#manufacturing cloud Computing

[baileyanthony638]

Cloud computing uses a network of connections to store, exchange and execute commands and data for businesses on a uniform platform. Instead of using the conventional method of using multiple layers and types of communication, cloud computing uses a single platform to perform various different tasks involved in all kinds of businesses. With the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a lot of complex processes in manufacturing are now made very simple and effective. The customer needs, understanding market trends and improving the end products can sometimes become challenging if you are stuck in the operational cycles. To improve and transform your manufacturing processes, you need a manufacturing cloud Computing partnership. For more information, Contact our Microsoft expert.

[prajwal-agale001]

Smart Manufacturing Market: Enhancing Sustainability in Industrial Operations

The smart manufacturing landscape is experiencing transformative growth, with projections indicating a remarkable shift toward digitization and automation. According to a recent publication from Meticulous Research®, the smart manufacturing market is expected to reach $733.4 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.6% from 2024 to 2031. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by the escalating demand for operational efficiency, cost reduction through predictive maintenance, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, and the widespread adoption of 3D printing in additive manufacturing.

Despite its potential, the smart manufacturing market faces several challenges that could impede its growth. High capital and operational expenses, a shortage of skilled personnel, and ongoing concerns regarding data privacy and protection are critical issues that stakeholders must navigate. Nevertheless, the advent of 5G connectivity and the increasing adoption of smart manufacturing practices in developing countries are anticipated to generate significant growth opportunities for players in this sector. Additionally, the growing trend of advanced human-robot collaboration is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, paving the way for increased productivity and efficiency.

This comprehensive article delves into the nuances of the smart manufacturing market, exploring its driving forces, technological advancements, market segmentation, competitive landscape, regional dynamics, and future prospects.

Download Sample Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5265?utm_source=article+&utm_medium=social&utm_content=30-10-24

1. Understanding Smart Manufacturing

1.1 What is Smart Manufacturing?

Smart manufacturing refers to the use of advanced technologies, data analytics, and automation to enhance manufacturing processes. It encompasses the integration of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AI, ML, big data, cloud computing, robotics, and automation. The objective is to create a connected ecosystem where machines, systems, and human operators communicate seamlessly, leading to improved efficiency, productivity, and flexibility.

1.2 Key Components of Smart Manufacturing

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): This involves connecting machinery and equipment to the internet to gather and analyze data, enabling real-time monitoring and decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: These technologies facilitate predictive analytics, automate processes, and enhance production efficiency. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets to optimize operations and improve product quality.

Robotics and Automation: The use of robots and automated systems to perform tasks traditionally done by humans enhances precision and efficiency. Collaborative robots (cobots) work alongside human operators, increasing safety and productivity.

Big Data Analytics: Analyzing large volumes of data generated from manufacturing processes allows manufacturers to derive insights and improve operations. Predictive analytics can forecast demand, optimize inventory, and streamline production schedules.

Cloud Computing: Facilitating the storage and analysis of data remotely, cloud computing allows for scalability and flexibility in operations, enabling manufacturers to access critical information anytime and anywhere.

Cybersecurity Measures: As manufacturing systems become increasingly interconnected, robust cybersecurity measures are necessary to protect against cyber threats and ensure operational integrity.

1.3 Benefits of Smart Manufacturing

The benefits of adopting smart manufacturing practices are substantial:

Increased Efficiency: By leveraging IoT and automation, manufacturers can streamline processes, reduce manual interventions, and optimize workflows, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.

Cost Savings: Predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring help manufacturers minimize downtime and reduce operational costs, improving their bottom line.

Enhanced Product Quality: Advanced analytics enable manufacturers to monitor quality in real time, ensuring that products meet specified standards and reducing defects.

Flexibility and Scalability: Smart manufacturing systems can quickly adapt to changes in demand, allowing manufacturers to scale operations up or down as needed.

Improved Decision-Making: Access to real-time data empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions, enhancing responsiveness to market changes and customer demands.

2. Market Drivers

The smart manufacturing market is propelled by several key drivers:

2.1 Cost Reduction Through Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance utilizes data analytics and IoT technology to predict equipment failures before they occur. By analyzing data from machinery, manufacturers can identify patterns and potential issues, allowing for timely maintenance. This proactive approach reduces downtime, extends equipment lifespan, and significantly lowers operational costs.

For instance, a manufacturing facility using predictive maintenance can schedule maintenance during non-peak hours, preventing costly interruptions to production schedules. Moreover, the ability to address equipment issues before they escalate into major problems can save manufacturers significant amounts in repair and replacement costs.

2.2 Integration of AI and ML Technologies

The integration of AI and ML in manufacturing processes is revolutionizing traditional practices. These technologies enable manufacturers to process vast amounts of data to optimize operations, enhance product quality, and improve supply chain efficiency. AI-driven analytics can predict demand, optimize inventory levels, and streamline production schedules, leading to more agile manufacturing processes.

For example, an automotive manufacturer might use AI algorithms to analyze historical sales data and forecast future demand, allowing them to adjust production schedules accordingly. This capability not only reduces excess inventory but also minimizes the risk of stockouts, ensuring that the manufacturer can meet customer demand efficiently.

