption while offering innovative technologies, said Yasuhiro Kinoshita, of Honeywell Transportation Systems in Japan. "We can monitor asset performance details and, for example, detect air leaks in the manufacturing units, which directly allows us to reduce energy usage and avoid excess cost," he said. Having this data readily available allows for quick communication and decision-making in a timelier manner. What also increases the longevity of Honeywell's offerings is that when new technology becomes available, systems can easily be upgraded.
Planning a sustainable future involves creating a network of like-minded individuals. There are core relationships facility management must build upon in using technology and continuing safe and responsible operations. Here are some simple ways to drive insight, transformation, and growth to meet evolving business needs.
Companies can embrace new technologies and keep workers safe easily through consistent training and visual communication. Computerized systems can increase worker mobility and allow for instant, direct communication. This can allow for less safety oversight and more safety leadership. Achieve facility communication needs with visible safety signage for admittance/restricted areas, authorized personnel, 'Do Not Enter' messages, and more. Enhance blind spots and risk areas. Use floor marking for wayfinding and to highlight emergency access areas for improved visual workplace communication.
DuraLabel's free OSHA Signage Instant Action Guide can serve as instructional reminders for workplace and safety best practices in any facility. The guide can help users easily create OSHA/ANSI-compliant safety signs, choose the correct sign header with our simple flowchart, or assess their facility needs with our site inspection checklist. Get your free copy today. Give us a call today at 1-888-973-2045 and one of our safety professionals can guide you through the process.
Learn more about the 5s system with DuraLabel's free 5s Instant Action Guide. These tools also are an integral part of establishing important location and storage information. This guide can help optimize safety and improve efficiency.
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