The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) phenomenon that is reshaping information technology (IT) in business offices now is spreading to the manufacturing sector, with employee-owned smartphones and media tablets playing an increasingly important role in manufacturing settings this year and beyond. Rising numbers of manufacturing workers are using their own smartphones and tablets to monitor and control industrial equipment.
These devices can allow users to manage equipment remotely, observing processes while employees are on the move or working in another part of the factory. While the trend is now being driven by individuals, companies in the future are likely to accommodate this phenomenon by provisioning employees with ruggedized devices tailored to the rigors of the factory floor.