2.3 Adoption of Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is changing the way products are designed and produced. It allows for the creation of complex geometries with minimal waste, reducing the need for extensive tooling and materials. As more industries adopt 3D printing, its impact on manufacturing efficiency and innovation will continue to grow.

Additionally, 3D printing enables manufacturers to produce prototypes rapidly, facilitating faster product development cycles. Companies can test designs, make adjustments, and bring products to market more quickly than traditional manufacturing methods would allow.

2.4 Emergence of 5G Connectivity

The rollout of 5G technology is set to revolutionize smart manufacturing by enabling faster data transfer, lower latency, and improved connectivity. This enhanced connectivity allows for real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes, enabling greater responsiveness to changing conditions and demands.

For instance, a smart factory equipped with 5G technology can transmit data from machines to central systems in real time, enabling operators to make immediate adjustments to production processes. This capability is especially critical in industries where production speeds are high, and even minor delays can result in significant losses.

2.5 Expansion into Developing Markets

Developing countries are increasingly adopting smart manufacturing practices as they seek to modernize their industries and improve competitiveness. The rising availability of advanced technologies, coupled with government initiatives to support industrialization, is driving growth in these regions.

Countries such as India and Brazil are investing heavily in smart manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity and attract foreign investment. As these markets continue to mature, they will present substantial opportunities for technology providers and manufacturers alike.

2.6 Focus on Sustainability

As sustainability becomes a critical consideration for manufacturers, smart manufacturing offers solutions to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and promote environmentally friendly practices. Companies are increasingly investing in sustainable technologies to enhance their brand image and meet regulatory requirements.

For instance, manufacturers are exploring energy-efficient machinery, waste-reduction strategies, and sustainable sourcing practices. By integrating sustainability into their operations, manufacturers can not only comply with regulations but also meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible products from consumers.

3. Market Challenges

While the prospects for smart manufacturing are promising, several challenges must be addressed:

3.1 High Capital and Operational Costs

The initial investment required for implementing smart manufacturing technologies can be substantial. Smaller manufacturers may struggle to allocate the necessary resources for technology adoption, hindering their ability to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Moreover, the operational costs associated with maintaining advanced systems can strain the budgets of companies that are not prepared for the long-term financial commitment required for smart manufacturing initiatives.

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3.2 Skills Gap and Workforce Development

The transition to smart manufacturing requires a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining advanced technologies. The shortage of personnel with the requisite skills poses a significant barrier to adoption. Companies must invest in training and development programs to ensure their workforce is prepared for the future.

Educational institutions and industry organizations need to collaborate to develop training programs that equip workers with the skills needed to thrive in smart manufacturing environments. This collaboration will help bridge the skills gap and ensure a steady supply of qualified talent.

3.3 Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns

As manufacturing processes become more interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches increases. Manufacturers must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect their systems and sensitive data. Additionally, compliance with data protection regulations is essential to maintain consumer trust.

Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, conducting regular audits, and training employees on best practices are critical steps manufacturers must take to safeguard their operations from cyber threats.

3.4 Resistance to Change

Implementing smart manufacturing practices often requires a cultural shift within organizations. Resistance to change among employees and management can impede the adoption of new technologies and processes. Effective change management strategies are crucial to overcoming this resistance.

Leaders in manufacturing organizations must communicate the benefits of smart manufacturing clearly and involve employees in the transition process. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, manufacturers can minimize resistance and drive successful technology adoption.

4. Technological Trends in Smart Manufacturing

The smart manufacturing landscape is characterized by several technological trends that are shaping its future:

4.1 Advanced Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation continue to evolve, with the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside human operators. These systems enhance productivity and safety by taking over repetitive or dangerous tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex activities.

In addition, advancements in robotics technology, including enhanced sensors and AI-driven capabilities, are enabling robots to adapt to dynamic manufacturing environments. This flexibility allows manufacturers to reconfigure production lines quickly in response to changing demands.

4.2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are becoming integral to smart manufacturing, driving advancements in predictive analytics and process optimization. These technologies enable manufacturers to analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, optimize workflows, and improve decision-making.

For instance, manufacturers can use AI algorithms to predict equipment failures, optimize production schedules, and enhance quality control processes. This capability allows for more efficient operations and reduces costs associated with downtime and defects.

4.3 Digital Twin Technology

Digital twin technology involves creating a virtual replica of physical assets, processes, or systems. This technology allows manufacturers to simulate and analyze operations in real-time, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and optimize performance.

Digital twins are particularly valuable for predictive maintenance, as they can provide insights into the condition of equipment and predict failures before they occur. By leveraging digital twins, manufacturers can enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

4.4 Cloud Computing and Edge Computing

Cloud computing provides manufacturers with scalable and flexible storage solutions for data generated by smart manufacturing systems. By leveraging cloud-based platforms, manufacturers can access real-time data and analytics from anywhere, facilitating informed decision-making.

In addition, edge computing is emerging as a critical trend, enabling data processing closer to the source of generation. This reduces latency and enhances real-time capabilities, allowing manufacturers to respond quickly to changes in production conditions.

4.5 Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is at the heart of smart manufacturing, enabling devices and equipment to communicate and share data seamlessly. This connectivity enhances visibility into manufacturing processes and allows for real-time monitoring and control.

