SAS, Nanyang Poly Unveils Industry 4.0 Solution for SMEs
Analytics software maker SAS has announced a collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) to help small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers in Singapore tap into advanced analytics.
Specifically, a team at NYP’s School of Engineering has developed an enterprise-to-shopfloor platform to help precision-engineering manufacturers boost productivity and growth.
A platform for precision manufacturers
According to NYP, the platform leverages SAS Institute’s data analytics and visualization capabilities which offers a predictive analytics system to help businesses conduct near-accurate supply and demand forecasting using past data to forecast raw materials required during specific periods.
Moreover, a real-time machine-vision solution inspects production parts for defects as part of quality control management, while digital automation serves to enhance product quality assurance. Finally, an enhanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that is fully customizable enables companies to optimize their manufacturing operations and increase production efficiency.
Harnessing AI and the cloud, the platform has shown a significant increase in operational effectiveness through predictive analytics and forecasting and enabling a 100 percent sampling of parts.
The prototype MES is currently undergoing production trials at Sanwa Plastic Industry, which has reported a 15 percent increase in machine utilization. This was achieved with more efficient scheduling of jobs on the shopfloor – a mold usually requires 100 or more machined metal components, with each component undergoing a stringent quality control check before use.
“As SMEs strive towards achieving Singapore’s Smart Nation goals, we are excited to partner [with] SAS to help local manufacturers seize business opportunities in their digitalization journey and uncover ways to optimize their operational efficiency,” said Dr. Vinn Prabh, the deputy director at NYP’s School of Engineering.
“Through this collaboration with SAS, we aim to co-create meaningful solutions to propel the next generation of manufacturing technologies, while concurrently mentoring our learners to be better prepared for the future workplace,” he said.
“Through this project, we have seen how analytics has successfully helped to improve the machine utilization rates for an SME manufacturer, significantly boosting their productivity,” said Lim Hsin Yin, the managing director of SAS Institute in Singapore.
“We are also proud to have developed the AI machine vision to improve quality control in manufacturing. We will continue to offer innovative AI and cloud solutions to help empower manufacturers with data-driven insights in their decision-making.”
Image credit: iStockphoto/KevTate999
