Pratiti Technologies

Tag: Industry 4.0

  • Application of Virtual Reality in Renewable Energy

    Application of Virtual Reality in Renewable Energy

    Clients Requirements:

    Our client builds, owns and operates power plants powered by renewable sources of energy like solar and wind. They have built the largest Solar power generation entity in the country. The group has a portfolio of 2500 MW of Solar power generation capacity in the country.

    Business Challenge:

    The solar power plants are spread across the country. To meet the demand and contractual obligations, these plants should be operational throughout the duration and the energy generation efficiency should be optimum. This is taken care by the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team. This work needs continuous monitoring of the equipment as well as very skilled people to perform the maintenance activity in such a hazardous area.

    The O&M team had reported some fatal accidents where the desired safety precautions were not followed while carrying out the procedure. This resulted in unplanned downtime and injuries. One of the root-causes was identified as a lack of effective training of maintenance personnel.

    To increase the effectiveness of training, they wanted to build a Virtual Reality (VR) based technology solution, which provides highly immersive training to the user with the help of a head mounted display, coupled with 6 Degrees of Freedom controllers.

    Know more about how Pratiti delivered the solution as required by the client and the Benefits, fill the form to download the detailed case study.

    Download The Case Study

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      Nitin

      Pratiti Technologies

      Pratiti was founded in 2015 to help global customers realize their innovations faster. Cloud technology, Artificial Intelligence, IoT and Mobility technologies driving disruptions in all businesses globally. Pratiti is becoming a partner of choice for technology partnership for outsourced product development (OPD) for Startups as well as Enterprises.

    • How IoT Is Helping Solve Efficiency Problem In The Manufacturing Industry With Industry 4.0?

      How IoT Is Helping Solve Efficiency Problem In The Manufacturing Industry With Industry 4.0?

      Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 together are changing the face of the manufacturing industry, making manufacturing processes smarter and more data-driven. Prior to these getting introduced, manufacturers were tied up with daily operational tasks with limited time to spend on strategies. A lot of data was gathered around vendors, customers, product demand, supply chain, and related important sections but to utilize the data to get sight full results weren’t easy in absence of Industry 4.0.
      Moreover, low efficiency, high supply chain-related costs, and the lack of innovation was an add on. These concerns are now a thing of the past with Industry 4.0 transforming processes and IoT makings its way onto the production floor. Machine-to-machine communication is digitizing factories and production floors by decentralizing control, while IoT-enabled sensors are automating the workflow through smart IoT devices. Moreover, the industrial assistance systems are now being added, which use intelligent communication and Augmented Reality /Virtual Reality to offload the burden on human resources by enhancing production efficiency and driving productivity. It should be noted that decentralizing production has caused a paradigm shift in the manufacturing sector. Today, floor and factory equipment are not simply products; they are intelligent, smart products that can communicate with each other, provide instructions, and share information.

      IOTizing Automation

      IoT and Industry 4.0 share a mutual connection: Industry 4.0 always uses IoT or Intranet of Things for digitizing the manufacturing processes. All devices, equipment, robots, tools, and simulations used in Industry 4.0 have IoT-enabled sensors that regularly communicate and exchange data. Therefore, automation and IoT work in tandem, but the ambit and the range of possibilities, IoT introduces to automation are limitless. Though the flooding of new technologies can prove overwhelming for many, sorting and selecting the key automation goals can be very beneficial for manufacturers.

      A quick glance into history will affirm that automation and IoT are not new for manufacturers. They have already been using robots and sensors connected to servers to automate tedious and monotonous manufacturing processes, but today, technology has moved beyond simple data gathering. Manufacturers are now working in a digital, connected environment. This near-real-time insight for optimizing processes is new for manufacturers. They can work this arrangement to their benefit by leveraging the data generated from smart, connected systems to distinguish their services and recognize new revenue opportunities. Data from machines on the shop floor can be fed into the cloud-based Manufacturing Operations System (MOM) to manage manufacturing operations more efficiently. Real-time data analysis by MOM/MES will offer complete visibility into, control of, and sync between inventory and production, thereby guaranteeing quality is always maintained.

      Complete Manufacturing Visibility

      Smart factories are now a reality, but it doesn’t stop there. Manufacturers still have plenty to gain by becoming more in tune with machines and devices. The greatest potential for IoT in conjunction with Industry 4.0 will be complete supplier visibility: Information about every component or product can be easily tracked, right from the manufacturing start to the final destination.

      IoT-enabled sensors in automated systems can be used, instead of the human judgment, to monitor the performance of floor equipment and machines. Sensor data generated from different parts of the manufacturing floor can be leveraged to track equipment condition. Machinery data can be used to adjust workflows, remove inefficient practices, monitor capacity erosion, and eliminate line performance bottlenecks. With predictive maintenance, sensors can inform when machines need servicing to prevent breakdown, and in the event of a breakdown, data can be analyzed to find out the root cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

      When machines and equipment are operating efficiently, quality and production get augmented as up-time is higher, equipment is effective, scrap is less, rework is minimal, and operating costs are low. Floor operators are more engaged, and front-line workers and management have all the necessary information for greater responsiveness, accountability, and ownership, thereby ensuring complete manufacturing supply chain visibility.

