Interested in what mobile apps and wearables can do for manufacturing? We are too!
The wave of wearable tech that’s about to transform manufacturing is a sizable one indeed. Everything from Google glass, to the Android Wear devices and even a soon to be released iWatch (allegedly) should make manufacturing jobs safer and smarter than ever.
Not even sure what we’re talking about? Then check this out!
SAP does a great job of detailing the future of these shops and their workers. How practical are these applications though? Well, if they’re powered by the right mobile applications then they’re actually pretty plausible.
Interested in the sales side of context at the workplace? Read our post on the Contextual Salesman!
The technical challenges are there in droves, but the solutions have risen to the challenge. Consider products like the Jawbone and what it can do to measure efficiency. Some companies are still using project/ops managers to follow each step of their employees around the facility. That’s a bit archaic when iBeacons, the Internet of Things and wearables enable companies to collect and break down that data with more ease than ever. Using a device like a Jawbone or a mobile app clocking distance traveled will tell you the necessary steps involved in any process.
The mobile apps, wearables, and other aspects of smart warehouses are on their way.
iBeacons and IoT
iBeacons and RFID chips are enabling managers to track not just the workers involved in their essential products and services, but also their raw materials and machinery. The internet of things is built on the concept that all these devices will be talking to each other, and the individuals involved in operating and repairing them.
A classic example of iBeacons in the warehouse is that of location and wayfinding. iBeacons have the power to direct users via their phone, or even Google glass via Android to their tools, materials and more. From a top down perspective, placing iBeacons on the moving machinery can show their use, movement around the workspace and current location within a mobile app as well.
Be sure to check out our miniseries on WWDC to catch up on all the latest from Apple!
Mobile Apps Are the Hub
The important connector for these devices is the mobile applications that powers them. Your mobile device acts as the hub for all of the communication between sensors. From the camera to the accelerometer your phone powers your work in the warehouse of the future. As stated previously as well, iBeacons work directly with your iOS or Android device to communicate proximity via BLE 4.0.
This is the direction things are heading. There are a plethora of other technical challenges, but we’ll be sure to keep you on your toes for a future post.
About PixelRocket
PixelRocket builds custom web and mobile applications for startups, enterprises and nonprofits. We also focus intensely on the UI/UX of every application we construct, which means a quicker learning curve and better experiences for your users. For the web, we provide solutions in .NET, PHP, and Java, as well as front end design and development. For mobile, we build applications for Apple, Android, and Windows Mobile. Our mission is give you the tools to succeed, and set your business apart.
