Digital supplement to
Technology Handbook
SENSORS A look into the products, technologies and solutions shaping the market
Technology Handbook | SENSORS
Simplifying Profile Comparisons with Light Section Sensors
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omplex vision systems are often used for high-precision identification and analysis of object shape and position. These kinds of automation tasks can include quality control for finished components, positioning parts correctly on an assembly line, and aligning pieces before they are gripped by a robot. The vision systems used are notoriously difficult to set up and operate, and they require highly skilled users. Light section sensors are now on the market that combine the functionality of advanced vision systems with the usability of digital-output sensors to simplify profile comparison. A good example is Pepperl+Fuchs’ SmartRunner Matcher, which evaluates complex image data and transforms it into a simple good/bad output.
the Matcher is ready to evaluate objects with no additional input from the user. It is possible to teach in and save up to 32 profiles in one sensor. Initial setup or reconfiguration is also possible via Data Matrix control codes. All sensor parameters can be pre-set and provided to the Matcher via the code, which is detected and decoded by the sensor. This is useful for quick setup of multiple sensors.
Transforming Complex Data into Simple Good/Bad Outputs
Conclusion
Setup and Configuration
First, the user installs the Matcher and aligns it with the objects that will be evaluated. They then teach in a reference profile via the Vision Configurator software or push buttons. After that,
the SmartRunner Matcher also offers more flexibility than traditional vision systems. Since it is not always a matter of “good” or “bad” when it comes to object profiles, the Matcher can be configured to recognize tolerance ranges. This helps account for system imperfections and product variations. As long as an object profile falls within the set tolerance range, it is recognized as good. Within the tolerance range, the Matcher can also output X and Z offset data down to the millimeter level. So when an object moves, users can see exactly how much it has moved. It is also possible to set tolerance ranges to account for brightness and reflectivity. An added advantage of the Matcher over standard vision sensors is that it is less dependent on object contrast. Whereas vision sensors require welldefined object contrast in order to provide reliable evaluation, the Matcher’s SmartRunner technology makes it less sensitive. Performance is not thrown off by extraneous light, reflection, color, or surface texture.
After initial setup and configuration, the Matcher captures an image of each object’s line profile. Using LEDs and a 2D camera, the SmartRunner compares the current profile to the taughtin reference profile. When the scanned profile matches the reference profile, the Matcher sends a “good” signal. When the profile deviates from the reference, a “bad” signal is sent.
SmartRunner Matcher vs. Vision Systems In addition to increased simplicity,
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SmartRunner technology makes the functionality of vision systems available in affordable, easy-to-use digital-output sensors. In addition to the Matcher, Pepperl+Fuchs’ SmartRunner Detector uses the same technology for high-precision monitoring of sensitive machine areas.
Gerry Paci, Product Manager for Advanced Positioning and Vision Systems, Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. gpaci@us.pepperl-fuchs.com
www.pepperl-fuchs.com
Transforming vision. Reducing complexity. Reinventing technology. Light Section Sensors with SmartRunner Technology for Profile Comparison and Area Monitoring Transformation of complex image data into a simple
digital signal for fast and easy integration Simplified profile comparison and area monitoring
with a unique combination of 2D vision and light section technologies Easy installation and configuration via Data Matrix control codes or teach-in www.pepperl-fuchs.com/smartrunner
Technology Handbook | SENSORS
The highflier in object detection: The W16 and W26 product families mark the launch of a new generation of photoelectric sensors
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ICK has streamlined its portfolio of object detection sensors and improved individual sensor performance by introducing new technologies. By focusing on the essentials, SICK has made its photoelectric sensors fit to face future challenges.The new W16 and W26 product families are the result of a consistent simplification and streamlining of the comprehensive product portfolio. They are technically optimized and equipped with everything that makes work easier and processes safer for the user. Users can rely on all of the benefits of this technology to ensure seamless, reliable production in every situation. TwinEye-Technology offers the very highest levels of operational safety for high-gloss, reflective, and high-contrast objects – all of which are commonplace across a wide range of industries. This technology uses one sender and two receivers. The sensor only changes the output state if both receivers (eyes) produce the same assessment. Should the light beam be deflected due to uneven or high-gloss surfaces, the sensor maintains the status until the second receiver can no longer detect the object; inevitably, switching errors are reliably prevented. The ClearSens technology ensures an optimal view when it comes to transparent objects such as glass or plastic bottles, ampules, pipettes, transparent films, trays, etc. The operating element can be rotated to set the required mode intuitively depending on the object characteristics, and then pressed to carry out the sensor teach-in for the reflector. If dirt produced during the production process reduces the amount of light emitted
The VISTAL® housing from SICK has improved the mechanical ruggedness of the sensors. It is made from a special glass-fiber reinforced plastic and is resistant to extreme loads caused by thermal, chemical, or mechanical influences, resulting in an increased service life.