      Conclusion

      IoT and Industry 4.0 can be combined to create the digital twin of a manufacturing plant. Data from all sensors can be gathered in a big database of IoT Platforms, and a new enterprise software system can be developed basis the data. The software system, replete with alerts, dashboards, and reports would provide a clear picture of the current status and operational efficiency of each machine & manufacturing process. Data and reports can also be used to drive continuous improvement across the manufacturing plant. We employed the same technique for a leading client from the injection molding industry, and it resulted in enhanced process efficiencies for our client.

      By connecting automated production technologies and smart manufacturing processes, IoT and Industry 4.0 are building a new manufacturing landscape, which is smartly automated and all set to transform the manufacturing value chain and business model in the days ahead.

      Our Services

      Digital Twin Platform | Healthcare Software Development | Solar Energy Analytics | Digital Product Development

      Nitin

      Nitin Tappe

      After successful stint in a corporate role, Nitin is back to what he enjoys most – conceptualizing new software solutions to solve business problems. Nitin is a postgraduate from IIT, Mumbai, India and in his 24 years of career, has played key roles in building a desktop as well as enterprise solutions right from idealization to launch which are adopted by many Fortune 500 companies. As a Founder member of Pratiti Technologies, he is committed to applying his management learning as well as the passion for building new solutions to realize your innovation with certainty.

    • What Will it Take to Realize the Promise of IoT

      What Will it Take to Realize the Promise of IoT

      IoT Why now? What’s new? : Did you know the term “Internet of Things” (IoT) was coined way back in 1999? Some of the key elements of IoT have been around for a pretty long time. Oil fields, for instance, have had 1000s of sensors for quite some time. SCADA systems have been around since the 1960s. What’s new is the ability to connect billions of sensors/devices to the Internet. What’s new, is the ability to analyze petabytes of data streaming in from these devices, and then to drive decisions. Also what’s new, is that devices have become a lot smarter with better processing capability and lower cost. The convergence of these developments has created a powerful mix. So much so, that IoT is expected to drive the next Industrial Revolution – Industry 4.0. The convergence has also created a powerful set of expectations. So much so, that IoT sits right on top of Gartner’s Hype Cycle.

      Is it overhyped?

      Near-term value: Over the next 3-5 years, IoT will definitely transform certain processes across some industries/environments

      Inhibitors: However, significant hurdles will have to be overcome, to quickly cross the “Trough of Disillusionment”, and realize the full potential.

      Monetization: A lot of value will come from integration, and novel business models will be needed to share this value equitably amongst the participants.

      Near-term value

      IoT indeed is for everyone. It is useful to think of a maturity model for IoT. Wherever you may be on this model, chances are there is some implementation / upgrade that will be appropriate for you in the near future.

      The maturity of IoT adoption and the ability to move to the next level will govern the near term value created. E.g. the monitoring phase is mature in the process and manufacturing industry, and the near-term value for them is how quickly they can climb to ‘Predict’ and ‘Optimize’ levels.

      The macro-economic environment also has a direct impact on the value delivered. For instance, in developing economies, implementing a simple monitoring solution (e.g. monitoring water transportation from a reservoir to tap) can give huge benefits and value, as compared to same in developed economies. At the same time, developed economies can harvest value by implementing predict / optimize the solution for their existing monitoring solution.

      Inhibitors

      Hurdles around sensor/device costs, system security, and organizational structures, while non-trivial, will get addressed sooner – driven by the economics of IoT. Hurdles around data ownership, interoperability and infrastructure will be more complicated to overcome, and could hold back IoT from delivering its promise fully.

      Data ownership and privacy: These topics have been debated in the context of social media – does the data belong to the user, or to the platform provider, how much can be shared, with whom etc. Fresh debates will arise in the wider context of IoT, when an enterprise gets connected with its suppliers and customers more seamlessly. These debates may have to be resolved case-by-case and hence may take a while to settle down.

       Interoperability: The current phase of “” will lead to robust and scalable solutions in the long run. In the short run however, the explosion of point solutions and even of platforms, can lead to severe interoperability challenges. While industry consortia like the All Seen Alliance are working on evolving common standards, the challenge is unlikely to get resolved in the short run.

      Infrastructure: Many use cases require a level of infrastructure that does not yet exist in developing economies. The “digital divide” has reduced but is far from gone. There are regions that still don’t have electricity. Internet penetration rates in Asia and Africa are still less than 40%. Where access exists, speed and reliability is often lacking. It is no wonder then, that as per OECD’s 2015 report, variation in the number of online devices per capita is not a few percentage points, but is in the range of 3x – 5x!

