Digital supplement to
Technology Handbook
CONNECTED MANUFACTURING A look into the products, technologies and solutions shaping the market
PHOTO: GORODENKOFF / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES
Technology Handbook | CONNECTED MANUFACTURING
Machine Vision: Murrelektronik’s Innovative Installation Bundle for Single-Camera Applications Revolutionize Your Automation with One-Cam-Connect
I
n today’s manufacturing automation landscape, machine vision is essential for enhancing efficiency, quality assurance, and safety. As diverse systems proliferate, the need for an efficient, modular, and manufacturer-independent installation concept becomes critical. Introducing One-CamConnect—Murrelektronik’s all-in-one solution designed specifically for single-camera applications, optimizing your operations with numerous advantages. Machine vision technology is transforming manufacturing environments by streamlining processes and ensuring reliable quality control. The demand for flexible, modular, and scalable vision systems has surged, particularly due to the ongoing shortage of skilled labor. This makes it crucial for automation equipment and vision systems to be easy to install, operate, and maintain. Murrelektronik is a leader in decentralized electrical installation and automation technology, providing a comprehensive solution tailored to meet these challenges: its modular and manufacturer-independent, fully pluggable machine vision installation systems deliver signals, data, and power directly to the machine environment.
connection and junction cables that comply with international standards, ensuring that on-site setup is as simple as plugging in a device. Existing systems can also be expanded easily with additional cameras using standardized components, significantly cutting installation time and minimizing potential errors.
Introducing One-Cam-Connect
Rapid Troubleshooting Capabilities
One-Cam-Connect is a plug-and-play solution designed to rapidly and safely establish inspection systems using single smart cameras. Ideal for applications such as code or text scanning at conveyor gates or manual packing stations, this bundle simplifies machine vision integration into your production line. The One-Cam-Connect bundle includes: • A Single Reader block with connections for: camera, trigger, I/O and power with integrated protection (MICO). • A 90-watt power supply—the first of its kind for singlecamera applications—featuring IP67 protection and industrial certification for durability in demanding environments. The power supply includes integrated mounting tabs for secure attachment to machine racks. Efficiency and Cost Savings The One-Cam-Connect bundle offers significant advantages that can transform your manufacturing processes. By relocating components from the control cabinet to the field and connecting local, self-managed systems to a central server via a single cable, companies can achieve cost reductions of up to 30% across the entire process chain—from planning and design to assembly and installation. The streamlined installation process uses pre-assembled
Simplified Expansion and Maintenance
Adding cameras to your systems has never been easier. With rugged, IP67-rated connectors, users can mount cameras directly to machine frames, plug them in, and be operational quickly. The system supports the connection of up to four cameras to a hybrid switch that combines power, fusing, and switching functionalities in one unit. Multiple switches can be daisy-chained for seamless integration of additional cameras and peripherals. This decentralized approach enhances maintenance efficiency. All components are interconnected locally, enabling quick camera exchanges or the addition of equipment without the hassle of searching for connections in distant control cabinets.
Operators can perform routine maintenance tasks swiftly without needing specialized personnel. Clear LED indicators on each port provide immediate feedback on system performance, while online diagnostic tools support in-depth troubleshooting. If a cable malfunctions, the system identifies the fault instantly, allowing for quick replacement and minimizing downtime.
Built to Last
Murrelektronik’s machine vision installation system is engineered for robustness. All components feature fully encapsulated housing that is shock and vibration resistant, IP67 rated, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from -40°C to +55°C. This durability ensures consistent performance in challenging manufacturing environments.
Conclusion
Elevate your manufacturing automation with One-CamConnect from Murrelektronik. Experience the simplicity, efficiency, and reliability of a cutting-edge machine vision solution designed to meet modern industry demands. Transform your operations and unlock new levels of productivity today!
2 MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION · Technology Handbook Connected Manufacturing 2025
Technology Handbook | CONNECTED MANUFACTURING
The New Era of Connected Factories: Smart Contextualization in Action
M
anufacturers are collecting more data than ever—but without context, it remains untapped potential. Smart contextualization changes this by combining machine-generated data with real-time human input, turning raw numbers into actionable insights that eliminate inefficiencies, reduce downtime, and empower frontline teams.
