Empowering your supply chains: How Industry 4.0 and CMMS make the difference

Industry 4.0 (the Fourth Industrial Revolution) has been a concept discussed for nearly a decade. However, unlike in industrial revolutions of the past, the tools driving the ongoing paradigmshift for Industry 4.0 rely heavily on collecting data and implementinginsights. New technologies, including AI, IoT, and big data analytics, have seen increased prominence across the Industry 4.0 wave.

For CMMS in particular, the impact of Industry 4.0 is a significant one. The value of predictive maintenance and the plethora of technologies available through CMMS will allow enterprises to manage their operations proactively rather than reactively.

Supply chains are crucial for every enterprise, with Supply Chain Management (SCM) playing a pivotal role in their continued operations. It is easy to imagine the potential growth and efficiency that Industry 4.0-empowered CMMS solutions can bring to SCM.

From timely delivery of products to reduced instances of disruptions, the right application of modern CMMS solutions can dramatically improve overall operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and enterprise competitiveness.

To gain a better understanding of this shift, below are a few ways in which Industry 4.0-empowered CMMS benefits supply chains:

●       Remote monitoring: Using IoT-enabled devices and sensors, CMMS can effectively and accurately collect real-time data from machinery and monitor equipment performance from anywhere. For global supply chains, this is incredibly beneficial for making informed maintenance decisions and conducting repairs, resulting in reduced downtime and improved overall equipment reliability.

●       New maintenance management models: Asset performance management and condition-based maintenance are two of the new maintenance management models that have emerged with the advent of modern CMMS. For example, several multinational oil companies utilize sensors to track variables including pressure, vibration, and temperature of their equipment. This data is then analyzed using machine learning models to identify discrepancies and effectively predict future maintenance.

●       Predictive maintenance: CMMS is now capable of using data analytics and machine learning to predict equipment failures before they occur. By monitoring the status of parts, items, and other objects across the supply chain via IoT devices and sensors, data can be collected and parsed to glean insights for further actions. This means that high-value assets, like manufacturing equipment, can be repaired swiftly to prevent failures and eliminate downtime. A prominent example of this is General Electric’s current exploration into both early warning and prognostics to ensure the continuity of their aircraft engines and equipment(with further expansions into other areas).

Increased efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and minimal downtime are the most notable ways that modern CMMS enrich supply chains. As the world continues to grow into a more globalized business ecosystem, insights into various aspects of the enterprise supply chain and guaranteed seamless operations have become critical. The technology behind Industry 4.0 continues to make great contributions to supply chain management, with CMMS spearheading this change well into the future.

TMA Systems is a leading technology partner that has enabled many Fortune 500 companies to improve their data quality and collection for effective, streamlined, and efficient maintenance. Our comprehensive suite of tools – including our flagship CMMS, WebTMA – includes data migration support and robust integrations with UIs, ERPs, and other software.

From training to support, we can help your maintenance teams effectively leverage maintenance data to make better business decisions, maximize cost-savings, and save resources.

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