Hikvision has introduced an AIoT-powered manufacturing solution. The new Hikvision solution is aimed at not only enabling smart manufacturing, but bringing together smart personnel management, process visibility across the enterprise production value chain, and lean management.

Behind the new solution is the assumption that implementing Industry 4.0 demands more than industrial equipment automation, MES and ERP integration. According to Hikvision, Industry 4.0 must also address wider challenges in personnel and skills; industrial process visibility and lean management.

While people remain the essential element of the production process, within Industry 4.0, their output demands finer management. Automation equipment and software systems need more timely alerts and improved incident handling protocols, as well as forward-looking insights, to guarantee operational stability. And finally, in environments as complex as manufacturing plants, lean management regarding factors of production such as office park vehicle traffic, dock management, and information sharing, are also important in boosting productivity.

The Hikvision manufacturing solution employs AIoT technology to shift offline data online where it can be monitored and utilised. AI and intuitive visualisation technology also allows managers to monitor the site, production, and operational processes, and to respond in real time in the event of an issue – helping to drive efficiency and productivity.

Manufacturing parks have significant personnel management requirements, with large teams arriving on site and accessing specific areas for their work all day long – creating complex logistics, access management, security, and health and safety requirements.

Hikvision’s Quick Access Solution, enabled by Hikvision MinMoe face-recognition terminals, gives employees touch-free access to manufacturing sites, covering the main entrance, the floor, offices, exits, production areas, and EPA areas (ESDPA – Electrostatic Discharge Protected Area). The technology provides “non-stop” access to ensure that employees can enter the site quickly, even during peak times – such as morning and evening rush hours or in bad weather.

The solution safeguards plant safety with precise access management. For example, only authorised staff can access specific areas of the site. For visitors, the solution provides full-journey online management to enhance convenience and ensure no blind spots for security.

The Quick Access Solution turns physical footprints into digital records for accurate time and attendance management. Based on a manufacturer’s choice of verification and identification methods – from face recognition to fingerprint readers, cards or PIN codes – employees can be identified and attendance reports and work records can be generated automatically. The HR department can support employees more effectively, optimising time and attendance management. The Quick Access Solution can also be used to manage in-park facilities – such as facilitating zero-contact payment in cafeteria.

Organisations with large-scale production environments often experience information silos, making it difficult to detect and respond to incidents in real time or to make changes that actually increase efficiency. Hikvision’s AR Live Interaction Solution offers a solution to these challenges by providing full visibility of large-scale production processes.

The solution uses Augmented-Reality (AR) cameras and easy-to-use location capabilities to create a live map of a site, giving managers a bird’s-eye view. The system, which integrates with other industry control systems, presents production information and site images on a four-screen display.

The AR Live Interaction Solution includes remote inspections, alarm handling, automated information collection and analyses, predictive maintenance for equipment, and performance evaluations. The system detects defects in equipment and human errors to minimise downtime, mitigate safety risks, and provide insights for better decision making.

With the AR Live Solution, manufacturers can also place visualised displays in the workshop, adding an extra layer of visibility for assets and production processes. Visual images can be used to send safety reminders to employees, to support communications between teams, and to improve work supervision and collaboration for improved efficiency.