Efficient Plant April 2021 - 13

feature | digital transformation
deploying IIoT devices, a system can connect
to sensors, and plant managers can set the
logic in terms of how the two systems interact.
If something unusual occurs on a machine,
the sensor data will notify the system. Based
on how the system is configured, it will know
when a failure is indicated and send an alert
to a CMMS. From there, the CMMS triggers a
work order. That work order is then forwarded
to the appropriate person for execution. As
that person is fixing the problem, the CMMS
receives that information and automatically closes out the work order. This ability to
quickly adjust for new or unexpected conditions helps plants be more resilient and eliminates a number of non-value-added activities
by making sure the data is seamlessly shared
between people and systems.
 Process decisions: If there is some element
of a process that needs to change-perhaps
there's too much production of off-spec product or too much energy waste in a process-
process analysis is key to helping teams find
solutions that reduce the chances of either of
those events occurring.
To improve any process, you need data to
define the standard and understand the current process impact. Teams can use the data
to understand whether there is a difference
in terms of individuals (operators, seasonal employees, or contractors), process,
or product that leads to deviations from
standard. This can help teams determine
how processes might need to change to
realize the desired result. Is it a less-experienced worker who needs more training to
complete a certain process more efficiently?
Is it use of a new raw material that is affecting the end product? Is it the absence of one
step in the process that is causing disruption? Data capture provides a rapid way to
test and observe the impact. It ensures quick
analysis, even quicker response, and better
results.
In the end, there is never a " one solution
fixes all " scenario. While today's digital

APRIL 2021

EP2104fparsable.indd 13

technology is critical to better understanding the plant and connecting disparate data
points, to capture the most data and get the
most out of it, the modern plant also needs
to have in place IIoT, digital twins, AI (artificial intelligence), and machine-learning
technologies.
Today's digitized technology combines
data from all of these systems and ultimately

provides a clearer picture of what needs to
be done to accomplish goals. EP
Josh Santo is Product Specialist at Parsable,
San Francisco (parsable.com) where he develops solutions-centric strategies. He also is host
the " Conquering Chaos, " podcast for manufacturing leaders. He's spent the past four
years learning from workers on the frontlines.

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Efficient Plant April 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Efficient Plant April 2021