The Importance of Smart Contextualization
Many manufacturers face challenges with data fragmentation— while sensors collect valuable machine data, the absence of human context can make it difficult to pinpoint the root causes of disruptions. Manual tracking, though useful, can sometimes be slow and inconsistent, making it harder to address issues proactively and optimize production efficiency. By integrating automated data capture with frontline insights, smart contextualization bridges this gap—creating a single, accurate source of truth for production performance. With realtime visibility, teams can capture and respond to production events as they happen, reducing reliance on outdated reports and enabling faster, smarter decision-making.
Empowering the Frontline with Real-Time Insights
Connected manufacturing is not just about automation—it’s about ensuring that operators, supervisors, and leadership have the right information at the right time. When frontline teams add context to machine data, manufacturers can quickly identify potential disruptions and take proactive, informed action before issues escalate. By leveraging smart contextualization, manufacturers can: • Gain instant visibility into production trends, minimizing costly inefficiencies. • Align teams with a shared, real-time dataset, ensuring consistent decision-making. • Adopt a proactive approach to operational efficiency, using data to drive continuous improvement.
A Unified View of Shop Floor Performance
At the forefront of connected manufacturing, Raven is redefining how production teams capture and act on data. By merging machine insights with frontline expertise, Raven eliminates guesswork and replaces manual reports with realtime, contextualized intelligence, ensuring: • Faster root cause identification – No more waiting for postshift reports to analyze inefficiencies. • Data-driven continuous improvement – Teams operate from a single, reliable source of truth. • Proactive problem-solving – Real-time alerts enable teams to take immediate action.
Case Study: Driving Efficiency in Heavy Manufacturing
Portland Forge faced persistent challenges with manual downtime tracking, leading to reporting delays, misaligned teams, and hidden inefficiencies. By implementing Raven’s real-time data capture and smart contextualization platform, Portland Forge: • Eliminated inefficiencies by pinpointing and addressing frequent short stops. • Enabled instant decision-making with live dashboards and automated alerts. • Aligned operators, supervisors, and engineers with a shared, real-time source of truth for continuous improvement.
Case Study: Optimizing Operations in Food & Beverage
Yamamotoyama sought to enhance production efficiency and gain real-time visibility into shop floor performance. Their reliance on traditional downtime tracking methods led to gaps in reporting and unidentified losses. By adopting Raven’s platform, Yamamotoyama: • Gained full visibility into downtime, replacing manual tracking with automated, real-time insights for better accuracy. • Improved operational efficiency, using real-time data to identify and resolve production bottlenecks faster. • Strengthened cross-team collaboration, equipping frontline teams with shared, contextualized data to drive continuous improvement.
The Power of Connected Manufacturing
By combining machine data with human insights, manufacturers can unlock new levels of efficiency, adaptability, and competitiveness. Raven is leading this shift, equipping manufacturers with the tools to optimize production, minimize downtime, and drive measurable improvements across their operations. Ready to see how smart contextualization can transform your operations? Book a personalized demo today.
4 MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION · Technology Handbook Connected Manufacturing 2025
Your bird’s eye view into shop floor processes Raven helps manufacturers win by empowering frontline, engineering and management teams. Save time – Automate data capture, get real-time alerts, and reduce downtime.
Stay connected – Unify machines, data, and people for real-time visibility and collaboration.
Drive improvement – Use accurate data to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize performance.
Smarter decisions – Combine machine data with human input for faster, more precise decisions.
Contact Us hello@raven.ai raven.ai
Learn More
CASE STUDY
SMART INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Exploring how VTR Feeder Solutions boosts efficiency with vendor-managed inventory BY COLIN CARTWRIGHT didn’t. It caused delays and disrupted the flow of our assembly process.” Without an organized system, VTR’s technicians faced potential delays in production, costing valuable time and money. In addition, the manual process of managing cable stock created inefficiencies, particularly when technicians struggled to locate the right parts or realized too late that they were out of stock.
