by I2DS | Mar 2, 2023 | Blogs
Data Analytics, is it just a fancy name? Is Data Analytics important for all businesses? Is Data Analytics just another business fad, or does it have commercial and strategic importance? These questions are bound to arise, because of the hype Data Analytics have been getting recently. So let’s take these questions down on-by-one and see if we can gain any clarity on this. Data Analytics Solutions are basically computer based, software applications that enable fast and accurate analysis of relevant process metrics. It is more than a fancy name in-fact; data analysis is one of the most important facets of process management. Without relevant and actionable information generated from the process, it is practically impossible to operate the process with high efficiency and achieve profitability.
Data Analytics software have universal applicability and can be designed for any process, it can be as simple as an application developed to monitor the performance of cashiers at a small bank or as complex as an application to analyze the process efficiency and performance of space craft production. Depending on the process and the process metrics the design and coverage area of the application would vary, but as far as relevance is concerned, data analytics solutions are applicable and desirable for all businesses. Data Analytics are not a management fad because they play a crucial role in management and can lead to improvement of the process and add to the bottom-line. These applications enable real-time decision making and ensure that the process remains efficient and the management effective. I believe Data Analytics have vast commercial and strategic importance; these applications have the potential of not only improving existing process and profitability but can also pave the way to process innovation and aid better management and decision making.
There are many companies that provide data analytics software applications; however one needs to tread very carefully when selecting a technology partner. For any software application to be successful, it is very important that it is process specific and provides the desired functionality to the process owners. If a software application as strategic as a data analytics application goes wrong, during design or implementation the results can be catastrophic. The choice of right technology partner is thus a vital choice.
I2DS is all set to introduce it very or data analytics product suite, called the ‘Intelistat’, this application is the next big thing in the data analytics product space. Intelistat has the most advanced statistical tools that go beyond trend charts and simple statistics, the major focus of the makers is to design an application that can help apply six-sigma, lean or lean-six-sigma. The beauty of the product is its flexibility in design and its capability to adapt and improve any process. The back-bone of the application is such that it can easily apply to a myriad of operations and processes. I2DS has already made a name in the MES, Factory automation and Database management market, now its next target is the data analytics domain. The product suite is all set to launch later this month. To know more about, Intelistat just write into us at info@i2ds.com or hit the Request Live Demo tab on this web-page.
by I2DS | Feb 28, 2023 | Blogs
FIS stands for Factory Information System; it is an application which is considered crucial by automation experts. There are many versions and variants in which an FIS can be applied in a factory but we will look into that part a bit later in the article. Right now let’s focus on what an FIS really is and what makes it so necessary for modern factories. To begin with let us focus on the value of information, and the need to have real time info about the factory floor. Every manager irrespective of position or function will agree with me when I say that the correct information obtained at the right time is considered priceless. The reason behind this statement is that information that is gained a little too late has already caused some amount of damage, even though it might not be palpable at that point of time.
There is an ever present need to obtain information at the right time and for that information to reach the right person. Let us imagine a scenario where an engineer notes a leakage from a very expensive piece of machinery, he changes the seal which was causing the leakage and notes it in his journal. This particular episode is not noted any where else and the maintenance manager remains completely unaware of the event. Now, the leak still persists and is noted by another engineer, he too does what the first engineer had done. This way the root cause of the problem remains undetected, till it is brought to the manager’s notice and by the time an important part of the machinery has already failed. This causes losses that are multifaceted in nature; there is loss of money, machine up-time, labor, spare parts etc.
Such events and losses become hard to miss when an FIS system is in place. The FIS system is designed to record every event on the factory floor and can be viewed by the entire factory team. This application can also be used to provide training, inspiration and motivation to the workforce. However like I had mentioned earlier the functionality of the application can be defined by the management committee in-charge of deciding the extent and features of the application. The key thing is to realize the importance of the application to begin with and then comes the features and functionality of the application.
I2DS has developed a unique FIS solution. Our FIS system is truly at the forefront of technological advancements in the manufacturing space. It enables rapid data communication from the production floor and provides the organization with a real-time status on equipment status, WIP profile, and other factory metrics. We at I2DS realize the importance of process related information and how the flow of this information can affect the bottom line of your organization. Our FIS gives management a complete picture of what is happening on their Factory Floor, this helps better and faster decision making, that in turn increases organizational flexibility and aids continuous improvement.
Factory Information Systems help you better utilize your equipment, make better tactical plans, improve cycle time, locate and relieve bottlenecks and achieve your true capacity. FIS system can provide above mentioned functionalities because it makes all the important metrics available for analysis and subsequent decision making in real-time. FIS Technology if used effectively can change the way your factory operates, let I2DS be your automation partner and reach the pinnacle of efficiency and profit optimization. To get an experience of our amazing FIS solution and other Factory Automation Solutions e-mail us right away at info@i2ds.com
by I2DS | Feb 7, 2023 | Blogs
Is Safety the first priority in your Organization? Is worker safety and a hazard free working environment really what you strive for? It is seen that many organizations have fancy policies and documents portraying the concern they have for the safety of their workforce, but the reality is very different. These protocols and procedures that organizations claim to have in place are generally to achieve documentary compliance for various certifications and audits, with the end-goal remaining a boost in profits. Safety, however remain neglected and procedures become a joke if they are not practiced as is, any leeway that occurs in safety procedures no matter how trivial, can prove to be very costly. If we look at tragedy’s that have previously occurred, such as the Oil spill in the Pacific, Gas Tragedy in India and nuclear blast in Russia, all of them could have been avoided if safety policies and procedures were robust and well adhered to.
