Your Hidden Factory and the Power of Connected Systems
Unearthing the Hidden Factory
Before a factory can fully embrace the benefits of Smart Manufacturing and connected systems, a vast hidden factory of process data often lies undiscovered on the plant floor. This hidden data, once revealed and utilized, can significantly boost competitiveness and flexibility in meeting customer needs. By leveraging data from factory machines for modeling and analysis, manufacturers can meet Industry 4.0 requirements and uncover this hidden factory, driving efficiency and innovation.
The Role of Connected Systems
Connected systems rely on seamless machine-to-machine communication. Protocols like OPC UA and MQTT Sparkplug B are pivotal in building the ISA 95 automation triangle. Advances in data connectivity expose the hidden factory on the plant floor, enabling manufacturers to rethink the boundaries of the automation pyramid. This requires considering new processes for interacting with customers, suppliers, and service providers, ensuring data models mesh seamlessly across applications.
Delivering on Industry 4.0 Requirements
To achieve Industry 4.0 goals, connected systems move data from sensors or legacy systems to the cloud or on-premise servers. Here are the essential requirements for industrial data connectivity:
- Vendor Independence: Facilitates data exchange between multi-vendor devices without proprietary restrictions.
- Standardization: Ensures consistent rules for data exchange and communication.
- Scalability: Connects everything from sensors to mainframes, allowing for feature extension without disrupting existing applications.
- Security: Maintains network security through encryption, authentication, and auditing, even when accessing data through firewalls.
- Data Modeling: Simplifies complex relationships by defining models where data points are grouped and handled as one entity.
- Discovery: Enables detailed insights from servers without pre-selecting data points.
- Semantic Data: Provides a business representation of corporate data, allowing end users to access data using familiar business terms for a consolidated organizational view.
Conclusion
The transition to a connected factory reveals the hidden potential within manufacturing processes, enabling real-time data utilization for enhanced decision-making and productivity. By adopting connected systems and fulfilling Industry 4.0 requirements, manufacturers can transform their operations, uncovering new efficiencies and driving innovation. Embrace the power of connected systems to unearth your hidden factory and lead the way in modern manufacturing.
About the Digital Foundry at New Kensington
The Digital Foundry exists to provide technical assistance and training in Industry 4.0 technologies that can help you understand and successfully undercover your hidden factory. Learn more about our training and technical projects with industry. Contact us at info@digitalfoundrynk.com or 724-472-1180 to learn more.