IoT devices can track production metrics, monitor equipment performance, and optimize resource utilization. By collecting and analyzing data from connected devices, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.

4.6 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are finding applications in training, maintenance, and remote assistance in manufacturing. These technologies enable workers to visualize complex processes and receive real-time guidance, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

For instance, AR can be used to overlay digital information onto physical equipment, guiding operators through maintenance procedures or assembly tasks. This capability enhances training and supports on-the-job performance.

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5. Market Segmentation

The smart manufacturing market can be segmented based on technology, application, end-use industry, and geography.

5.1 By Technology

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Expected to dominate the market share in 2024, accounting for over 33.4%. The increasing adoption of IIoT solutions enables manufacturers to enhance operational visibility and process efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence: AI technologies are critical for optimizing production processes and improving decision-making. The growing integration of AI in manufacturing systems is driving its market growth.

Robotics and Automation: Robotics is essential for enhancing productivity and safety in manufacturing. The demand for automated solutions continues to rise, driven by the need for efficiency and precision.

Additive Manufacturing: The adoption of 3D printing is transforming traditional manufacturing processes, enabling rapid prototyping and customization.

Cloud Computing: Cloud-based solutions offer scalability and flexibility, allowing manufacturers to store and analyze data effectively.

Cybersecurity Solutions: As the manufacturing sector becomes more connected, the demand for robust cybersecurity measures is increasing.

5.2 By Application

Surveillance and Safety: Expected to account for over 21.1% of the market share in 2024, driven by the rising investment in 5G networks and smart camera integration.

Quality Management: Ensuring product quality is paramount for manufacturers. Smart manufacturing technologies enable real-time quality monitoring and control.

Resource Optimization: Efficient resource utilization is critical for reducing costs and minimizing waste.

Production Planning: Smart manufacturing enhances production planning processes, allowing manufacturers to respond quickly to changing demands.

5.3 By End-Use Industry

Automotive: Anticipated to dominate the market, with over 14.3% share in 2024, driven by the adoption of smart manufacturing solutions to reduce costs and enhance production efficiency.

Aerospace and Defense: This sector requires high precision and quality, driving the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies.

Electronics and Semiconductors: The demand for advanced manufacturing solutions is increasing in the electronics sector to meet consumer expectations.

Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly adopting smart manufacturing to enhance compliance and streamline production processes.

5.4 By Geography

Asia-Pacific: Expected to account for over 37.3% of the market share in 2024, driven by the rapid adoption of smart manufacturing solutions in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.

North America: A mature market characterized by significant investments in smart manufacturing technologies.

Europe: The region is focusing on sustainability and innovation, driving the adoption of smart manufacturing solutions.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa: Emerging markets are increasingly investing in smart manufacturing to modernize their industries and enhance competitiveness.

6. Competitive Landscape

The smart manufacturing market is highly competitive, with numerous established players and emerging companies vying for market share. Key players in the market include:

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)

Siemens AG

Microsoft Corporation

SAP SE

Capgemini SE

ABB Ltd

Deutsche Telekom AG

Telefónica, S.A.

Accenture plc

TE Connectivity Ltd.

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

Intel Corporation

Tata Consultancy Services Limited

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Honeywell International, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Robert Bosch GmbH

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Schneider Electric SE

6.1 Recent Developments

Nexans S.A. and Schneider Electric SE Partnership (2021): In February 2021, these companies joined forces to enhance factory efficiency through digital transformation initiatives, focusing on predictive maintenance and sustainability.

ABB Ltd and HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KG Collaboration (2022): This partnership, established in January 2022, aims to increase automation and sustainability in automotive parts production.

RRI and CESMII Partnership (2021): In October 2021, the Robot Revolution & Industrial IoT Initiative collaborated with CESMII in the U.S. to advance smart manufacturing and robotics in Japan, highlighting the global commitment to enhancing technological capabilities.

Siemens AG Digitalization Initiatives: Siemens continues to invest in digitalization initiatives, focusing on integrating AI and IoT into its manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Microsoft Azure and Manufacturing: Microsoft is expanding its Azure cloud services tailored for manufacturing, enabling companies to leverage advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for smarter operations.

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7. Future Trends and Outlook

The smart manufacturing market is expected to evolve significantly in the coming years, driven by several key trends:

7.1 Increasing Focus on Customization

As consumer preferences shift toward personalized products, manufacturers will need to adopt flexible and adaptive production systems. Smart manufacturing technologies will enable companies to respond quickly to changing demands and customize products to meet individual customer needs.

7.2 Sustainability as a Key Driver

The emphasis on sustainability will continue to shape the smart manufacturing landscape. Companies are increasingly investing in technologies that reduce their environmental impact, such as energy-efficient systems, waste reduction techniques, and sustainable sourcing practices.

7.3 Integration of Advanced Analytics

The integration of advanced analytics will enable manufacturers to derive actionable insights from data generated during production processes. Predictive and prescriptive analytics will play a crucial role in optimizing operations, reducing downtime, and improving product quality.

7.4 Rise of Collaborative Manufacturing

The future of smart manufacturing will see a rise in collaborative manufacturing models, where multiple stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, work together seamlessly. This collaborative approach will enhance transparency, improve supply chain efficiency, and foster innovation.

