The factory of the future represents a new way to organize production to make factories smarter and more flexible while better managing all resources such as equipment, materials, and energy.
But what about the staff?
The evolution towards Industry 4.0
Industry has evolved significantly over the years, moving from the industrial era to the era of Industry 4.0. This new generation of smart and connected factories enables more efficient and optimized production through technological advances such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and big data. These technologies allow machines to collect and analyze data in real time, providing companies with a competitive edge in the market and the ability to meet the changing needs of their customers. Contrary to popular belief, the operator plays a crucial role in this context where humans and technology collaborate harmoniously to improve productivity and product quality.
Operator role in Industry 4.0
Operators are tasked with monitoring machines, handling technical issues, and ensuring the quality of production, while also managing a substantial amount of administrative documentation and reports (planning, manufacturing orders, control, cycle monitoring, quantities, 5S practices, maintenance...).
In an Industry 4.0 factory, the role of the operator is more crucial than ever and extends beyond mere manual tasks. Their responsibilities evolve.
Thanks to MES software, operators are freed from burdensome administrative tasks, eliminating redundant entries, reducing errors, and minimizing the time lost correcting them. Operators effectively collaborate with machines, communicate with them, and identify technical issues that may arise.
The benefits of operator involvement in production
The involvement of the operator in production offers numerous benefits. Firstly, operators can quickly detect technical issues and resolve them before they become major problems. This helps reduce downtime and improve productivity.
Furthermore, operator involvement in production ensures product quality. Operators can perform quality checks throughout the production process to ensure that products meet standards and customer expectations.
Operator involvement also enhances process efficiency. Data collected by operators can be used to identify opportunities for improvement to optimize production.
In summary, operator involvement in production allows for rapid problem detection, ensures product quality, and improves process efficiency.
"Since the installation of the KEYPROD solution in our workshop, we have observed greater autonomy of the teams to solve problems during their operations."
— Quentin CHASTANG, Director of Mechanical Production - L'Union des Forgerons
Human-Machine collaboration for efficient production
In the Industry 4.0 factory, collaboration between humans and machines is essential for efficient production. Solutions collect and analyze data in real time, while operators use this data to optimize production processes.
Human-machine collaboration enables more effective communication and quicker problem resolution. Operators can communicate directly with their manager, which helps resolve technical issues more quickly and minimize downtime.
In summary, human-machine collaboration is essential for efficient production in the Industry 4.0 factory.
Discover how KEYPROD can transform your workshop into a more autonomous and efficient production force. Contact us for a personalized demonstration.
