Smart Manufacturing

CASE STUDY 5How Mobile Apps Benefit Small to Midsize Enterprises

Anthony Tarantino, PhD

Introduction

In Chapter 10, “Networking for Mobile Edge Computing,” Jeff Little describes in great detail the history, technology, and applications for mobile computing, and how mobile computing powers Smart Manufacturing. Without mobile computing, Smart Manufacturing would not be practical. Mobile devices are the platforms by which manufacturing workers and managers can digitize physical operations and connect easily to the Cloud. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) generates massive amounts of data with connected devices. By combining mobile's ability to provide networks with the IIoT's ability to generate operational data, manufacturers and distributors have powerful new sources of information to improve operations and eliminate labor-intensive paper-based practices.

This case study highlights how small to midsize enterprises (SMEs) can utilize mobile computing's power to transform their manufacturing and distribution operations. By using low-cost mobile apps (applications) on smartphones and tablet computers, SMEs can deploy software tools historically only available to larger organization using large, expensive, and complex computer systems.

For those wondering why they should make the jump to mobile apps, especially when they have invested in more traditional, nonmobile, software applications, there are three reasons to change. First, mobile apps are everywhere in our lives, making ...