7.5 Expansion of Smart Supply Chains

Smart supply chains will become increasingly interconnected, leveraging technologies such as IoT and blockchain to enhance visibility and traceability. This interconnectedness will enable manufacturers to respond quickly to disruptions and optimize inventory levels.

7.6 Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures

As the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow, manufacturers will prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their systems and data. This will involve implementing robust security protocols, continuous monitoring, and employee training to mitigate risks.

8. Conclusion

The smart manufacturing market is poised for transformative growth, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations. As manufacturers navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this dynamic landscape, those that prioritize innovation, collaboration, and sustainability will be well-positioned to thrive in the future.

The adoption of smart manufacturing practices will not only enhance operational efficiency but also enable companies to respond swiftly to changing market conditions. By investing in advanced technologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, manufacturers can achieve a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.

In summary, the future of smart manufacturing is bright, with a multitude of opportunities awaiting those who embrace change and harness the power of technology to drive innovation and growth. The journey toward smart manufacturing is not just about technology; it's about transforming the way we think about manufacturing and reimagining what is possible in an interconnected world.

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[techtoio]

AI-Powered Software Solutions: Revolutionizing the Tech World

Introduction

Artificial intelligence has found relevance in nearly all sectors, including technology. AI-based software solutions are revolutionizing innovation, efficiency, and growth like never before in multiple industries. In this paper, we will walk through how AI will change the face of technology, its applications, benefits, challenges, and future trends. Read to continue..

[gsevenbusiness]

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[priti123]

cloud computing in manufacturing

cloud computing in manufacturing

Cloud computing is making its space in manufacturing very rapidly. Manufacturers having big machinery, operator networks, supplier data, and records of suppliers often get overwhelmed with the amount of data and fail to utilize it. Many manufactures have implemented on-site IT personnel who looks after storage, backup, and security. But, they are not much efficient and reliable as compared to cloud technology.

[probablyasocialecologist]

Since the year 2007, when the first smartphone debuted on the marketplace, over seven billion devices of the sort have since been manufactured. Their lifespans average less than two years, a consequence of designed obsolescence and a thirst to profit from flashy new features and capabilities. Meanwhile, the material and political conditions of their manufacture, and the resources required for their production, remain obscured. Under grueling conditions, miners tirelessly plumb the earth for the rare metals required to make information and communications technology (ICT) devices. Then, in vast factories like Foxconn located in the Global South, where labor can be procured cheaply and legal protections for workers are scant, smartphones are assembled and shipped out to consumers, only to be discarded in a matter of months, to end up in e-waste graveyards like those of Agbogbloshie, Ghana. These metals, many of which are toxic and contain radioactive elements, take millennia to decay. The refuse of the digital is ecologically transformative.

Steven Gonzalez Monserrate, The Staggering Ecological Impacts of Computation and the Cloud

[prajwal-agale001]

Meticulous Research® has published a new report titled “Smart Manufacturing Market by Technology, Application, End-use Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031.” The report predicts that the smart manufacturing market will reach $733.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 24.6% from 2024 to 2031. This growth is fueled by a rising demand for reduced operational costs via predictive maintenance, increased AI and ML integration, and the expanded use of 3D printing.

However, challenges such as high capital and operating expenses, a shortage of skilled personnel, and privacy concerns may hinder market expansion. The advent of 5G connectivity and a surge in smart manufacturing adoption in developing countries present substantial growth opportunities. The report also highlights a notable trend in advanced human-robot collaboration.

The smart manufacturing market is segmented by technology, application, end-use industry, and geography. In 2024, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT) segment is expected to dominate, accounting for over 33.4% of the market, driven by the need for improved operational visibility and efficiency. The surveillance and safety application is projected to capture over 21.1% of the market, fueled by investments in 5G networks and smart cameras.

By end-use industry, the automotive segment is anticipated to hold the largest share at over 14.3%, due to increased smart manufacturing adoption to optimize production. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead with over 37.3% of the market share, supported by the rise of manufacturing hubs and cloud-based solutions.

Key players in this market include IBM, Siemens, Microsoft, SAP, ABB, and others, highlighting the competitive landscape of smart manufacturing.

[c1qfxugcgy0]

adventures in QA

(previous post in this series)

My shop in Advanced Midbody - Carbon Wing (AMCW) at Large Aircraft Manufacturer (LAM) is at the very end of the composite fabrication building. Hundreds of people carefully lay up a hundred foot long slab of carbon fiber, cure it, paint it, and then we totally fuck it up with out of spec holes, scrapes, primer damage, etc. The people who write up our many defects are from the Quality Assurance (QA) department.

Every single screw and rivet on a LAM aircraft can be traced back to the mechanic who installed it. Back when even everything was done in pen and pencil, it was joked that the paper used to produce an aircraft outweighed the plane itself. Now that everything is computer-based, of course, the amount of paperwork is free to grow without limit.

(Haunting the factory is endless media coverage of an emergency exit door plug popping out of an Advanced Smallbody - Upengine (ASU) plane during a routine flight a few months ago. Unlike that airframe's notorious problems with MCAS, this was a straightforward paperwork screwup by a line worker: the bolts were supposed to be tightened, and they weren't.

