Description

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can be leveraged to transform the production aspect and future potential of the automotive manufacturing business. Though evolving technologies play a key role in fostering the automotive business, it is crucial that automotive manufacturers stay connected in order to amalgamate different technologies like machine learning, Big Data, sensor data, machine-to-machine communication, and automation. This will make the best use of IIoT, which would in turn result in gaining a competitive edge and open new revenue streams for the auto makers in the market.

OEMs and suppliers can achieve significant operational cost benefits throughout the automotive value chain by adopting IIoT. Smart factories are anticipated to increase labor productivity, improve process efficiency, enable mass customization, identify value-add services and provide optimization opportunities for automotive manufacturers. Companies such as BMW, Audi and Daimler have significantly invested in digitization initiatives across different manufacturing process, right from design to vehicle production.

OEMs are the primary adopters of Industry 4.0. However, automotive suppliers are trailing behind in adopting smart factories due to lack of leadership commitments, lack of understanding of potential use cases, and limited budget allocation. It is essential for automotive suppliers to catch up on digital initiatives; if not, additional expenses will be incurred at OEM production facilities, which would jeopardize benefits across the ecosystem. Suppliers should identify compelling business cases and demonstrate their value through pilot programs in order to attract funding and bridge the significant investment gap.

Automakers need to adopt a multipronged approach to creating relevant business models that embrace IoT-enabled capabilities. In addition, maintaining and updating complex systems from in-house/remote locations, possible cyber attacks over the connected networks, adhering to standards of local networks for bandwidth and latency, maintaining process integrity and IP protection, and making immediate investments in evolving technologies are possible challenges to IIoT adoption in a manufacturing facility. However, continuous monitoring of transformation needs would help the automaker develop a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges.