David Fowler MIStructE, Editor
david@maintenanceandengineering.com
@MaintOnLine
Uncertainty looks set to be a defining characteristic of 2019. For the UK, this arises not least from the continuing Brexit stalemate – but there is also a technological dimension.
A new report from software specialist SSG Insight (see News) warns that though businesses may be preoccupied with short-term events and concerns about the economy, the pace of technological change is continuing unabated.
It identifies five key technology trends that it expects to shape progress in manufacturing for 2019. They are the arrival of the next generation of mobile networks (5G); increasing levels of automation; intelligent manufacturing systems exploiting artificial intelligence, machine learning and the cloud; the growth of e-learning; and the need for an evolving, more technologically-orientated workforce.
Developments such as these have the potential to improve productivity, in which the UK lags behind its competitors. At the same time they could also play an important role in helping UK industry adapt to Brexit, SSG Insight argues.
But, as M&E’s newly-inaugurated Editorial Advisory Board warns in this issue, UK companies are being slow to exploit the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies: some are adopting them in a piecemeal fashion, others are unsure where to start.
Trends in the adoption of digital techniques was the subject of a roundtable discussion at the board’s first meeting (see page 8 for detailed report). The group, drawn from academics and consultants at the front line, observed that companies want to adopt techniques such as condition monitoring and predictive analytics, but many collect data without a clear purpose, or inconsistently. In small and medium firms particularly, technology such as augmented reality or artificial intelligence are treated warily because they are regarded as unproven. Such firms, it appears, are more confortable with concepts such as lean manufacturing, which can be addressed through training. Other barriers include concerns about cybersecurity, and a lack of resources or technical skills.
But SSG Insight warns, “Manufacturers have no choice but to move with the times.” The software firm and M&E’s board offered similar advice for companies as they set off or continue down the Industry 4.0 path.
Companies keen to derive insights from condition monitoring and other data should not rush in, the editorial board advised. They should take a more systematic view, and ask what information would improve their decision-making process, and collect data on that basis.
SSG Insight stresses that it is not enough to invest in technology for its own sake. “Investment in technology should reflect the competitive strategy of the business”, it argues: it’s not about buying the latest software, but about identifying how the business model can be changed to improve its competitiveness.
Technology will not help the business to evolve without the right skills to exploit it, so investment needs to be complemented by investing in recruiting more technologically aware staff, the company argues. It concludes: “There is no substitute for wisdom in business, and technology cannot replace the fundamentals of management.”
Automation will boost productivity, not cut jobs
There is no shortage of examples of the march of new technology in this issue. Humidity Solutions is offering a service to monitor humidity in processes where it is critical; Brammer Buck & Hickman adds condition monitoring to complement its equipment repair services. UE Systems describes how ultrasound can accurately diagnose a range of electrical and mechanical faults. And ABB’s TXplore service uses a “swimming” robot controlled by a game-style console to inspect the interior of transformers. Not only does this simplify the inspection process and reduce downtime from three days to one, it also avoids the need to drain the insulating oil and the potential hazard for maintenance staff of working in a confined space.
Another theme that emerged in our Editorial Advisory Board discussion was the fear that technology and automation will result in the loss of jobs. But, it was pointed out, since the first industrial revolution new technology has created more jobs, not destroyed them.
UK manufacturing’s key problem is productivity. In addition, it faces a skill shortage, compounded by an ageing workforce which means that skills are being lost to the industry. Employers need to compete for experienced maintenance staff from a limited pool.
As the examples above show, Industry 4.0 technology is about increasing productivity, allowing staff to do their jobs more effectively and freeing their time for activities that add greater value. That can only be positive.