5 Important Tech Trends In Manufacturing Safety

Jack Mathew
5 min readMar 17, 2020

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Manufacturing safety

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is restructuring how manufacturing enterprises work, increasing efficiency while achieving higher reliability levels and lower error rates. Manufacturing also has seen a constant enhancement in safety processes as a result of developing technologies.

Here are a couple of trends that Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) managers should consider when integrating new technology into the security program.

Couple IoT Sensors With Computer Vision

Many Internet of Things (IoT) systems in manufacturing plants feature sensors that often collect data and assist managers in making better decisions. The sensors can additionally track trends to facilitate executives to determine what’s working well, and where the improvements are needed.

When it involves safety, companies increasingly make use of IoT sensors and computer vision to support workers’ well-being. Computer vision aims at functioning because the human brain and eyes do; it detects differences between situations and environments then responds accordingly. Some systems screen data from IIoT sensors and appearance for any irregularities. If the platform notices any abnormality, then it can automatically stop industrial equipment to stop injuries. Other computer vision technologies search for errors in products. Furthermore, finding the fault limits the potential damage caused to employees who handle the things at later points in a production line, until ultimately, it reaches the purchasers.

Facilitate Workers With High-Technology Wearables

Many industrial workers wear protective equipment like high-visibility vests and goggles counting on their roles. Traditional personal protective devices won’t be obsolete, but IIoT wearables can complement them and enhance their use.

Today, companies offer IIoT safety wearables that amplify workers’ visibility and monitor things like noise, posture, and physiological data. Moreover, there also are wearable gadgets that provide fall detection alerts and warn employees about approaching collisions from heavy tools. the info from the sensors is shipped to a central database and interface, which managers can use to stay tabs on overall safety trends.

Similarly, there are brands, which sell connected safety glasses with augmented reality components. People get real-time feedback that assists them and adheres to safe working practices upon using the equipment. as an example, the tool can access visual references of complicated procedures, involve support or check out checklists. The glasses will have a voice-recording constituent, so people can document the processes they are going through and keep their hands free.

Install Integrated Building Safety Systems

IIoT is getting so advanced that the majority of buildings today have several technologies installed in them, all associated with integrated safety systems. Besides, many school organizations also are incorporating highly-advanced IoT safety systems within the sort of alarm buttons. for instance, an individual can press the alarm button during a dangerous circumstance which will involve internal and external authorities for help.

Additionally, schools even have smart lights that assist people to acknowledge a building’s safe zones and warn them of possible danger close at hand. When considering any IIoT project, companies got to sure they need the right power supplies to handle the shift. as an example, it’s going to be essential to put in industrial-grade electrical receptacles to assist projects in running effortlessly.

Integrated building safety systems are in high demand thanks to growing occurrences like school shootings. The incidences also are seen entering the sector of producing and can be widespread within the upcoming years. for instance, during a recent gun attack incident, a gunman killed five employees of a producing plant. The illustration showcases how manufacturers got to take severe actions in bringing safety solutions for his or her enterprise.

Continuing to specialize in IIoT Security to make sure Safety

Even the foremost highly developed IIoT systems may remain vulnerable to threats from cybercriminals. Following the rationale is why manufacturing companies should integrate cybersecurity technology into their safety checks. Some industry experts think that companies within the manufacturing sector and otherwise need to make IIoT cybersecurity a priority.

If businesses don’t take precautions, then there’s a risk of connected equipment malfunctioning and causing harm to people in close proximity. Moreover, if hackers gain access to linked machinery and make it add ways in which are unnoticeable for a short time, they will make the equipment defective.

For the explanations mentioned above et al. , IIoT security may be a top trend to observe and can remain so for the foreseeable future. Besides, a rising number of producing companies and businesses from other sectors are beginning to understand the importance of cybersecurity. Additionally, they know that overlooking security could significantly hinder their IIoT investments and negatively affect safety.

Using Location-Based Analytics and Real-Time Location Systems for Improved IIoT Safety

Industries like healthcare use real-time location systems (RTLS) to trace people and assets. However, there are businesses developing platforms that bring sensor technology and RTLS to the economic sector. one among the chief uses of the system is to work out when people enter and leave the workplace.

But, from a security point of view, the system will have notable features. for instance, the tool can give warnings if unauthorized people walk into restricted areas. Moreover, the system can hook up with a push button that lets individuals involve aid and send assistance to their precise location. within the case of evacuations, the technology shows what percentage people have reached the designated safe meeting points, and if anybody got left behind. Examining to ascertain if people are where they ought to be at a particular point in time may be a fundamental part of keeping them safe. Systems that provide supervisors with location-based data from RTLS help them confirm their employees are staying out of harm’s way.

In the present day, there are various sets of technologies that are available within the market today. The tools are easily accessible and align with the connected nature of the IIoT and assist in preventing accidents and other catastrophes. So, safety should be a primary concern for any enterprise when implementing any IIoT technology.

Check Out: Manufacturing Technology Insights For more manufacturing technology news, articles, and insights.

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