The prevalent use of mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones are revolutionizing and simplifying the technology world. The increase in mobile device use has made the manufacturing world flatter. Not flatter in the literal sense like Christopher Columbus used to think, but flatter in the sense that data can be shared across the globe seemingly without limitations.
Manufacturers can now input data into their mobile device which wirelessly gets sent into a single global database, becoming retrievable anytime from anywhere in the world. They are able to take key measurement data and conducting statistical analysis on the data, communicate the intelligence of the results with whoever needs the data, thus increasing statistical process control of their products.
A fisherman for example, can input data correlating to the collection of their raw materials into an iPad. This information can be anything from the types of different fish that were caught, the amount of the catch in weight which precise location and region in the world materials came from. That information, via the cloud, will then be entered into a global database which will manage the quality of that product throughout its life cycle.
This is especially important in the food industry with the recent string of produce related illnesses and various restaurants being accused of using horse meat in some of their supposed beef products. Manufacturers are able to determine the optimal usage date, the remaining shelf life of the raw materials while being able to guarantee the freshest products. It simplifies problem-solving in the event of defective or contaminated product, ingredient or component.
Mobile manufacturing has made it possible to send and receive data important data via the cloud from anywhere in the world allowing for the expansion and growth of companies.