As a result the higher ups have visited hideous tribulations on non-salaried workers. Endless webinars, structured trainings. Here at the Widebody plant we have received a steady flow of refugees from the Narrowbody factory, hair-raising tales of receiving one hundred percent supervision from the moment they clock in to the second they clock out from FAA inspectors who can recommend actual jail time for any lapse in judgement.)

A single hydraulic bracket Installation Plan (IP) is around four brackets. The team leads generally assign two bracket IPs per mechanic, since each bracket set is something like a foot apart, and while working on the plane is bad enough it's much worse to have another mechanic in your lap.

Let me list the order of operations:

One: Find where you're supposed to install these brackets. This is harder than you might think.

Firstly, it's a hundred foot long plank of carbon fiber composite, with longitudinal stringers bonded to it to add stiffness. The stringers are pilot drilled in the trim and drill center, a truly Brobdingnagian CNC mill that trims off the composite flash at the edges and locates and drills part holes for us. But there's a lot of holes, so you must carefully find your set.

A minor difficulty is that the engineering drawings are laid out with the leading edge pointing up, while the wing panels in our cells hang from the trailing edge. Not so bad, you just rotate the paper 180 when orienteering, then rotate it back up to read the printed labels.

A major difficulty is that the drawings are from the perspective from the outside of the panel. But we work on the inside of the wing (obviously, that's where all the parts are installed) so we also flip the drawings and squint through the back of the paper, to make things line up.

Large Aircraft Manufacturer has a market cap of US$110 billion, and we're walking around the wing jig with sheets of paper rotated 180 and flipped turnways trying to find where to put brackets.

Oh well, we're paid by the hour.

Two: Match drill the aluminum brackets to the carbon fiber composite stringer. I can devote an entire post to the subtleties of drilling carbon fiber, but I can already tell that this post is going to be a miserable slog, so I will merrily skip over this step.

Three: Vacuum up all the carbon dust and aluminum swarf created during this process. This step is not optional, as your team lead will remind you, his screaming mouth clouding your safety glasses with spittle at a distance of four inches. LAM is very serious about FOD. Every jet airliner you've ever ridden in is a wet wing design-- each interstitial space is filled with Jet A. There is no fuel bladder or liner-- the fuel washes right over plane structure and wing hardware. Any dirt we leave behind will merrily float into the fuel and be sucked right into the engines, where it can cause millions in damage. No place for metal shavings!

If you are nervous about flying, avoid considering that all the hydraulic lines and engine control cables dip into a lake of a kerosene on their way from the flight deck to the important machines they command. Especially do not consider that we're paid about as much per hour as a McDonalds fry cook to install flight-critical aviation components.

Four: Neatly lay out your brackets on your cart, fight for a position at a Shared Production Workstation (SPW) (of which we have a total of four (4) for a crew of thirty (30) mechanics) and mark your IP for QA inspection as Ready To Apply Seal.

Four: Twiddle your thumbs. Similarly, we have three QA people for thirty mechanics. This is not enough QA people, as I will make enormously clear in the following steps.

Five: Continue waiting. Remember, you must not do anything until a QA person shows up and checks the box. Skipping a QA step is a “process failure” and a disciplinary offense. From the outside, you can observe the numerous QA whistleblowers and say “golly, why would a mechanic ever cut a corner and ignore QA?” Well...

Six: QA shows up. Theoretically, they could choose to pick up the mahrmax you prepared for them and gauge every single hole you've drilled. But since we're three hours into the shift and they're already twenty jobs behind, they just flick their flashlight across the panel and say “looks good" and then sprint away. Can't imagine why our planes keep falling out of the sky.

Seven: Apply the seal to the bracket. P/S 890 is a thick dark gray goop that adheres well to aluminum, carbon fiber, fabric, hair and skin. Once cured, it is completely immune to any chemical attack short of piranha solution, so if you get any on yourself you had better notice quick, otherwise it'll be with you as long as the layer of epidermis it's bonded to. LAM employees who work with fuel tank sealant very quickly get out of the habit of running their hands through their hair.

Eight: Now you wait again. Ha ha, you dumb asshole, you thought you were done with QA? No no, now you put up the job for QA inspection of how well you put the seal on the bracket. Twiddle your thumbs, but now with some urgency. The minute you took the bottle of seal out of the freezer, you started the clock on its "squeeze-out life." For this type of seal, on this job, it's 120 minutes. If QA doesn't get to you before that time expires, you remove your ticket, wipe off the seal, take another bottle out the freezer, and apply a fresh layer.

Nine: Optimistically, QA shows up in time and signs off on the seal. Well, you're 100 minutes into your 120 minute timer. Quickly, you slap the brackets onto the stringer, air hammer the sleeve bolts into position, thread nuts onto the bolts, then torque them down. Shove through the crowd and mark your IP "ready to inspect squeeze out"

Ten: Let out a long breath and relax. All the time sensitive parts are over. The criteria here is "visible and continuous" squeeze out all along the perimeter of the bracket and the fasteners. It is hard to screw this up, just glop on a wild excess of seal before installing it. If you do fail squeezeout, though, the only remedy is to take everything off, throw away the single-use distorted thread locknuts, clean everything up and try again tomorrow.

