How Remote Monitoring Capabilities in Control Panels Save Time and Resources

There can be no doubt that automation has changed, and will continue to change, the way industrial and manufacturing businesses operate. The results — higher accuracy, efficiency, and productivity, and the optimization of labor — speak for themselves.

But to get the most out of industrial automation, you need the option of remote monitoring. Remote monitoring capabilities in your automation control panels save you even more time and resources. Read on to discover why remote monitoring makes the perfect complement to your automated systems.

The Evolution of Remote Monitoring in Industrial Settings

Let’s first take a look at what remote monitoring in automation is and what it entails.

Industrial automation is the use of control devices such as PACs and PLCs to control industrial machinery and processes. Industrial remote monitoring is the tracking and analyzing of data from that industrial machinery and equipment, remotely (from a distance).

With the increasing use of digitized solutions and the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial automation has evolved. Many of today’s automated systems work with IoT-connected devices and AI-enabled platforms, and remote monitoring can work with these, too.

This allows for more accurate monitoring in real time.

Benefits of Real-Time Access for Offsite Management

What is real-time data access? This is when data is collected, processed, and interpreted as it is generated. There is no longer a delay between data collection and processing, which means it can be analyzed and acted upon sooner. 

There are several advantages of real-time automation processes for off-site management: 

• Instant access to crucial data that allows smarter, data-driven decisions
• Faster responses to data anomalies to address problems before they lead to equipment failure and delays
• Less delay between analysis and reporting for more accurate reporting

So, why should you include remote monitoring capabilities in your control panels?

Remote monitoring offers all of these advantages but with the added convenience of off-site management. It allows site managers to customize their work schedules. They can check in on particular sites and specific equipment/processes, at will. And best of all, they can do so while on the move.

This is a must for businesses with multiple manufacturing and processing sites at different locations. It makes scaling the business easier, and also solves the problem of site monitoring during labor shortages.

Examples of Cost Savings and Productivity Gains with Remote Monitoring

Implementation leads to cost savings and productivity gains, both of which are good news for any business. Together, they raise your odds of success dramatically.

When you reduce costs, your business becomes more efficient and ultimately, more productive. When you raise productivity, you can potentially bring in more revenue.

Cost Savings

Here are some examples of how cost-saving automation is enhanced with remote monitoring. 

• Managers can access all data from a central location. This offers insights into utilizing existing resources more efficiently and producing less waste. It helps with meeting sustainability requirements and reducing raw material and waste management costs.
• Workers can monitor equipment from a safe distance. In hazardous or harsh conditions, this reduces workplace incidents and accidents which would otherwise cost a lot of money to resolve.
• By monitoring automated processes remotely, site managers are not tied to specific premises at all times. As a result, more sites can be supervised with fewer supervisors, saving you labor costs.

Productivity Gains

Now for a few examples of how remote monitoring improves productivity automation:

• Due to unforeseen issues, delays are always possible, even with automated processes. Remote monitoring lets you detect potential issues without being on-site. Orders are therefore completed on time, even amid labor shortages, which is essential for maintaining a good business reputation. 
• With remote monitoring, you have access to all performance data. This allows you to make the necessary tweaks to raise efficiency and confidently take on more orders, and larger orders. This means more potential revenue for your business.
• Remote monitoring of multiple workstations at once frees up many of your human workforce for other tasks. Therefore, labor can be distributed more efficiently.
• Thanks to remote monitoring, those in charge of productivity and maintenance can access comprehensive, relevant data from a centralized location in real time. This makes reporting to stakeholders easier.

Conclusion

Industrial automation offers significant benefits. Remote monitoring capabilities in your control panels offer even more. Off-site management becomes more efficient and more affordable, even with less supervisory staff to oversee your most vital processes.

The key is to get control panels that are built to the highest standards and to meet your exact needs. AEC is a licensed ETL 508A panel builder, and your one-stop shop for custom control panels, standard panels and parts, and related automation control services. Contact us today.