Reference no: EM132223319
Manufacturer Weighs Converting to Internet of Things. You are a member of the plant information systems group for a small manufacturer of all-natural ingredient cosmetics. Your firm promotes itself as adhering to the highest standards of compliance and quality. Manufacturing is rigorously monitored via sensors and computer controls throughout the entire process, and automated temperature controls ensure complete stability in the manufacturing environment. Sensor tracking is performed from the moment that raw materials enter your facility, throughout the manufacturing process, packaging, and on to distribution. The sensors and computer controls were installed when the plant was built in the 1990s. They employ proprietary communications protocols and are not Internet enabled. Data from these sensors is monitored by a group of three technicians in the computer control room. Twelve workers are required to staff the control room 24/7, including weekends and most holidays.
Your company just purchased a plant previously owned by one of your competitors in a nearby state. Your group has been asked to look at the feasibility of upgrading the sensors used in both plants to Internet-enabled sensors connected to the Internet of Things. It is estimated that the cost of replacing the existing sensors and converting to the Internet of Things is in the vicinity of $1.5 million.
What is the greatest tangible benefit likely to arise from replacing the sensors so that they operate on the Internet of Things?
a. Missing and incomplete sensor data will be eliminated.
b. It will be possible to monitor sensor data in real time, thus cutting down reaction time when potential problems arise.
c. Conversion to the Internet of Things will increase the level of security and access control associated with devices used to control the operation of the plant.
d. Technicians in one control room will be able to monitor the operation of both plants, thus eliminating the need for a second set of control room workers.