Manufacturers’ mindset regarding smart manufacturing needs to be changed, as they are found to be not prepared enough in utilizing IIoT, which is a foundation of smart factory implementation.

According to survey conducted by Accenture, a global consulting company, 73% of IIoT survey respondents replied that they don’t have specific plan for generating new revenue while only 7% has established overall strategy for that.

In Smart Manufacturing Technology Conference held in June 2, Tae-Jin Lee, Executive Director of Accenture, emphasized that manufacturers should consider six key points when establishing plan for smart factory:

First, manufacturers can achieve overall reliability, improved predictability and optimization by implementing intelligent, self-managing facilities and linking them with other manufacturing-related systems.

Second, they should create ‘workforce’ in which workers and machinery are in harmony to produce exceptional outcome.

Third, they require efficient material management process with integrity and speed to save inventory cost.


▲Acceleration of smart manufacturing requires close link between OT and IT, prompt reeducation of workers, etc. (Picture sourced from: LG CNS)

Fourth, manufacturers should effectively meet the demand for tasks and resources by integrating ERP and MES.

Fifth, sooner or later, IIoT device level and cloud environment at the forefront of shop floor is going to evolve into a platform to support decision-making for distributed environment through company-wide applications.

Lastly, manufacturers can utilize eco-friendly manufacturing facilities to minimize adverse effect on natural environment and to use raw materials and natural resources most efficiently and productively.

Lee explained that acceleration of smart manufacturing requires as its key elements “investment in and modernization of facility, close link between OT and IT, familiarity with technological changes, quick deployment of industrial security solution, prompt reeducation of workers, etc.” He also pointed out that “manufacturers need to consider IIoT’s potential and ability to facilitate smart manufacturing. They have to be concerned with reviewing acceleration factors for smart manufacturing and which options to choose.”