What allows us to use the technology we’ve become so familiar with is electricity — a true milestone in terms of technological advancements.
The late 1870s witnessed the invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison — who later introduced electricity generating stations in both America and England. 12 months later and electricity was available as a commodity, changing industry forever.
Although during this period, the majority of factories were run by steam power, powered by dangerous machinery. Once electricity was made available, this could all change — but it didn’t.
The introduction of electricity wasn’t received with open arms, in fact only 5% of US factories were powered by electric motors. Many preferred to rely on steam power as they were uncomfortable with the level of change brought about by the introduction of electric motors. It would trigger a change in thinking that many simply didn’t want to consider.
Many thought that the change to electricity would be disruptive, despite the performance it could deliver to a business. Production could take place following logic, rather than the direction of the driveshaft. Factories became safer and cleaner too, while the staff themselves began to set the pace.
However, factories not wanting to change was understandable — as the business’ entire infrastructure would have to adapt to this new-found advancement. And with time, it did — as change always does. By the 1920s, manufacturing productivity had increased significantly, as factory owners increasingly implemented electric motors.
Businesses have not looked back since implementing electricity, but it did take them 40 years to acknowledge electricity as a commodity where in the ‘20s — manufacturing rates increased. Rather, we can only reap the benefits when we fully understand how best to use it.
There’s still a big debate around both technological opportunities and resorting back to traditional options. Take electric motors themselves for example. While they have been fully adopted into many applications, business owners are still facing decisions on whether to upgrade their model to one that promises further efficiencies.
Industry 4.0 has opened an area for larger discussion for those who are in favour of technical changes and those who are not. Dubbed the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 is transforming industries through automation and real-time data. One example of this is condition monitoring, the process of using technology to monitor the state of machinery to detect significant change and therefore problems.
This technology exceeds in predictive maintenance and can monitor conditions that include vibrations and lubricant analysis — not only that, but acoustic emissions too. For those who have enabled Industry 4.0 already, they are already at an advantage, as they are able to anticipate when maintenance work will be required, in turn reducing the impact unplanned downtime can have. Those who are unaware of the potential of Industry 4.0 are unable to access this level of insight, putting them at an automatic disadvantage.
Technology is allowing us to expand further afield — and with our society constantly innovating, there’s no sign of developments slowing down. So what advice can businesses benefit from?
When you’re planning to implement technology into your business, it’s important to understand fully what benefits these will bring. Consider the amount of work that is required for implementation and whether this and the associated costs are justified by what you’ll gain. If in doubt, enlist the help of a professional to advise you on the right solution.
In 2018, technology is at the heart of our operations. Shying away from digital advancements is no longer an option; choose to be an innovator or delay the implementation of these new developments. Either way, change is happening now — and you can’t afford to stand still.
Embedding sustainability within any organisation requires a broad, strategic perspective. Scrutiny should include the physical infrastructure itself: According to the IEA, buildings consume around 30% of global energy*. ASSA ABLOY has more…
Posted in Access Control & Door Entry Systems, Architectural Ironmongery, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Building Services, Case Studies, Doors, Facility Management & Building Services, Information Technology, Research & Materials Testing, Retrofit & Renovation, Security and Fire Protection, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, Video of the WeekDespite one of the wettest starts to the year on record, customers are starting to plan for brighter days with HydroPro Garden Paint from HMG Paints.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Garden, Innovations & New Products, Paints, Paints, Coatings & Finishes, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Site Preparation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, Waste Management & RecyclingAbloy UK is set to unveil its latest line-up of access control systems at The Security Event 2024, welcoming guests to explore its cutting-edge electromechanical and digital solutions on stand 5/F50.
Posted in Access Control & Door Entry Systems, Architectural Ironmongery, Articles, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Doors, Exhibitions and Conferences, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Information Technology, Retrofit & Renovation, Security and Fire ProtectionIn times of emergency, you’re in safe hands with Strand Hardware. Although there are many considerations for building specification, few decisions can be as critical as selecting the right emergency exit/panic hardware.
Posted in Access Control & Door Entry Systems, Architectural Ironmongery, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Doors, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Security and Fire Protection