Usability is our priority
by the reflector, AutoAdapt technology compensates for this by adjusting the switching thresholds. This allows cleaning intervals to be extended and the availability of the sensors to be increased. These new sensors also provide the input required by every process chain on the route towards Industry 4.0. They are all equipped with IO-Link and as smart sensors, they can play an active role in end-to-end automation networks. This ensures a significant optimization of costs and processes along the entire value chain in smart factories.
Optically and mechanically rugged While digital production processes running smoother, conditions in the analog environment remain harsh. Therefore, the significantly improved optical and mechanical ruggedness of the new sensors is a clear advantage. Ambient light in the form of direct sunlight, LED illumination, or reflections from high-visibility vests has, until now, led to switching errors or even machine downtime.
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The usability of the new sensor ranges creates a “cockpit feeling” in the machine room know as the BluePilot operating concept. The blue LED alignment aid enables faster alignment of sensors and reflectors as well as senders and receivers for throughbeam and photoelectric retro-reflective sensors. In live operation, the LEDs in these device classes offer a diagnostic function: Should a change in detection quality arise as a result of contamination and/or vibration, the LEDs indicate the degree of impairment by slowly increasing or decreasing the dimming. The machine operator can detect the fault at a glance early on and find a solution before it comes to production failures caused by standstills. In a matter of seconds, the sensor data is displayed on mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones via a Bluetooth interface so the production staff can keep an eye on the machine status and if required, optimize the sensor settings in just a few clicks.
Need more information:
www.sickcanada.com
THE HIGHFLIER IN OBJECT DETECTION.
In challenging situations, flexibility is what counts. The new W16 and W26 photoelectric sensors from SICK now offer everything you need to make your job easier and your machine more reliable – each and every time. The “Blue Pilot” user feedback display combined with a buffet style feature portfolio makes short work of all kinds of applications. What’s more, new groundbreaking optical performance makes detection of shiny, uneven, perforated, and transparent objects more reliable than ever before. Maximum performance while keeping you in the pilot seat. For anything that comes your way. We think that’s intelligent. www.sick.com/highflier
Technology Handbook | SENSORS
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urck is now offering its uprox3 sensor in an IO-Link-capable version. Turck’s uprox3 sensor line offers the longest sensing distances of all factor 1 sensors on the market, and now coupled with IO-Link capabilities, allows for more flexibility and intelligence to be integrated into sensing applications. With the use of the uprox® IO-link sensors, you reduce costs in new and existing applications. Easy configuration allows you to flexibly adapt the sensors to your needs. You can not only set the output functions and the sensing distances, but special functions are included and can be used whenever needed. Additionally, each adjustable switching distance can be run sequentially in combination with an IO-Link master. Also, the sensors include all standard uprox3 benefits such as factor 1 with the longest sensing distances and an excellent magnetic field strength. The reduction of variants streamlines the ordering of the product, and also minimizes the storage and administrative costs for customers. In IO-Link mode, the sensor is operated on an IO-Link master. This enables access to all parameter and evaluation functions. The intelligent data retention with IO-Link 1.1 allows a sensor to be exchanged without having to reset parameters. The process data uprox3IOL provides further analysis options such as application-specific switch points, temperature limits, etc., or an identification number. These can be used to identify 256 different nodes. The sensing of targets and their simultaneous identification can then be implemented with a single sensor. Turck is initially offering four variants of uprox3 IO-Link: an M12, M18, and M30 barrel style, all in a chrome brass housing, as well as PTFE-coated variants for welding applications. Additionally, a rectangular, CK40 style is also included in the series.
