Big data: the breeding ground for an even faster transformation of production lines

In order to optimally utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), advanced robotics and cloud computing into a smart factory, big data as a raw material plays an essential role. This topic receives a lot of attention during (online) events of the FHI Industrial Automation sector. In addition, derivative technologies also tie in with the above trends, such as the Internet of Energy (IoE).

By: Dimitri Reijerman

Although the definition of big data is not entirely conclusive, this term is mainly described as an enormous amount of data that often arrives at high speed, for example in a data center or your own IT infrastructure. It also usually involves complex data flows of an unstructured nature. This makes big data difficult to capture in traditional databases.

A number of technological developments are creating an increasing volume of big data. For example, sensors in modern production lines within the manufacturing industry provide a continuous flow of data. Due to the enormous volume of data and a shortage of computing power in many existing IT equipment to discover trends within these datasets, companies are increasingly turning to cloud solutions. These not only have sufficient storage in their cloud infrastructure, but also have specialized algorithms to sift through sometimes hundreds of gigabytes of data in search of useful information.

By utilizing big data in the manufacturing industry, companies can achieve significant benefits and better prepare for future competition. One of the advantages is that higher productivity can be achieved with the help of a lot of data. This creates opportunities for predictive maintenance, quality controls improve and some production lines can be used more efficiently.

There are more and more practical examples in which big data proves its value for entrepreneurs. Consider, for example, a picking robot that can recognize rotten peppers at an early stage thanks to image recognition. A gardener literally reaps the benefits. But opportunities also arise within chains. Producers work together with suppliers and, using big data applications, reliable delivery times are jointly communicated to a customer.

Moreover, in conjunction with developments in the field of making the industry more sustainable, new opportunities for big data are emerging. The so-called Internet of Energy (IoE), part of the regular IIoT, in combination with algorithms, predicts the energy consumption of production lines, any energy-generating assets (solar energy, for example) and the existing energy prices on the power network. This makes energy savings possible and in certain cases even creates new revenue models for companies with regard to the supply of green energy.

Despite all the benefits of applying big data, SMEs in particular do not always realize that they already collect large amounts of useful data within the company, or they lack the knowledge to use these datasets. To map out possibilities and re- and explore new innovations, companies within the FHI Industrial Automation sector can help you.

During the Production Process Automation online knowledge days on January 26 - 27 and February 2-3, big data will be discussed several times in the webinar program. View the program and Register as a visitor free of charge.