Even in organizations which do not pose an overt threat to workers or the environment, safety is the most basic and primary need for any individual and the duty of the management of any organization to fulfill this need is implied. As per Abraham Maslow’s theory about ‘Hierarchy of needs’, Safety, at the workplace is then first and foremost need of any worker. So when we say Safety First, we should mean it and work towards achieving it, because no one would like to work in an unsafe working environment. The life of a person is of the highest value and to ensure the safety of workers the highest responsibility of any organization. Many management practices like Poka Yoke widely practiced in Japan aims to fool-proof a given process in terms of operations in lean manufacturing, but similar processes can be used in Safety from a Safety Management point of view. The trick is to make a safety procedure both effective and efficient at the same time and this can be done using IT.
Today there are various industrial safety standards around the world that are helping Organizations better understand and develop safety related policies and procedures, OSHA Act 1970 USA- Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act, is one such example, where a clearly defined set of rules have to be adhered to for Safety and Health. Almost every country has similar rules for the minimum safety requirements for industrial establishments. Companies around the world need to better monitor and achieve these safety standards, but the problem that they face is that the efforts made for safety management are not fully integrated, there is a need for a system that would provide a greater insight on what is happening and what needs to be done for safety across the entire Organization.
The need is to truly believe in the Mantra- ‘Safety First.’, and practice it through IT solutions. Today there are many products in the market which are helping organizations streamline their Safety efforts and thereby achieve a cost effective yet robust management, to ensure a safe working environment. Automated systems today are capable of providing features ranging from risk-assessment to providing safety training. With a right IT application the possibilities become limitless. But, it is very important to understand your own needs first before jumping for a solution. You need to first understand the industry practices for safety, then compare them with your current system and establish what needs to be automated and why. Then you need to work with a competent vendor, who understands your industry’s requirement and can achieve the safety level you desire, with minimum efforts and cost. So if you really want a Safe working environment, you need to think safety, plan for safety and act for safety, but with an IT perspective to make a fool-proof, robust and cost-effective safety solution.
by I2DS | Feb 6, 2023 | Blogs
Quality, Speed, Dependability, Flexibility and Cost, these are the vital competitive priorities that are considered most crucial for Organizations today. All these parameters are dependent on the availability of relevant and potent information. It is the acquisition and manipulation of the right information that has helped market leaders get the no. 1 spot in their respective industries. To acquire correct information, data collection, database management and data processing is mandatory. Organizations today lay a great emphasis on collection of data generated both inside the organization and outside.
Let’s first consider the importance of Data, its management and why is it so important to have robust data architecture? Each Organization in the world generates large volumes of Data every day, every hour, every minute; practically all the time. However this data becomes useless if not stored in a proper Database and not processed in a strong Database Management System. Today IT is the biggest concern globally and opposed to normal belief these concerns are not being eliminated rather they are escalating, as the products being manufactured worldwide are becoming more and more complex and the need to have the right info as and when required is more intense than ever.
The process of achieving a robust IT infrastructure begins with the purchase of the right hardware, followed by the correct software applications. The right database architecture and features like, data mining, data processing and data reports are very important for a successful IT implementation. At I2DS we have a strong belief that the results achieved today should amplify and improve in the future. We provide the best knowledge management services in the industry today, because we plan for tomorrow by applying solutions today. With I2DS as your Data Management partner you can achieve the desired level of data proficiency today and also plan for the future. We are committed to providing the right solutions for you.
I2DS provides many solutions and services such as- Data Management, Factory Automation, Factory MES, Manufacturing Excellence and IT/Software services. Our verticals have been designed specially to provide integrated platforms, which have the functionality of converting raw data to information and providing seamless information to achieve smooth learning resulting in an Organization wide Knowledge Base. So if you are an Organization that plans for future success with the application of right solutions today, if you wish to incorporate Organizational learning in your culture, I2DS is the best choice for you. Just e-mail us at info@i2ds.com and we will get back to you with the best possible solution for your data management needs.
by I2DS | Jan 31, 2023 | Blogs
What is profitability? Is it just making more and more money? Is it the blind pursuit of profit where no attention should be paid to the means of achieving it? The views on profitability might differ drastically depending on many socio-economic factors, what is important is that we realize why profitability is perceived differently around the world and what should be the true meaning of profitability in today’s economic environment. Profitability is perceived and pursued differently in different regions of the world and this difference arises due to the country’s economic maturity and the society’s general beliefs and its perception business ethics. Ideally any organization in business wants to achieve profit maximization, which is a valid thought; increasing value for the stakeholders is the number 1 priority of all firms. But it is the means of achieving higher profitability that becomes important in present context.
