JGI/Jamie Gril/Getty Images
It's impossible to imagine life without a computer nowadays. From work to entertainment, these machines have become an integral part of our daily lives. But did you know there are various types of computers, each designed for specific tasks and purposes?
While the term "computer" can apply to virtually any device that has a microprocessor, most people envision a device that receives input through a mouse or keyboard, processes it and displays the result on a screen. The hardware and software within computers have evolved at a circuit-snapping pace in the past few decades — the bulky, desk-crushing machines from the early '80s look nothing like the featherweight touchscreen tablets or laptop computers of today.
Advertisement
Modern computers are not just faster; they're more interconnected, thanks to the internet and various web technologies. The days of dial-up modems and text-based systems are long gone. Today, computers use WiFi and broadband connections to deliver everything from live news streams to high-definition movies and intricate video games.
There are a lot of terms used to describe different types computers. Most of these words imply the size, expected use or capability of the computer. Let's get started with the most obvious one.
Manufacturers are integrating new technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and analytics, and AI and machine learning into their production facilities and throughout their operations.
Smart factories are equipped with advanced sensors, embedded software and robotics that collect and analyze data and allow for better decision making. Even higher value is created when data from production operations is combined with operational data from ERP, supply chain, customer service and other enterprise systems to create whole new levels of visibility and insight from previously siloed information.
These 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 lead to higher productivity and improved quality. Replacing manual inspection business models with AI-powered visual insights reduces manufacturing errors and saves money and time. With minimal investment, quality control personnel can set up a smartphone connected to the cloud to monitor manufacturing processes from anywhere. By applying machine learning algorithms, manufacturers can detect errors immediately, rather than at later stages when repair work is more expensive.
Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies can be applied across all types of industrial companies, including discrete and process manufacturing, as well as oil and gas, mining and other industrial segments.