Eleven: QA approved squeeze out? Break's over, now we're in a hurry again. By now there's probably only an hour or two left in the shift, and your job now is to clean off all that squeeze out. Here's where you curse your past self for glopping on too much seal. You want to get it off ASAP because if you leave it alone or if it's too late in the shift and your manager does feel like approving overtime it'll cure to a rock hard condition overnight and you'll go through hell chipping it off the next day. You'll go through a hundred or so qtips soaked in MPK cleaning up the bracket and every surface of the panel within three feet.

Twelve: Put it up for final inspection. Put away all your tools. (The large communal toolboxes are lined with kaizen foam precisely cut out to hold each individual tool, which makes it obvious if any tool is missing. When you take a tool out, you stick a tool chit with your name and LAMID printed on it in its place. Lose a tool? Stick your head between your legs and kiss your ass goodbye, pal, because the default assumption is that a lost screwdriver is lurking in a hollow "hat" stringer, waiting to float out and damage some critical component years after the airplane is delivered.)

One tool you'll leave on your cart, however, is the pin protrusion gage. There is a minimum amount of thread that must poke outside of the permanent straight shank fastener's (Hi-Lok) nut, to indicate that the nut is fully engaged. That makes sense. But there's also a maximum protrusion. Why?

Well, it's an airplane. Ounces make pounds. An extra quarter inch of stickout across a thousand fasteners across a 30 year service life means tons of additional fuel burnt. So you can't use a fastener that's too long, because it adds weight.

On aluminum parts, it's hard to mess up. But any given composite part is laid up from many layers of carbon fiber tape. The engineers seemed to have assumed that dimensional variation would be normally distributed. But, unfortunately, we buy miles of carbon fiber at a time, and the size only very gradually changes between lots. When entire batches are several microns oversize, and you're laying up parts from fifty plies and an inch thick, you can have considerable variation of thickness on any given structural component. So you had better hope you had test fit all of your fasteners ahead of time, or else you'll be real sorry!

And, if you're really lucky, QA will show up five minutes before end of shift, pronounce everything within tolerance, then fuck off.

And that's how it takes eight hours to install eight brackets.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The antitrust case against Apple

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT (Mar 22) in TORONTO, then SUNDAY (Mar 24) with LAURA POITRAS in NYC, then Anaheim, and beyond!

The foundational tenet of "the Cult of Mac" is that buying products from a $3t company makes you a member of an oppressed ethnic minority and therefore every criticism of that corporation is an ethnic slur:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/12/youre-holding-it-wrong/#if-dishwashers-were-iphones

Call it "Apple exceptionalism" – the idea that Apple, alone among the Big Tech firms, is virtuous, and therefore its conduct should be interpreted through that lens of virtue. The wellspring of this virtue is conveniently nebulous, which allows for endless goal-post shifting by members of the Cult of Mac when Apple's sins are made manifest.

Take the claim that Apple is "privacy respecting," which is attributed to Apple's business model of financing its services though cash transactions, rather than by selling it customers to advertisers. This is the (widely misunderstood) crux of the "surveillance capitalism" hypothesis: that capitalism is just fine, but once surveillance is in the mix, capitalism fails.

Apple, then, is said to be a virtuous company because its behavior is disciplined by market forces, unlike its spying rivals, whose ability to "hack our dopamine loops" immobilizes the market's invisible hand with "behavior-shaping" shackles:

http://pluralistic.net/HowToDestroySurveillanceCapitalism

Apple makes a big deal out of its privacy-respecting ethos, and not without some justification. After all, Apple went to the mattresses to fight the FBI when they tried to force Apple to introduced defects into its encryption systems:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/04/fbi-could-have-gotten-san-bernardino-shooters-iphone-leadership-didnt-say

And Apple gave Ios users the power to opt out of Facebook spying with a single click; 96% of its customers took them up on this offer, costing Facebook $10b (one fifth of the pricetag of the metaverse boondoggle!) in a single year (you love to see it):

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/02/facebook-makes-the-case-for-activity-tracking-to-ios-14-users-in-new-pop-ups/

Bruce Schneier has a name for this practice: "feudal security." That's when you cede control over your device to a Big Tech warlord whose "walled garden" becomes a fortress that defends you against external threats:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/08/leona-helmsley-was-a-pioneer/#manorialism

The keyword here is external threats. When Apple itself threatens your privacy, the fortress becomes a prison. The fact that you can't install unapproved apps on your Ios device means that when Apple decides to harm you, you have nowhere to turn. The first Apple customers to discover this were in China. When the Chinese government ordered Apple to remove all working privacy tools from its App Store, the company obliged, rather than risk losing access to its ultra-cheap manufacturing base (Tim Cook's signal accomplishment, the one that vaulted him into the CEO's seat, was figuring out how to offshore Apple manufacturing to China) and hundreds of millions of middle-class consumers:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-apple-vpn/apple-says-it-is-removing-vpn-services-from-china-app-store-idUSKBN1AE0BQ

Killing VPNs and other privacy tools was just for openers. After Apple caved to Beijing, the demands kept coming. Next, Apple willingly backdoored all its Chinese cloud services, so that the Chinese state could plunder its customers' data at will:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/17/technology/apple-china-censorship-data.html