Inductive Factor 1 Sensors with IO-Link With the release of our new Uprox IOLink sensors, Turck’s Factor 1 sensor offering is more versatile than ever before. The flexibility of this technology turns the Uprox IO-Link sensor into the “Swiss Army knife” of Factor 1 sensors. The functions of the two outputs can be set independently of one another (PNP, NPN, N/O contact, and N/C contact). The switching distance and hysteresis can be set individually, and the adjustable switching distance can set separately for each output, allowing one Uprox sensor to replace two other sensors. An integrated temperature monitor assists in preventative maintenance by detecting abnormal temperatures. The consistent data retention of the sensor parameters is also ensured with IO-Link version 1.1. The 32-byte application specific tag can be used for systematic tool identification without any other identification sensors required. The first byte is mapped directly to the process data, and is always available in the controller without any addition IO-Link call. The Uprox IO-Link sensor series can also be used with conventional digital inputs. In this case, the sensor operates in SIO mode, much like a conventional switching sensor.
Cost reductions Uprox IO-Link sensors include all of the standard benefits of Uprox3 sensors, such as Factor 1 with the highest switching distances and excellent magnetic field strength. Ease of configuration allows these sensors to be adapted to the specific needs of your application. As a result, the installation of Uprox IO-Link sensors helps reduce costs in new and existing applications. Additionally, each adjustable switching distance can be run sequentially in combination with an IO-Link master,
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allowing the sensor to simulate a lowresolution analog mode.
Production efficiency The configurable inductive Factor 1 sensors communicate via a standard IOLink interface, and include a structured configuration file (IODD) that is identical for all Uprox sensors. This ensures simple handling before, during, and after commissioning. The intelligent tool identification feature using the 32-byte application specific tag allows greater efficiency in production control. The use of Uprox IO-Link sensors provides access to Turck’s extensive IO-Link knowledge base, as well as our comprehensive IOLink portfolio of sensors, I/O hubs, IO-Link masters, IO-Link software, and any related connectivity or fieldbus products.
Improved availability through diagnostics The integrated temperature measuring provides users with diagnostic features for both the sensor and application area around the sensor. User-defined temperature limits can be configured within the physical and technical minimum/ maximum temperature, and can be output as alerts via the process data in the event of limit violations. These alerts help prevent possible faults in cooling systems or impending temperature damage to the system. The ability to configure two separate switching points allows the Uprox IOLink to replace two conventional sensors for monitoring different positions. For example, only one Uprox IO-Link sensor would be needed to indicate the open/closed brake state with integrated wear monitoring.
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TOP 5 IN 2018 Automation experts predict the top trends and technologies coming to your plant floor COMPILED BY ALYSSA DALTON
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hat do you see when you look into the manufacturing crystal ball? It’s a Manufacturing AUTOMATION tradition to highlight the top five trends and technologies to keep an eye on at the start of a New Year. Read on for expert predictions about the impact of Big Data analytics, the Digital Twin, artificial intelligence and more.
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Craig Resnick is the vice president of ARC Advisory Group. He covers automation supplier and financial clients, with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, business development, and strategic planning. He graduated Northeastern University with an MBA and BS in Electrical Engineering.
1. Better systems and connectivity at the edge, improving real-time decision making
immediately connect operators with off-site experts to more quickly resolve, or better yet avoid, downtime events. This will free operations personnel and IT staff to perform their respective roles versus distracting them from their fields of expertise.
2. Further advances in industrial cybersecurity management solutions
As more data-intensive compute workloads are pushed to the edge, real-time remote management and a simplified edge infrastructure are crucial for success. Operational issues, such as managing asset performance to improve production while reducing unplanned downtime, will drive end-users to deploy edge computing. The companies who are quick to take advantage of self-managed, edge computing infrastructures will be able to unlock the data that has long been stranded inside machines and processes. They will also be able to quickly identify production inefficiencies, compare product quality against manufacturing conditions and pinpoint potential safety, production and environmental issues. Remotely managing this edge infrastructure will
Additional advances in industrial cybersecurity management solutions for maintaining a facility’s security posture will be deployed to address the unique features of industrial automation equipment. These solutions will further address the special requirements of industrial plants — in particular, the stringent constraints on system updates and network communications. They will incorporate commercial-type IT cybersecurity management solutions but in a manner that limits any negative impacts on control system operation. More importantly, these new industrial cybersecurity management solutions will extend this functionality to include unique, non-PC-based industrial assets and control system protocols. These solutions will also recognize and manage industry-specific cybersecurity regulations, such as NERC CIP and leverage new integrated strategies that combine IT, OT and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) security efforts, maximizing the use of all corporate cybersecurity resources.