VTR controls group lead Lucas Sinclair puts the final touches on a VTR feeding system.
V
TR Feeder Solutions, a company that designs vibratory feeding systems, has always been committed to providing innovative and reliable solutions. As it has grown and modernized its approach to turnkey, standalone feeding systems, the company has adopted cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the curve. Despite its advancements in product design, VTR recently faced a common challenge among manufacturers – inefficiencies in inventory management. This case study explores how VTR partnered with Murrelektronik to implement a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system that transformed its cable and connector management, optimized machine build times and improved overall operational efficiency.
Inventory management challenges Founded in 1995 by Tom Davies, VTR initially set out to provide reliable feeding solutions with a focus on hand-fabricated
stainless steel bowls. Over time, the company evolved, embracing precision machining to manufacture high-tolerance vibratory and flex feeders. Today, VTR operates out of a 67,000-square-foot facility in Grimsby, Ontario, with a growing footprint that includes a machining operation in Florida. Despite its innovative products and strong market presence, VTR found itself grappling with inventory management challenges – particularly with sensor cables, network cables and connectors. The inadequacies of its existing system resulted in delays and other issues in machine assembly. According to Lucas Sinclair, the Controls Group lead at VTR, there was essentially no formal inventory management system in place for cables and connectors. “We had a large stock of cables upstairs, but no one knew exactly what was up there,” explains Sinclair. “If someone needed a cable, they had to go searching for it. Sometimes, we’d end up ordering more of something we already had in stock, or worse, we thought we had it but
6 MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION · Technology Handbook Connected Manufacturing 2025
Recognizing the impact of inventory mismanagement on its operations, VTR collaborated with Murrelektronik to implement a VMI system tailored to its specific needs. The goal of the VMI system was to streamline the management of cables and connectors, reduce unnecessary purchases and ensure that critical components were readily available during machine assembly. The solution was simple but effective. The VMI system centralized VTR’s cable inventory into a single, well-organized location, with designated bins for each type of cable and connector. The system was designed to monitor stock levels automatically and trigger reorders when inventory dropped below a certain threshold. Sinclair notes how the system changed the company’s approach to inventory management. “Before, it was a little chaotic – a bit of a free-for-all for cables. Now, everything is organized. We have bins for everything, and the system tracks what’s taken out and assigns it to a specific job.” This level of organization was a significant improvement for VTR. The VMI system also provided visibility into
PHOTOS: MURRELEKTRONIK CANADA
Implementing a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system
inventory levels, reducing the need for emergency purchases and ensuring that the right parts were always on hand when needed.
Boosting efficiency and reducing downtime With the implementation of the VMI system, VTR quickly saw a notable improvement in its assembly process. The most significant benefit was the reduction in downtime. Prior to the VMI system, technicians could spend up to 15 minutes searching for cables, which multiplied across the team, could add up to hours of lost productivity each month. This newfound efficiency had a direct impact on VTR’s build times. With the right components readily available, technicians could focus on assembly rather than inventory management. Sinclair explains how the system improved workflow. “We have a designated area where everything is organized. The guys come in, sign out what they need, and go back to work. It’s assigned to a job number, so we can track what’s used and when.” In addition to streamlining assembly, the VMI system also improved the accuracy of VTR’s inventory, especially for critical components. Previously, the company struggled to account for every cable and connector used on a job. Now, the system provides accurate reporting, allowing VTR to track costs more effectively and minimize waste.
