Internet of Things (IoT)

Any piece of manufacturing software has within it, an element of a digital twin. This has always been the case, as computer applications by definition, work with data that represents physical things or events, using the data to perform tasks which after computation, influence the physical world. The limitation of any digital twin solution in the market therefore, is exactly the same as for a computerized solution. The better the data, the better the capability and the result.

Today too many companies are focused on the acquisition of data in the hopes that the data will create value. Industry 4.0 examines more than the simple internal machine stoppages. Industry 4.0 is focused on the analysis of time intervals in which there is zero data because the equipment or process is not actually working.

According to LNS Research, Industrial Transformation (IX) is defined as a proactive and coordinated approach to leverage digital technologies to create step-change improvements in industrial operations. Today, around 45 percent of companies are currently executing an IX program. But just because an organization is executing an IX program does not mean it is experiencing the benefits of IX. In fact, it is estimated that 15 percent of companies are stuck in the pilot phase.

It’s no secret that technology is a heavy focus for today’s manufacturers. Unfortunately, many manufacturers often focus on technology as an end, when in reality, technology is a means to achieving better business outcomes.

The promise of the benefits that can be reaped from big data and predictive analytics through access to machine and operator data is compelling enough for most manufacturers to seriously direct their IT and OT departments to look into ways to enable such machine and operator data acquisition.

People have begun describing their cloud systems as "the fog." I get the feeling the joke is based on actual events. Are we" venting" gases into the atmosphere with our data during this digital era just like we did during the industrial age?

The catalyst for the now long-awaited Industry 4.0 revolution is the introduction of the IPC CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) standard for IIoT.

The Cyber Physical System (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Twin are all central concepts in Industry 4.0, often used interchangeably in discussions about Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.

More advanced technology equals higher workforce productivity—this is the simple equation that drives enterprise strategy for many manufacturing leaders.

For anyone currently considering investment in a modern digital manufacturing solution, inclusive of any form of discrete assembly manufacturing, it is imperative that expectations and requirements are redefined in the light of this new IIoT.

In this last segment of the series, we finish by looking further into the levels of MES functionality that enables final production to work effectively.

In this segment of the 3-part series, we will take a more detailed look into the deeper levels of MES, discussing other areas within the factory that MES manages, that enable the final production flow to work smoothly and effectively.

Traceability, in this new age of digital manufacturing, has never been so inexpensive, and with the recently increasing ingress of counterfeit materials, never more important.

Many software systems in use in manufacturing today are holding the business to ransom. Well-meaning, mainly internally developed software utilities, have established a critical dependency on themselves.

In this blog post we’ll cover four potential starting points to jump start your efforts. Keep in mind that each of these key elements of digital innovation—IIoT connectivity, smart applications, and advanced analytics—will eventually play a critical role in your factory.

SMT Hybrid Packaging show, taking place in Nuremberg from the 5th to the 7th of June, takes the strain as the focus of attention for technology and innovation in the electronics assembly manufacturing market.

Today’s shop floor is a highly-complex, continually-shifting environment. A recent study by Aberdeen Group polled today’s best-in-class manufacturers and found the top reported pressures of modern manufacturing.

Well, if after my last blog about the IPC APEX show, there was excitement and expectation, people who then went to the show, or joined in from all over the world to see the CFX data being collected live, were not disappointed.

If you are one of the few remaining people who has not heard about the event of the decade coming up at the APEX tradeshow at the end of this month, you really need to read on.

With companies like Microsoft promoting their HoloLens for design and manufacturing environments, Augmented Reality (AR) is finding its way into today’s factory, promising value through increased visibility.

This time last year, many people, including myself, were confident that 2017 would be the year of shop-floor IoT communication. While progress has been strong, 2018 looks more realistic for practical application of IoT in manufacturing.

What is a Digital Twin and how are manufacturers leveraging this concept to drive efficiency in an Industry 4.0 environment? SCOOP Founder Phil Stoten interviews Oren Manor, Director at Mentor, and Jason Spera, CEO of Aegis Software.

Productronica used to be about evolving machine and materials technology. Not anymore, factories focus more on high-performance flexibility than speed alone. Western manufacturing is more like rallying than a drag-race.

We recently held an Aegis Software user group meeting, the first to occur in the UK. Face-to-face meetings may seem “old-fashioned” but in this world of increasing digitalization, the values of the face to face communication persist.

Atrenne Integrated Solutions, customers include Aerospace and Defense companies, requiring the utmost quality control and production efficiency. Aegis’ FactoryLogix MES offers real-time visibility, streamlined processes and ensures quality.

As we look back on 2016, it’s only natural to reflect on what’s ahead for global manufacturing in the coming year. Let’s take a look at the top manufacturing trends for 2017.

Before you invest in a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for your facility, you need to consider how easily and efficiently it will be deployed throughout your operation, and what the long-term relationship with your vendor will be like.

The #MondayMusings blog series provides executive level insights and analysis for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Digital Transformation from the previous week’s briefings, events, and publications @LNSResearch.

Last week in Las Vegas the electronics industry gathered to explore the latest developments, while there were the usual growths as products are getting faster, more efficient and cheaper, there was little revolution except in IoM.

In an interview with Kim Sauer, at APEX 2016 in Las Vegas, Jason explains how Industry 4.0 goes beyond communication around the SMT line and highlights how materials management is a key component a fully integrated SMART Factory approach.

The first industrial revolution was built on machines lubricated by oil, the current revolution is built on computers lubricated by data.

As I see it a number of factors are throwing up another golden age of electronics innovation, led by new markets and supported by enabling technologies, excellent outsourced product fulfillment and good access to venture capital.

Trends around IoM (Internet of Manufacturing) and Industry 4.0 are all largely focused on operations but where does the potential lie for big data within the supply chain?

I’m back in San Jose after CES and thought I’d put down a few thoughts on this year’s exhibition floor, keynotes and presentations.

The basic requirement of a successful data driven, or ‘transparent’ factory are the ability to collect data and to store data centrally.

Remember a few years ago when geek became chic? No, me neither, but apparently it did, and programmers became cool and among the best paid people in Silicon Valley.

What is the Internet of Manufacturing (IoM) and why should we care about it?

Wearables were a big deal at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) at the very opening of 2015, mentioned in numerous keynotes and visible on many booths.

Customisation has thus far always been the prerogative of a select few involving a time-intensive process with a complex, fragmented and costly supply chain.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is central to the premise of Industry 4.0, a world where a product self identifies at the start of its life.