This was the completely foreseeable consequence of Apple's "curated computing" model: once the company arrogated to itself the power to decide which software you could run on your own computer, it was inevitable that powerful actors – like the Chinese Communist Party – would lean on Apple to exercise that power in service to its goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Chinese state's appetite for deputizing Apple to help with its spying and oppression was not sated by backdooring iCloud and kicking VPNs out of the App Store. As recently as 2022, Apple continued to neuter its tools at the behest of the Chinese state, breaking Airdrop to make it useless for organizing protests in China:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/11/foreseeable-consequences/#airdropped

But the threat of Apple turning on its customers isn't limited to China. While the company has been unwilling to spy on its users on behalf of the US government, it's proven more than willing to compromise its worldwide users' privacy to pad its own profits. Remember when Apple let its users opt out of Facebook surveillance with one click? At the very same time, Apple was spinning up its own commercial surveillance program, spying on Ios customers, gathering the very same data as Facebook, and for the very same purpose: to target ads. When it came to its own surveillance, Apple completely ignored its customers' explicit refusal to consent to spying, spied on them anyway, and lied about it:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Here's the thing: even if you believe that Apple has a "corporate personality" that makes it want to do the right thing, that desire to be virtuous is dependent on the constraints Apple faces. The fact that Apple has complete legal and technical control over the hardware it sells – the power to decide who can make software that runs on that hardware, the power to decide who can fix that hardware, the power to decide who can sell parts for that hardware – represents an irresistible temptation to enshittify Apple products.

"Constraints" are the crux of the enshittification hypothesis. The contagion that spread enshittification to every corner of our technological world isn't a newfound sadism or indifference among tech bosses. Those bosses are the same people they've always been – the difference is that today, they are unconstrained.

Having bought, merged or formed a cartel with all their rivals, they don't fear competition (Apple buys 90+ companies per year, and Google pays it an annual $26.3b bribe for default search on its operating systems and programs).

Having captured their regulators, they don't fear fines or other penalties for cheating their customers, workers or suppliers (Apple led the coalition that defeated dozens of Right to Repair bills, year after year, in the late 2010s).

Having wrapped themselves in IP law, they don't fear rivals who make alternative clients, mods, privacy tools or other "adversarial interoperability" tools that disenshittify their products (Apple uses the DMCA, trademark, and other exotic rules to block third-party software, repair, and clients).

True virtue rests not merely in resisting temptation to be wicked, but in recognizing your own weakness and avoiding temptation. As I wrote when Apple embarked on its "curated computing" path, the company would eventually – inevitably – use its power to veto its customers' choices to harm those customers:

https://memex.craphound.com/2010/04/01/why-i-wont-buy-an-ipad-and-think-you-shouldnt-either/

Which is where we're at today. Apple – uniquely among electronics companies – shreds every device that is traded in by its customers, to block third parties from harvesting working components and using them for independent repair:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/yp73jw/apple-recycling-iphones-macbooks

Apple engraves microscopic Apple logos on those parts and uses these as the basis for trademark complaints to US customs, to block the re-importation of parts that escape its shredders:

https://repair.eu/news/apple-uses-trademark-law-to-strengthen-its-monopoly-on-repair/

Apple entered into an illegal price-fixing conspiracy with Amazon to prevent used and refurbished devices from being sold in the "world's biggest marketplace":

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/10/you-had-one-job/#thats-just-the-as

Why is Apple so opposed to independent repair? Well, they say it's to keep users safe from unscrupulous or incompetent repair technicians (feudal security). But when Tim Cook speaks to his investors, he tells a different story, warning them that the company's profits are threatened by customers who choose to repair (rather than replace) their slippery, fragile glass $1,000 pocket computers (the fortress becomes a prison):

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/01/letter-from-tim-cook-to-apple-investors/

All this adds up to a growing mountain of immortal e-waste, festooned with miniature Apple logos, that our descendants will be dealing with for the next 1,000 years. In the face of this unspeakable crime, Apple engaged in a string of dishonest maneuvers, claiming that it would support independent repair. In 2022, Apple announced a home repair program that turned out to be a laughably absurd con:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/22/apples-cement-overshoes/

Then in 2023, Apple announced a fresh "pro-repair" initiative that, once again, actually blocked repair:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

Let's pause here a moment and remember that Apple once stood for independent repair, and celebrated the independent repair technicians that kept its customers' beloved Macs running:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/29/norwegian-potato-flour-enchiladas/#r2r

Whatever virtue lurks in Apple's corporate personhood, it is no match for the temptation that comes from running a locked-down platform designed to capture IP rights so that it can prevent normal competitive activities, like fixing phones, processing payments, or offering apps.

