The use of the cloud in manufacturing processes is the integration of computing resources, data storage, and cloud platforms into production management processes, production line automation, monitoring, and optimisation of operations. The cloud enables remote management, real-time analysis, and scaling of production resources according to the changing needs of the company. Cloud solutions support Industry 4.0 concepts, enabling dynamic production management, monitoring of machine parameters, and implementation of advanced analysis and Artificial intelligence algorithms for process optimisation.
Cloud Utilization in Manufacturing Processes
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Manufacturing execution systems (MESs): Tools to manage and monitor production operations in real time.
- ERP systems: Enterprise resource management software integrated with cloud systems.
- IoT in production: Cloud-connected sensors and devices to collect data from machines and production lines.
- Data analysis systems: Tools for processing and analysing production data.
- Monitoring systems: Software for tracking and optimising production parameters.
Industry usage
- Machine monitoring: Tracking machine performance and predicting failures.
- Production flow optimisation: Analysis and optimisation of processes on production lines.
- Quality control: Automatic defect detection and analysis of quality parameters.
- Resource management: Optimisation of material and energy consumption in the production process.
- Production planning: Remote management of production schedules and resources.
Importance for the economy
The use of the cloud in manufacturing enables companies to introduce advanced analytics, automation, and remote management of production processes. This results in increased operational efficiency, lower costs, and better control of production quality. It strengthens the competitiveness of companies and enables them to respond more quickly to market changes. In the context of global supply chains, the cloud supports better coordination of activities and reduces the risk of downtime.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- The use of the cloud in manufacturing is based on connecting data from machines and production lines to the cloud infrastructure, where data is stored, processed, and analysed. With IoT systems and MES platforms, it is possible to monitor machine conditions, detect failures, optimise production flow, and automatically adjust process parameters. The systems also enable remote production management and integration with global supply chains to better coordinate operations and minimise downtime.
Advantages
- Operational flexibility: Dynamic adjustment of production to meet changing demand.
- Better quality control: Monitoring and automation of production parameters.
- Resource optimisation: Reducing operating costs through better management of resources.
- Scalability: Ability to increase or decrease resources based on demand.
- Remote management: Monitoring and control of production from anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages
- Data security: Risk of theft of production data or violation of systems integrity.
- Internet connection dependency: Availability problems in case of network failure.
- Technological complexity: Requirements for integration of different systems and protocols.
- Implementation costs: Significant investment required at the implementation stage of cloud systems.
- Risk of cyber attacks: Possibility of hackers taking control of production management systems.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- IoT platforms: Systems for collecting and analysing data from sensors and devices.
- Computing servers: Infrastructure to support real-time production data processing.
- MESs: Manufacturing operations management tools.
- ERP systems: Enterprise resource management software.
- Cybersecurity systems: Security features to protect data and production operations.
Required competences
- Production engineering: Understanding and optimisation of production processes.
- Data management: Ability to analyse production data and use it for optimisation.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting production data from threats.
- Automation: Creation of scripts to automate production tasks.
- IT project management: Coordination of cloud systems implementations at manufacturing facilities.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High energy demand of IoT systems and computing servers.
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions from the operation of advanced data centres.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for electronic components used to build IoT systems.
- Recycling: Problems with recovering materials from production equipment.
- Waste generated: Electronic waste from equipment upgrades and replacements.
Legal conditions
- Data protection regulations: Regulations for the storage and processing of production data.
- IT security standards: Standards for the protection of information systems in production.
- Automation regulations: Regulations for the automation of industrial processes.
- Intellectual property: Rights regarding software and technology used in production.
- Industry standards: Quality and safety standards for production management systems.