What Is IoT in Manufacturing?
The Internet of Things (IoT), or connected devices, continues to evolve at a rapid pace. IoT refers to devices connected to a network that collect, share and act on information. People use many IoT devices to make their personal lives easier, such as:
- Termostatos
- Security cameras
- Door locks
Many industries use IoT devices to improve efficiencies and safety. In fact, 71% of manufacturers used IoT devices in 2019.1 The reasons for using them are clear. They can keep employees safer and healthier, while also lowering operating costs.
One way manufacturers can use IoT is with sensors. Putting a sensor on machines can help pinpoint a failure or breakdown. They can also use these sensors for predictive maintenance. This sends an alert when a machine needs servicing. Moving away from a regular maintenance schedule can improve operations and lower costs.
Other examples of IoT devices include:
- Connected cameras (imagery) to detect risk in workplaces. This can improve safety, quality and productivity.
- Wearables worn on the body to help reduce the risk of injury and improve workers’ safety.
- Water damage prevention technology to monitor water, temperature, humidity and flow. This can reduce the risk of property damage and business interruption from accidental water events.
At The Hartford, our goal is to work with our customers to find IoT solutions for their most disruptive business problems. For manufacturing clients, that means focusing on using imagery and wearable devices.
Industrial IoT and Imagery
Many manufacturing facilities already use cameras in the workplace. IoT imagery software connects to existing cameras. It uses computer vision to identify safety risks. It can trigger real-time alerts of unsafe behavior and uncover areas to promote a safer work environment.
Cameras with artificial intelligence software can help improve compliance with safety protocols, such as:
- Wearing safety equipment such as vests, gloves, glasses
- Abiding by forklift zones and speed limits
- Ensuring proper clean up to prevent slip and fall accidents
- Improving ergonomics
Imagery can also be used to identify incidents as they happen, like slips and falls.
Using Wearable Technology in Smart Manufacturing
People use wearable technology, such as fitness trackers, on a daily basis to personally track their goals and overall health.
Wearables are also a type of IoT that can help improve worker safety and reduce job-related injuries and illnesses. This can help lower the number of workers’ compensation insurance claims.
Manufacturers can use wearable technology to:
- Improve ergonomics
- Track employee location during a crisis
- Detect falls
Some wearable devices that can help keep manufacturing workers safe include:
- Belts that help improve ergonomics and can track movement in the workplace.
- Vests that monitor environmental conditions, air quality and noise levels.
- Gloves, which record data on how workers use their hands and wrists on the job.
- Armbands to track how often a worker is pushing or pulling repetitively for their work.
- Straps worn around the chest or other body part to monitor ergonomics or detect worker falls.
The Hartford’s IoT Innovation Lab
The Hartford’s IoT Innovation Lab sees connected devices as an opportunity to reduce potential insurance losses. It can also raise awareness around safety risks in manufacturing workplaces. The team uses these devices to:
- Predict and prevent losses
- Provide valuable insights to customers with data and information collected
Our Innovation Lab works with you and your clients to help them find industrial IoT solutions for their problems. Email our IoT Innovation Lab or reach out to your Hartford representative to talk about how we can partner with you to lower the total cost of risk.
1 PricewaterhouseCoopers, “2019 Internet of Things Survey: IoT Makes Industrial Manufacturers ‘Smart’”
2 Industrial Internet Consortium, “Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Key Insights & Future Trends”
La información proporcionada en estos materiales brinda información general y de asesoría. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford does not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation contained herein will: (i) result in the elimination of any unsafe conditions at your business locations or with respect to your business operations; or (ii) be an appropriate legal or business practice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards or legal compliance with respect to your business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business premises, locations or operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. Readers seeking to resolve specific safety, legal or business issues or concerns related to the information provided in these materials should consult their safety consultant, attorney or business advisors. All information and representations herein are as of October 2020.