Today’s tissue converters are serving customers who expect fast turnarounds and minimal downtime. Finding ways to be more cost-effective, efficient and focused on production is a top priority.
Manufacturers over the world recognize that adopting technology is key to meeting customer demand, with advancements in the internet of things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and wearables transforming how products are designed, manufactured and serviced, according to a World Economic Forum white paper
In particular, wearables are gaining traction as a versatile way of incorporating remote monitoring and service capabilities into their business models. This market is predicted to grow to nearly $5 billion by 2020, and perhaps larger, as ongoing pilot programs have produced attention-grabbing results. Testers reported up to a 25% increase in operator productivity, significant decreases in required training time as well as some health and safety improvements.
Tissue converters can realize significant benefits from wearables, especially in combination with augmented reality and virtual reality. Remote monitoring and service capabilities at this advanced technological level provide:
- Increased productivity through enhanced communication, data digitization, and Internet of Things (IoT) integration
- Reduced lead times and consistent quality since remote verification, design changes and troubleshooting can happen in real time during production
- Efficient training opportunities that reduce training costs and time commitment while simultaneously building operator effectiveness in a position or on a device
- Proactive customer service that shortens downtimes and increases the value of products and services
In turn, these advantages have a direct impact on how well manufacturers — including tissue converters — can provide service that exceeds their customers’ expectations and strengthen those relationships.
Weareable Glasses
Fabio Perini North America has taken the lead in helping tissue converters leverage this valuable technology. Our Weareable Glasses provide technicians with an augmented reality that allows them to show machine issue via remote, interconnected sharing with an expert to troubleshoot machine problems. It also provides the ability to tag equipment assets with digital notes to help visualize data or prioritize work as well as guide operators through repairs and adjustments via step-by-step instructions and video-based procedures.
