ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the basic details of traditional manufacturing and the transformational changes that have occurred within modern manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, popularly known as 3D printing. Digital technologies lead to increased automation, predictive maintenance, self-optimization of process improvements and, above all, a new level of efficiencies and responsiveness to customers not previously possible. Developing smart factories provides an incredible opportunity for the manufacturing industry to enter the fourth industrial revolution. Analyzing the large amounts of big data collected from sensors on the factory floor ensures real-time visibility of manufacturing assets and can provide tools for performing predictive maintenance in order to minimize equipment downtime. Using high-tech IoT devices in smart factories leads to higher productivity and improved quality.
