SDS devises AI tool for factories

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SDS devises AI tool for factories

Logistics and IT services provider Samsung SDS has developed artificial intelligence technology that can cut the amount of time it takes to detect and fix factory malfunctions down to 10 minutes, the company said Wednesday.

Nexplant, a solution based on so-called Internet of Things technology, collects and analyzes data via sensors installed in factories.

It can provide plant managers with real-time check-ups to help them quickly spot problems and come up with solutions.

The entire process of identifying and then fixing a problem normally takes a maximum of 12 hours, as data analysis to diagnose the malfunction is often a lengthy process.

“The AI solution automatically finds the core reasons for problems and recommends triaged solutions so that engineers can quickly fix factory malfunctions,” a company spokesperson said. Nexplant uses a Samsung big data analysis platform called Brightics to speed up diagnoses.

Aside from the analytics service, the solution also aids workers’ collaboration throughout the manufacturing process by sharing data and automating certain operations.

“Ahead of the official launch, we introduced the solution to other countries such as the United States and India, and manufacturing companies there showed high interest,” said Lee Jae-cheol, senior vice president of Samsung SDS. “We will push forward global expansion of our business.”

Samsung has been working on the solution for over 30 years and described Nexplant as “an achievement compiling experience at manufacturing sites of other Samsung affiliates such as Samsung Electronics.”

“We made the system applicable not only for large factories run by conglomerates but also smaller manufacturers so that various industry players can enhance the efficiency of their factories,” the company spokesperson said.

Making factories smarter has been deemed an important goal for global manufacturers in the 21st century. It is a strategy that the Korean government has been pushing to boost the nation’s manufacturers.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it has supported implementation of smart factory systems for 2,045 companies through August and is set to encourage another 600 companies to transform their factories in the latter half of this year.

A 39.5 billion won ($33.7 million) budget was set aside for the smart factory implementation project in September.

Ministry data from last year shows that factories with smart solutions can cut production cost by 29 percent and lower its rate of defects by 27 percent.


BY KIM JEE-HEE [kim.jeehee@joongang.co.kr]
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