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Machine building

Why smart machines are a game-changer

Your customers’ requirements are changing

The global labor shortage goes hand in hand with changing end-user needs. To help manufacturers address these issues, you as a machine builder must design machines that are both smart and high-performing. Such machines are essential for efficient production, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This is where intelligent and connected components come in: They increase operational efficiency, minimize downtime and facilitate automated manufacturing processes, allowing your customers to maintain high levels of productivity despite the skills shortage. And with a cybersecure connection to the cloud, they can reap the benefits of big data, including digital twins, remote monitoring and preventive maintenance.
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3 of the top 5 most significant priorities reported for machine buyers regarding their new machine designs*.

1. High performing with minimal downtime & production delays

2. Digital/software capabilities

3. Access to data (e.g. sensors, telemetry data)

“The customers are looking at almost having these machines run themselves, I mean being totally, completely automated where… they put in their product specifications and almost turnkey push a button.”

Manufacturing Engineer, 1,000-4,999 empls, USA

Impact of the labor shortage on machine manufacturers

We’ve just published an in-depth report examining the impact of the labor shortage on the machine manufacturing industry, which was created on our behalf by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The results, based on a survey of 300 decision-makers and six interviews with industry leaders, are intriguing. The report highlights both the scale of the problem and how machine builders on both sides of the Atlantic are working to mitigate its effects, both for themselves and for their customers.
Download the report

How smart machines deliver performance

Automatic data collection & processing

By collecting and processing data automatically, smart machines improve operational efficiency, for instance through predictive maintenance.

Faster calculations

Smart machines execute calculations at much faster rates, enabling your customer to solve complex problems that were previously out of reach.

Automated processes

Smart machines enable automated processes that enhance productivity, reduce training time, minimize error and decrease the dependency on extensive technical expertise.

The 6 major benefits of smart machines

Intelligent machines can automate manual tasks like assembly, inspection and maintenance, reducing the need for skilled workers and freeing up time for more value-added activities. And thanks to intuitive interfaces, self-learning capabilities and insightful data, they can also be operated by less-skilled workers.
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Intelligent machines can perform tasks faster, more accurately and more consistently than human workers, resulting in higher productivity and quality. They can also communicate with each other and with other systems, creating a connected and optimized factory. And they can adapt to changing conditions and customer demands, enabling more flexibility and customization.
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Smart machines enhance competitiveness by optimizing efficiency, costs and product quality;they drive innovation through faster research and development (R&D), improved connectivity and greater customization; and they boost customer satisfaction with tailor-made products of superior quality, delivered in less time.
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Data insights play a pivotal role in enhancing machine performance and uptime, from predictive maintenance to quality control, energy efficiency and supply chain integration. They are also crucial for the deployment of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). State-of-the-art encryption ensures safe data transfer to the cloud and the cybersecure integration of third-party service providers.
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High-performing machines are typically more precise and consistent than human workers, as data-driven remote management, control and analytics lead to fewer errors and less waste. 

 

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The use of advanced machinery can make the work more appealing to tech-savvy younger generations, helping to attract new talent. And by reducing the physical strain and repetitive nature of some tasks, they can improve working conditions, which contributes to employee retention.
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We can help you design smart machines

We also provide engineering support for creating intuitive interface designs. The application engineers on our Solution Team are available to assist you with the complete design of your machine, from the selection of the right components to the programming of advanced features.

Contact our engineering support team

Discover how your peers worked with Eaton to build smart data-driven machines

Discover how Labor Shortage impacts machine builders

Discover our product offerings

Ask an expert

*Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research, Custom Research Commissioned by Eaton
Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy and helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges.
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