View original at www.rtinsights.com

The manufacturing sector is poised to reap bigger gains with the spread of real-time data analytics being applied to material handling. The world is in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution that integrates real-time data into manufacturing. Taking advantage of this information can give any business an edge in today’s field. It can also keep operations relevant into the future. Performance and Product Tracking Keeping track of your products and performance is a critical component of modern operations. Product tracking prevents inventory loss while performance tracking ensures on-time deliveries. Real-time data makes tracking much more accessible. But it requires upgrading equipment to gather the needed data. See also: How “Machines-as-a-Service” will deliver will deliver manufacturing power in real-time Tracking can involve monitoring the location of raw materials as they enter a facility and go through processing. It also may include information on how the finished products fare in quality control testing. Even equipment can benefit from tracking, especially regarding parts that may move around a warehouse or factory. Integrating data into warehouse operations can have benefits for today and the future. Real-Time Data Advantages Today Today, real-time data has practical uses in warehouses and processing facilities. For instance, batteries for forklifts can last longer when tracked. While sensors indicate when to recharge the batteries, misuse of the chargers or batteries can cause problems. Though an adequately maintained industrial battery can last up to five years, most only last one to two years. Smart chargers ensure proper charging. But you need to know when to charge the batteries. Wireless battery health monitors do this in real time. You’ll get longer life from your equipment with this real-time data tracking. An additional advantage of real-time data today is replacing the time-consuming system of using paper tracking and manual computer input. […]