      Our Services

      Digital Twin Platform | Healthcare Software Development | IoT development services | Digital Product Development

      Nitin
      Nitin Tappe After successful stint in a corporate role, Nitin is back to what he enjoys most – conceptualizing new software solutions to solve business problems. Nitin is a postgraduate from IIT, Mumbai, India and in his 24 years of career, has played key roles in building a desktop as well as enterprise solutions right from idealization to launch which are adopted by many Fortune 500 companies. As a Founder member of Pratiti Technologies, he is committed to applying his management learning as well as the passion for building new solutions to realize your innovation with certainty.
    • What Makes Virtual Reality an Integral Part of Ongoing Industry 4.0 Initiatives

      What Makes Virtual Reality an Integral Part of Ongoing Industry 4.0 Initiatives

      Change is the only constant thing in this world, and it is clearly reflected through the industrial arena as well. In the present Age of Industry 4.0 is the age of digitization and automation. The fourth industrial revolution is smarter and more agile. Its autonomous systems are powered by data exchange and machine learning. It would not be wrong to say that the fourth revolution focuses mainly on the digitalization of the industry, and it is happening at an impressive rate. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in today’s industries is opening new doors of opportunity, particularly in the arena of manufacturing.

      What VR technology is anyway?

      This technology makes use of powerful computers to come up with a simulated environment. But how does it help? VR technology can open up a huge array of amazing possibilities for industries like automobile, renewable energy, and manufacturing of complex types of equipment. From examining properties in 360 degrees to obtaining a situational awareness, there are many ways VR technology can make things easier for the industries. It can help save time as well as production cost. In short, makers will be able to come up with more refined and accurate solutions.

      How VR technology can be used?

      Product design:

      When it comes to designing a product in which safety remains a prime concern, the use of VR technology can make things easier. For the automotive industry, 3D models can help the makers understand or know how the vehicle would perform and look in real. VR can also help visualize how different part will work together and fit with each other.

      Likewise, in the case of renewable energy, the efficiency of wind turbines and solar power plants can be improved significantly with the use of VR technology. The process of troubleshooting a problem in an offshore wind turbine can be made easier with the application of VR technology. This is where the use of Digital Twin technology proves to be more effective. Creating a replica of an entire wind farm or solar power plant with the help of Digital Twin technology is the best way to increase efficiency and reduce downtime, which in turn would lead to increased production. So, this is just one of the many examples of how VR technology can bring in significant changes in today’s industries.

      Nowadays, better connectivity along with increased computer power is making factories more productive. The use of Digital Twin technology by GE Renewable for its wind farm in North America has already proved to be a great move. Through VR technology and advanced analytics, GE Renewable has been able to optimize its 15,000 wind turbines digitally. It has resulted in an increased MW-hour output between the range of 5 and 7 percent. In the Industry 4.0 revolution, the role of VR technology has been the most important one so far.

      VR Simulation in Training

      Companies are increasingly using VR to create immersive training experiences, helping train employees on real-life scenarios. Workers with difficult jobs can sharpen their skills without the dangers of the real world.

      As VR is immersive and compelling learners absorb information faster and retain longer as VR gives a real-life experience.

      Applicability of Virtual Reality for In-Person and Remote Collaboration

      Virtual reality can help create a share shared virtual workspace connecting several people around the same project. Users from different locations will see each other, visualize and work on the same virtual model. This can improve communication between co-workers to pursue validation processes without a physical meeting.

      VR for SMART Factories

      3D Virtual simulations can be used in plant operations to monitor and analyze real-time data and create a mirror image of the physical world in a virtual model. This includes machines, products, sensors, and humans. It helps drive down machine setup time and improve quality.

      VR has tremendous scope for contributing to the evolution of Industry 4.0 At Pratiti technologies we help businesses use AR VR for simulations, O&M, training for complex products/Operations and Remote Monitoring and Maintenance.

      We recently helped a customer working in solar energy sector develop a Virtual Reality (VR) based technology solution, which provides highly immersive training to the user with the help of a head-mounted display, coupled with 6 Degrees of Freedom controllers. Read the case study here

      Our Services

      Solar Energy Analytics | Healthcare App Development | Industrial IoT Solutions | Digital Product Development

      Nitin

      Nitin Tappe

      After successful stint in a corporate role, Nitin is back to what he enjoys most – conceptualizing new software solutions to solve business problems. Nitin is a postgraduate from IIT, Mumbai, India and in his 24 years of career, has played key roles in building a desktop as well as enterprise solutions right from idealization to launch which are adopted by many Fortune 500 companies. As a Founder member of Pratiti Technologies, he is committed to applying his management learning as well as the passion for building new solutions to realize your innovation with certainty.

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