When Apple rolled out the App Store, Steve Jobs promised that it would save journalism and other forms of "content creation" by finally giving users a way to pay rightsholders. A decade later, that promise has been shattered by the app tax – a 30% rake on every in-app transaction that can't be avoided because Apple will kick your app out of the App Store if you even mention that your customers can pay you via the web in order to avoid giving a third of their content dollars to a hardware manufacturer that contributed nothing to the production of that material:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/06/save-news-we-must-open-app-stores

Among the apps that Apple also refuses to allow on Ios is third-party browsers. Every Iphone browser is just a reskinned version of Apple's Safari, running on the same antiquated, insecure Webkit browser engine. The fact that Webkit is incomplete and outdated is a feature, not a bug, because it lets Apple block web apps – apps delivered via browsers, rather than app stores:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/13/kitbashed/#app-store-tax

Last month, the EU took aim at Apple's veto over its users' and software vendors' ability to transact with one another. The newly in-effect Digital Markets Act requires Apple to open up both third-party payment processing and third-party app stores. Apple's response to this is the very definition of malicious compliance, a snake's nest of junk-fees, onerous terms of service, and petty punitive measures that all add up to a great, big "Go fuck yourself":

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/06/spoil-the-bunch/#dma

But Apple's bullying, privacy invasion, price-gouging and environmental crimes are global, and the EU isn't the only government seeking to end them. They're in the firing line in Japan:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Japan-to-crack-down-on-Apple-and-Google-app-store-monopolies

And in the UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-wins-appeal-in-apple-case

And now, famously, the US Department of Justice is coming for Apple, with a bold antitrust complaint that strikes at the heart of Apple exceptionalism, the idea that monopoly is safer for users than technological self-determination:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1344546/dl?inline

There's passages in the complaint that read like I wrote them:

Apple wraps itself in a cloak of privacy, security, and consumer preferences to justify its anticompetitive conduct. Indeed, it spends billions on marketing and branding to promote the self-serving premise that only Apple can safeguard consumers’ privacy and security interests. Apple selectively compromises privacy and security interests when doing so is in Apple’s own financial interest—such as degrading the security of text messages, offering governments and certain companies the chance to access more private and secure versions of app stores, or accepting billions of dollars each year for choosing Google as its default search engine when more private options are available. In the end, Apple deploys privacy and security justifications as an elastic shield that can stretch or contract to serve Apple’s financial and business interests.

After all, Apple punishes its customers for communicating with Android users by forcing them to do so without any encryption. When Beeper Mini rolled out an Imessage-compatible Android app that fixed this, giving Iphone owners the privacy Apple says they deserve but denies to them, Apple destroyed Beeper Mini:

https://blog.beeper.com/p/beeper-moving-forward

Tim Cook is on record about this: if you want to securely communicate with an Android user, you must "buy them an Iphone":

https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23342243/tim-cook-apple-rcs-imessage-android-iphone-compatibility

If your friend, family member or customer declines to change mobile operating systems, Tim Cook insists that you must communicate without any privacy or security.

Even where Apple tries for security, it sometimes fails ("security is a process, not a product" -B. Schneier). To be secure in a benevolent dictatorship, it must also be an infallible dictatorship. Apple's far from infallible: Eight generations of Iphones have unpatchable hardware defects:

https://checkm8.info/

And Apple's latest custom chips have secret-leaking, unpatchable vulnerabilities:

https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/03/hackers-can-extract-secret-encryption-keys-from-apples-mac-chips/

Apple's far from infallible – but they're also far from benevolent. Despite Apple's claims, its hardware, operating system and apps are riddled with deliberate privacy defects, introduce to protect Apple's shareholders at the expense of its customers:

https://proton.me/blog/iphone-privacy

Now, antitrust suits are notoriously hard to make, especially after 40 years of bad-precedent-setting, monopoly-friendly antitrust malpractice. Much of the time, these suits fail because they can't prove that tech bosses intentionally built their monopolies. However, tech is a written culture, one that leaves abundant, indelible records of corporate deliberations. What's more, tech bosses are notoriously prone to bragging about their nefarious intentions, committing them to writing:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/03/big-tech-cant-stop-telling-on-itself/

Apple is no exception – there's an abundance of written records that establish that Apple deliberately, illegally set out to create and maintain a monopoly:

https://www.wired.com/story/4-internal-apple-emails-helped-doj-build-antitrust-case/

Apple claims that its monopoly is beneficent, used to protect its users, making its products more "elegant" and safe. But when Apple's interests conflict with its customers' safety and privacy – and pocketbooks – Apple always puts itself first, just like every other corporation. In other words: Apple is unexceptional.

The Cult of Mac denies this. They say that no one wants to use a third-party app store, no one wants third-party payments, no one wants third-party repair. This is obviously wrong and trivially disproved: if no Apple customer wanted these things, Apple wouldn't have to go to enormous lengths to prevent them. The only phones that an independent Iphone repair shop fixes are Iphones: which means Iphone owners want independent repair.

The rejoinder from the Cult of Mac is that those Iphone owners shouldn't own Iphones: if they wanted to exercise property rights over their phones, they shouldn't have bought a phone from Apple. This is the "No True Scotsman" fallacy for distraction-rectangles, and moreover, it's impossible to square with Tim Cook's insistence that if you want private communications, you must buy an Iphone.

Apple is unexceptional. It's just another Big Tech monopolist. Rounded corners don't preserve virtue any better than square ones. Any company that is freed from constraints – of competition, regulation and interoperability – will always enshittify. Apple – being unexceptional – is no exception.

Name your price for 18 of my DRM-free ebooks and support the Electronic Frontier Foundation with the Humble Cory Doctorow Bundle.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/22/reality-distortion-field/#three-trillion-here-three-trillion-there-pretty-soon-youre-talking-real-money

[gleecus-techlabs-blogs]

Let us look into some IoT examples and how they are transforming the manufacturing industry.