3. Open process automation vision gains additional traction The open process automation vision will gain additional traction, adding new end-user and supplier members. Initiated by ExxonMobil and The Open Group, the vision of this initiative is specifying the process automation system of the future that minimizes vendor-specific technologies and increases return on system investment while maintaining stringent levels
of safety and security. This would be achieved by specifying highly distributed, modular, extensible systems based on standards-based architecture for interoperable components with intrinsic cybersecurity. The objective of this vision is to eventually replace large CapEx automation retrofit programs with smaller OpEx programs that require less analysis, engineering and planning. Updates to these new open systems will be managed as a maintenance activity. As well, these new systems will consist of smaller, more modular and more easily distributed components, helping to better empower technical personnel while reducing the level of training required and facilitating additional benefits through collaboration.
4. The merging of virtual and physical worlds will create new business models An integral part of the digital transformation are the technologies that accelerate the merging of the virtual and physical worlds, enabling the creation of new business models. Manufacturers are introducing new business models where they sell digital services along with products. An example of these services is the selling of the Digital Twin, which is a virtual replication of an asdesigned, as-built and as-maintained physical product, augmented by providing real-time condition monitoring and predictive analytics. Customers use the equipment and products along with maintenance and operational optimization services based on predictive and prescriptive analytics. Augmented reality (AR) technologies are used to connect virtual design to physical equipment for operator training and visualization, as well as for machine maintenance. Thanks to the IIoT, the Cloud, Big Data and operational analytics, machine pattern recognition can be achieved by data mining and statistics, enabling artificial intelligence (AI)
Technology Handbook Sensors · MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION 9
technologies that teach machines to make operational changes without the need for programming.
5. Distributed analytics
“Thanks to the IIoT, the Cloud, Big Data and operational analytics, machine pattern recognition can be achieved by data mining and statistics, enabling artificial intelligence technologies that teach machines to make operational changes without the need for programming.” extending data processing and computing at data source IIoT-enabled distributed analytics will further extend data processing and computing close to or at the data source, typically though intelligent, two-way communication devices, such as sensors, controllers and gateways. In many instances, the data for distributed analytics comes from IIoT devices located at the edge of the operational network. These devices can be located near or embedded in a wide variety of edge machines and equipment, such as robots, fleet vehicles and distributed microgrids. The analytics can be embedded within distributed devices or created in a Cloud environment and then sent to the edge for execution. From an operational perspective, security, privacy, data-related cost and regulatory constraints are often the reasons cited for keeping the analytics local. In terms of benefits,
distributed analytics can help support revenue generation from new methods of serving existing customers and ways of reaching new ones; asset optimization through improved, proactive, and highly-automated management of infrastructure and resources; higher satisfaction and retention by engaging customers with high-value products and services where and when they need them; and improved operational flexibility and responsiveness through better and faster data-driven decisions. Kimberly Connors is EY Americas Technology Solutions leader, and Canadian Advisory Technology leader. With more than 25 years of experience, she has consulted with major corporate and mid-market clients across North America, leveraging technology to drive business value and insight, and optimize IT operations.
1. Digital Twins for predictive maintenance Today, leading companies are already using an augmented reality Digital Twin to bridge the virtual and physical worlds of manufacturing machines and systems. By adding continuous monitoring — enabled by the IoT and AI algorithms — operators will be able to predict, identify and address potential problems on plant floors before they happen. Taking it a step further, this technology can allow voice-controlled access to experts who will be able to see a live stream of what the operator is seeing, providing even greater productivity.
2. OT and IT convergence requires increased cybersecurity Many manufacturers have introduced new technologies to drive improvements in areas such as production and supply chain efficiency, and asset management, but the increasing connectivity of previously isolated manufacturing systems — together
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with a reliance on remote supporting services for operational maintenance — has introduced new vulnerabilities for cyber attacks. Manufacturers need to become increasingly focused on closing these vulnerabilities.
3. IIoT for asset utilization The IIoT was initially about generating increased productivity, operating and energy efficiency, and accuracy. Now it’s about generating information, driving improved customer outcomes, enhancing responsiveness to customers and ecosystem partners, producing higher levels of product performance, and finding new revenue streams. As things become increasingly intelligent and connected, there’s a competitive necessity for manufacturers to “listen” to the IIoT and use the generated data to create actionable insight. The IIoT allows for the synchronization of information, enabling different parties in different locations to have access to the same information at the same time. Although the process of becoming a manufacturer driven by Big Data analysis is far from simple, the potential benefits are vast.
