The rapid evolution during the COVID-19 pandemic has projected that digital transformation (DX) spending may soar to $3.4T and potentially contribute an impressive $100T to the global economy in the coming years. Despite the prioritization of DX in many sectors, less than half of the organizations have harnessed the full potential of cloud and AI technologies, which are critical for DX operational efficiencies. This hesitancy poses a significant risk, especially to those who have not yet adopted new tools for workplace collaboration and productivity. Moreover, continuous refinement, employee engagement, and change management are often required to meet progression benchmarks.
The manufacturing and automation sectors show a somewhat higher rate of adoption and success compared to the global industry average. To gain insights on the implementation of DX technologies, several industry experts shared their observations on current trends and developments.
Experts Weigh in on Data Utilization in Automation
We are witnessing an uptick in data collection supporting IIoT and Industry 4.0 initiatives. This data ranges from simple machine temperature readings to complex predictive maintenance information that helps prevent failures and optimizes machine servicing.
Standardization of data through protocols like MQTT or OPC-UA is becoming more common, especially among small to medium-sized enterprises. Larger entities are creating centralized data lakes or adopting cloud-based IoT platforms for extensive project implementations.
Network connectivity is also advancing, enabling more sophisticated machinery monitoring. With sensors deployed throughout manufacturing facilities and communicating through various protocols, data can be gathered and analyzed, potentially in the cloud, to facilitate actionable insights and enhance operational efficiency.
As data becomes increasingly crucial, storage and analysis require robust solutions such as Yaskawa Cockpit, which aggregates data from local devices for access and analysis, visualizing the status and health of connected devices.
Data Interfaces and Emerging Technologies Streamline Transfers
Automation components must now be compatible with common fieldbuses, and new multi-interface drives allow for adaptable and future-proof designs. Component-level interfaces transmitting complex data are simplifying machine designs, leading to cost savings and more successful architectures.
AI-based applications and smart manufacturing advancements like the Dynapar HS35iQ encoder with PulseIQ technology are contributing to interconnected, intelligent manufacturing ecosystems. Wireless vibration-monitoring solutions for rotary bearings and rotating machinery are becoming more robust and cost-effective, delivering quick ROI.
Edge devices on industrial PCs or IPCs, supporting MQTT and OPC-UA data formats, are enabling real-time decision-making and necessitate new IoT management strategies.
Securing the Industrial Landscape
Industrial cybersecurity demands are on the rise, with a focus on solutions based on local edge servers that can be securely extended to cloud services if needed. The introduction of hardware acting as a firewall is one approach to protecting against unauthorized access to equipment.
Awareness and education on cybersecurity risks are growing, with initiatives like the U.S. government’s Secure by Design promoting the incorporation of security measures by default.
As networked manufacturing evolves, the use of an Ethernet backbone is becoming critical for device management, configuration, and troubleshooting. Smarter devices like machine vision systems are now easily integrated and managed, enhancing overall efficiency.
Innovative DX Applications Transform Industry
DX approaches are solving real-world problems, such as reducing unplanned downtime and accelerating response times for a premium automotive supplier. The integration of advanced analytics with HMIs and cloud-based data repositories is enabling more sophisticated supervisory control and data acquisition.