Sustainable Profitability, Social Responsibility and Ethical Conduct are a few aspects of modern theory of profitability and profit maximization cannot occur at the expense of these aspects. To achieve such profitability the organization needs thorough understanding of its own capabilities and its external environment. Let’s concentrate on the term Sustainable Profitability, and how can it be achieved in manufacturing operations considering the drastic changes in customer preferences, high speed of technological development and growing global competition. Sustainable Profitability comprises the achievement of maximum possible profitability under the given set of conditions and the effort required to sustain it in the given market conditions. Yes, sustaining long term profits is much more important than earning massive profits in the short term. In Manufacturing Industry, achieving higher sustained profitability is a function of productivity, which is both optimized and flexible. When we say optimized productivity we mean that the process produces the best possible output with the given resources, technology and employee skills, at minimal cost. When we say flexible productivity we mean productivity that is capable of reacting and adjusting to environmental changes, which are mostly uncertain. For a process to achieve sustainable profits, it should be both optimal and flexible at the same time.
This desired productivity, is again a function of automation and technical competence of the process and how well it is managed and controlled. To achieve process automation and reach the desired level of efficiency and flexibility, it is extremely important that IT applications like MES are considered. Successful MES applications have the power to combine the two most important facets of better productivity which are Operations Management and Technology. These are the two factors that can make an ordinary operation a very efficient and successful one. An MES application combines both these facets of Operation; it is a combination of Information Technology and Operations Management. Manufacturing Organizations can benefit immensely by the application of MES application, as it provides both automation but also Integration of their entire production process under one comprehensive system. But choosing just any MES application can be very risky and lead to massive losses and develop a negative attitude in the workforce.
To be able to design the perfect MES application, expertise in both Technology and Ops Management are prerequisites. As I mentioned earlier, every manufacturing process has some unique attributes, an MES provider should be able to assess these unique feature and use them in the MES application so as to further benefit the customer’s Organization. I2DS is one such company that can boast of expertise in both Information Technology and Operations Management. The team of experts at I2DS has worked for few of the top organizations world wide and is renowned for its skills in Factory Automation, Information Technology, Data Management and Operation Management. This means that the team does not take any manufacturing process for granted, each process is carefully analyzed to determine the scope and functionality of an MES application.
I2DS brings more to the table than any other MES application provider in the industry. Every MES solution provided is tailor made to suit the present and future technology of the client, with the main aim of making Operation Management more efficient and decision making more concrete. If you also value Technology and Operations Management and believe that your MES application should facilitate these factors, I2DS is the best partner for you. To know more about our solution or to get your process analyzed by our panel of experts, e-mail us at info@i2ds.com or hit the Request Live Demo tab on this webpage and we will get back to you.
by I2DS | Jan 30, 2023 | Blogs
Information Technology is one of the most important areas of strategic planning and decision making for modern day organizations. IT decisions become even more critical because the top management of most organizations have limited knowledge of IT applications and relevant costs. All organizations feel the need to implement better IT infrastructure, but how to go about it, remains a crucial question. In most organizations IT services are outsourced, this makes sense considering the need to concentrate on core competencies. But while outsourcing IT services and applications it is important to understand the implications involved and take a decision after weighing the pros and cons of the situation.
It is indeed necessary to implement better IT infrastructure and have the operation of the organization automated. However, one should remember that once a mistake is made in choosing the right application or the right technology partner, it would be very difficult to deal with repercussions if the project does not work as desired. Even when purchasing a simple inventory or accounting software, it is important to understand the functionality that is desired and the functionality being offered by the selected product. As IT products become more advanced, the process of choosing the right application becomes more and more complex.
For companies that manufacture products, irrespective of their process, an MES application is highly desired to achieve a high level of automation and integration. There are many players in the MES market and all of them claim to have the best product. But what you need to look out for is whether that MES application suits your operations or not. Buying an Off The Shelf MES application has many implications, such as, there would be a need to change your process to suit the application, due to the changes made in the process the level of resistance received from the work force will be a lot higher and there are many other problems that may arise depending on the application selected and the degree of change to be made in the production process. I am strictly against the philosophy of ‘One size fits all’, especially in the case of MES applications.
I think it is easier to design an application that can automate and integrate the present process, as is, without making substantial changes in the process. Tailor made MES applications have proven to perform better and face lesser resistance from the work force. While making the decision of acquiring an MES application for your Factory, please remember that you should work with a company that understands operations in your industry and is willing to design a product to improve and integrate your current operations rather than change it completely. I2DS is one such company, we believe that every production process is unique and has different internal and external environments. We believe that a thorough study of a production process and an in depth research of the entire operation is required before designing and implementing an MES application.
I2DS has the most revered team of professionals both from IT and Ops Management background and our team of experts design our MES applications to better suit your process. If you need an MES application, get in touch with us and we will guide you towards a better more efficient solution, which will truly fulfill your needs of automaton and integration. We will visit your plant, analyze your process and then guide you towards an MES solution that will deliver the desired functionality. So what are you waiting for, e-mail us at info@i2ds.com or just hit the Request Live Demo, Tab and we will surely get back to you.