Cost savings and operational benefits One of the key outcomes of the VMI system is the reduction in unnecessary spending. VTR’s previous inventory issues often led to over-ordering or rush orders, which increased costs. With the VMI system, these problems have become a thing of the past. “We used to waste money ordering extra cables because we didn’t know what we had in stock,” shares Sinclair. “Now, the system keeps track of everything. So, we don’t make that mistake anymore.” By automating the reordering process, the VMI system also minimized purchasing overhead. Instead of manually managing stock levels and placing multiple orders, VTR can rely on the
system to handle the heavy lifting. This frees up time for the purchasing team to focus on more strategic tasks. “We no longer have to issue rush orders or scramble to find parts,” adds Sinclair. “The system automatically triggers orders when stock is low, so we always have what we need.” Here’s what the VMI system has brought to the table for VTR: 1. A place for everything, and everything in its place: Every cable and connector has its own designated spot with an easy-to-find bin number. 2. Real-time stock levels: No more guessing games about what’s in stock. 3. Automatic reordering: The system triggers new orders before they even realize they need them. 4. Cost awareness: Because VTR chose to show the list price of each item in the VMI system, the assembly team tends to think twice about wasteful practices like cutting long cables and throwing away the offcuts.
example, Murrelektronik is currently working on enhancing the system’s reporting capabilities to provide even more detailed insights into inventory usage. These updates will allow VTR to further refine their processes and identify additional areas for cost savings.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected but welcome outcomes of the VMI system was its positive impact on team morale. The frustration and stress sometimes associated with the inability to find the right cable when you need it has become a thing of the past. Ana Karenina, VTR’s sales and marketing manager, adds, “The change in atmosphere is evident. Our team can focus on what they do best – building exceptional machines – without the interruptions and setbacks caused by inventory issues.”
VTR’s journey from cable inventory frustration to streamlined stock efficiency serves as a compelling case study for the transformative power of smart inventory management in manufacturing. It demonstrates that with the right technology, partnership and implementation strategy, even long-standing operational challenges can be overcome, leading to improvements that resonate throughout the entire production process. VTR’s success story is more than just a tale of one company’s triumph over inventory woes. It’s a roadmap for machine builders looking to step confidently into the future of production – a future where efficiency, precision and data-driven decision-making provide an edge over competitors. By addressing the challenges of inventory management, VTR has not only improved its assembly process but also reduced costs and enhanced overall operational efficiency. The cable VMI system will continue to play a major role in its quest for efficient machine assembly. | MA
Collaboration and continuous improvement The success of the cable VMI system at VTR can be attributed to the close collaboration between VTR and Murrelektronik. From the initial setup to ongoing support, Murrelektronik’s team worked hand-in-hand with VTR to ensure a smooth transition and continued optimization of the system. “Murrelektronik was with us every step of the way,” says Sinclair. “They helped us set up the bins, provided training, and were always available to answer questions or make adjustments as needed. It was a true partnership.” The VMI system is still evolving. For
Expanding the VMI system’s capabilities As VTR continues to grow, the company sees potential for expanding the VMI system beyond cables and connectors. According to Karenina, there are other critical components that could benefit from the same level of organization and oversight. “We’re already considering scaling the VMI system to include other parts like fasteners, sensors, and fittings,” explains Karenina. “It’s been such a success with our cables and connectors that it makes sense to apply the same system to other areas.”
A successful partnership
Colin Cartwright is the director of business at Murrelektronik Canada. He has over 30 years of controls and automation experience and loves working with machine builders and system integrators to reduce their control system installation and commissioning times.
Technology Handbook Connected Manufacturing 2025 · MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION 7
DATA ANALYTICS
CONNECTING FACTORIES WITH DATA While smart factories can collect large volumes of data, knowing what to do with it is the key to success. BY JACK KAZMIERSKI recommends starting the journey towards a smart and connected factory by focusing on the people. “Invest in training programs to help everyone from the operators to the executives better understand how to work with the data and AI tools,” he says. The goal of the training should be to create a culture that embraces datadriven decision making, he adds, and getting everyone comfortable with the idea of working in this new paradigm.
Making sense of the data While upgrading equipment and sensors is key to creating a robust inter-connected network, Bean says that it’s critical to first have AI platforms in place that can turn the vast amounts of collected data into actionable insights. “You can collect all the data you want,” he explains, “but if the AI is not turning it into something that an operator or manager can actually take action on, then you’re just wasting a lot of time and money.” Colin Cartwright, director of business development at Murrelektronik Canada agrees. “It’s easy to bring data to the customer, but the customer now has a dilemma,” he explains. “How are they going to manage it? We’ve seen some factories eager to collect data from absolutely everything, but they need to be able to manage it, or the amount of data can be overwhelming.”
