Mazak is a machine and tool manufacturing Company, which has significantly contributed to the development of industrial automated systems. As a global leader, the company has developed machine tools that have boosted bulk production and increased industrial efficiency (Smith, 2004). Mazak is part of Yamazaki Mazak (headquartered in Oguchi, Japan), a global leading manufacturer of automation systems and CNC machine tools (Mazak expo, 2005). Yamazaki Mazak started establishing manufacturing plants in major markets globally in early 1970s in order to get closer to its customers.
Being a leader in industrial innovations, Mazak has integrated industrial IoT (Internet of Things) solutions into its manufacturing operation. IoT is an intelligent connectivity, which engages smart devices to make objects sense and communicate to one another (Holler, 2014). Through this connectivity, it is easier to conduct machine operations. Through the internet platform, machine operators are able to monitor machine operations and keenly identify possible breakdowns as a result of small inefficiencies (Holler, 2014).
The company has significantly improved over the years as a result of continually improving its operations. As the history records, Mazak completed its first factory automation program in 1983, by installing two kinds of its own FMS (flexible manufacturing system) (Albert, 2014). These systems enabled quick processes that resulted in increased productivity in manufacturing. As a result of FMS in the company, manufacturing operations became more cost-efficient. This was a great concept at the time; however, continual improvement brought about better systems that could ensure effective monitoring of operation systems. One the other hand, by installing the own-made technology, the company was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that its systems were quite efficient and applicable in industrial systems (Albert, 2014).
As part of continual improvement, Mazak integrated its own multitasking equipments in it manufacturing systems in order to be able to effectively practice the ‘done-in-one’ concept (Mazak Exhibits, 2015). The “done-in-one” is concept that incorporates all machine processes, from the input of raw materials to the final process, in one machine. The ability to effectively connect a wide variety of machine parts in small size lots is entailed in the done-in-one concept (Mazak Exhibits, 2015). This concept offers several advantages, which include reduced operator requirements, improved machining accuracy, reduced production lead-time, improved working environment, and reduce initial cost and floor space (Mazak Exhibits, 2015). As a result of all these advantages, this the concept has not only streamlined production, but it has also led to improvement of the overall management. By tracking machine utilization, the system is able to predict the expected machine operation trend (Albert, 2015).
Most importantly, Mazak has played a leadership role in supporting the adoption of MTConnect system (Mazak Exhibits, 2015). MTConnect is an open and royal free standard that imposes greater interoperability between platforms, software applications, and manufacturing devices. This royalty-free standard is facilitated by XML and HTTP technology in order to provide real-time data sharing in the entire manufacturing plant (Mazak Exhibits, 2015). Increased uptime has been realized across all machines that are fully integrated into the system.
The company has not only focused on improving machine performance but it has considered machine ergonomics in its manufacturing strategy through employing IoT concepts in its systems (Albert, 2014). Through IoT concepts, the company has been able to connect web-based networks to its manufacturing equipment and as a result ensured improved accuracy, efficiency, and economic benefits. This intelligent connectivity system has entirely changed machine operation processes by providing users with vital details of operation and allowing remote control processes (Holler, 2014). The system has enabled machine user to identify easily fixed inefficiencies and as a result reduce chances of major breakdown, which might halt the operations.
Conclusion
With this practice, the company shifted from make-to-forecast to make-to-order agile manufacturing. This production strategy (production on-demand strategy) eliminated wastage and unnecessary expenses on bulk storage. Additionally, the benefit associated with this strategy is that it creates valuable focus on what the customers requires at a particular time. The immense benefits derived from the IoT concepts, as employed in Mazak are in line with the article; Seven Things to know about the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0.
References
Albert, m. (2014). Data-Driven Manufacturing Moves Ahead at Mazak. Modern Machine Shop, 86(11), 84-91.
Albert, M., (January 9, 2015).7 Things to Know about the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. Modern Machine Shop.
Holler, J. (2014). From machine-to-machine to the internet of things: Introduction to a new age of intelligence.
Mazak Exhibits Advanced Applications of MTConnect at [MC[sup 2] Conference. (2015). ThomasNet News, 1.
Mazak expo to display diverse manufacturing solutions. (2005). T & P: Tooling & Production, 71(10), 7-8.
Smith, P. L. (2004). 30 Years of Success in the U.S. American Machinist, 148(7), 68-70.