Benefits and metrics There’s no doubt that smart factories are the future. Upgrading technologies
8 MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION · Technology Handbook Connected Manufacturing 2025
and training people who can put all the data to good use is a must. Factories that don’t embark on the journey towards Industry 4.0 will be left behind. On the other hand, factories that do upgrade will see many benefits to quality control and machine uptime. “The goal of every factory is to make quality parts in the fastest time possible,” explains Cartwright. “Collecting data enables us to look at certain points along the production process and identify bottlenecks where we’re slowing down, or where we’re not meeting the production time that we want to.” Machine uptime can be optimized by collecting and analyzing data about the equipment and machinery in use on production lines. “Collecting data on how long, or at what temperature a motor is running, for example, can tell you
PHOTO: HARTING
T
he future of manufacturing can be summed up in one word: data! We’re in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 or the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). This revolution is all about making factories smarter, more connected and able to gather and share data in real time. Jason Bean, IIoT/Industry 4.0 market specialist for Pepperl+Fuchs says that we’re seeing a global shift towards connected factories, and warns that some manufacturers might be looking at smart and connected factories in the wrong way. “It’s not just about sensors or upgrading equipment,” he warns. “It’s about manufacturers realizing that they need to become data-first, AI-driven companies that just happen to make physical products.” Bean, who is the founder of the Industry 4.0 Club and author of a book called, “From Myth to Reality, Harnessing the Power of Industry 4.0 for Manufacturing Success,” says that we need to stop thinking about smart factories as a tech project. Instead, we need to think of them as a people project. “It’s about creating a data-literate workforce that can harness the power of AI to drive innovation and efficiency,” he explains. “And when they get that right, you can see some pretty exciting results, not just in productivity, but in employee engagement and job satisfaction.” Rather than simply upgrading equipment and collecting data, Bean
if it’s about to fail,” Cartwright adds. “It could be drawing more current because a mechanical part connected to that motor has not been greased properly and is drying out. Whatever the case, it’s better to fix a problem before it gets worse, rather than react to the breakdown once it happens.” Other benefits may not be as easy to see or simple to measure, says Pepperl+Fuchs’ Jason Bean. “The biggest benefits probably go beyond your traditional metrics,” he explains. “You’ll see improvements in efficiency, quality and productivity, but I think the biggest game changer is going to be how it empowers the workforce. Done right, it’s going to create an environment where employees become knowledgeable workers. So, they’re no longer just following procedures; they’re going to use the data-driven insights to make decisions,
solve problems and drive innovation in real time.”
The smart factory journey The transition from status quo to a fullyconnected facility takes time, explains Valerie Richardson, senior director of market development at Harting Americas. “You have to have a vision for your business,” she explains, “and part of that is identifying your strengths and weaknesses, which will help you identify your needs. Once you understand your needs, you can choose the areas that are most critical or most strategic to upgrade.” The starting point, she adds, will be different for every facility. “Whether they want to [upgrade] a particular machine or a particular subsystem within a factory, or the shipping and handling part of the factory, or something within
the supply chain, it could vary.” Richardson explains that this is not an “all or nothing” scenario. Rather, it’s a journey. “You start somewhere, maybe beta test with the most critical needs, and grow from there.” The bottom line is that upgrading is no longer an option. While this journey may take time, it’s one that manufacturers can’t afford to ignore. “I think that it’s a bit of a risk to not upgrade,” Richardson concludes. “However, each company must decide when it’s right for them to do so. Some companies can afford not to upgrade right now, but they cannot afford not to be thinking about it. They need to start exploring that journey, get comfortable with the options that are out there, and understand how those options could positively impact them.” | MA
Technology Handbook Connected Manufacturing 2025 · MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION 9
Canada’s #1 Resource for Industrial Automation Leaders & Decision Makers
SUBSCRIBE NOW
automationmag.com