4. 3D printing for cost reduction Any physical product runs the risk of being disrupted by 3D printing. At its simplest, 3D printing is analogous to a teleporter — able to transmit the designs of any product instantly to any printer in the world. If 3D printing delivers on even a fraction of its disruptive potential, it will still mean the upturning of a whole range of business and industrial landscapes. Companies need to start thinking now about how to get ahead in order to capitalize on its disruptive potential.
5. Blockchain for greater operation visibility The ability to deliver real-time information to customers is one of today’s biggest success factors, yet it is also one of the most significant challenges for manufacturers. Customers are looking for timely and accurate information, wherever and whenever they want it. Blockchain can permit end-to-end, IoT-enabled chain-of-things across
scanners, transponders and other devices. Further, dashboards can provide access across all stakeholder groups — internal, corporate customers as well as consumers — creating a tangible real-time solution to solve the visibility problem.
Matthew Littlefield co-founded LNS Research in 2011 and is now president and principal analyst. In this role he oversees LNS’s coverage of the industrial value chain. Dan Miklovic joined LNS Research in May 2014 and is a research fellow with his primary focus being research and development in the Asset Performance Management (APM) and Operational Architecture practices.
In the world of IIoT and digital transformation for industry, the past year has been one to remember. Many will look back as this being the year where we passed peak hype and moved from talking about the realm of the possible to practical. Despite some high-profile setbacks for vendors in the space — there is still more positive momentum than negative — LNS Research believes there will be many vendor and end-user winners as we move into a post-peak hype era. From Matthew Littlefield:
1. Large industrials reinvent operational excellence with Big Data analytics The industrial space has always been characterized as insular, organic and conservative in how we approach the adoption of technology and process improvement techniques. Lean manufacturing was developed out of the Toyota Production System. Six Sigma was developed out of Motorola and GE. However,asthesemethodologiesspread, they became hardened — and in some circles even turned to dogma — meaning
as technology advanced, the process itself couldn’t change without severe repercussion and criticism. We predict 2018 will be the year this dogmatic approach breaks down, and a new breed of large industrial companies will emerge and publicly prove through improved best-in-class results that a new approach to Lean and Six Sigma is needed to fully capture the potential benefits of Big Data analytics in manufacturing.
2. IIoT platform adoption gains critical mass by industry Last year we predicted that 2017 would be the year where the industry saw IIoT platform providers move from pilot to enterprise roll-outs with more than one vendor going on the record with customers making enterprise commitments. In 2018, we believe it will be the year that some of the platform players gain critical mass — i.e. gain multiple major customers on the same multi-tenant platform with shared services and apps running across. There will however be some caveats. Each end-user will have multiple platforms for multiple use cases and inter-Cloud connectivity will become both a requirement and reality. We also believe that IIoT platforms (not including Cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS) will have to differentiate on subject matter expertise and relevance.
3. Edge and Cloud both have record years Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS have emerged as two Cloud leaders for the industrial space and are delivering record results for shareholders. At the same time, edge is sexy again, and there have been a slew of next-gen startups focused on the industrial edge and delivering new analytics as close to the data source as possible. We believe 2018 will be the year the industry realizes that a hybrid analytics approach really means that both edge and Cloud are growing markets and there is more than enough business for both types of vendors to have record years.
From Dan Miklovic:
4. APM becomes all about business Ever since the advent of APM, the focus has been on improving reliability, decreasing downtime and reducing unplanned maintenance. Most of this has been predicated on the premise if “it’s” broken “it” can’t be contributing to the business. We predict 2018 as being the year we see a shift in focus toward actually optimizing the profitability from equipment. Machine learning and better Big Data analytics will enable business to decide the best operating profile for the plant based on the order backlog, reliability issues and the Digital Twin model of the plant.
“The industrial space has always been characterized as insular, organic and conservative in how we approach the adoption of technology and process improvement techniques.” 5. Digital Twins in 2018 simulate possible futures To date, much of the hype around Digital Twins in asset-intensive industries has been about maintenance-focused applications such as superimposition of operating conditions on virtual x-rays of the equipment to aid technicians in diagnosis or using the twin to model expected service life. In 2018, we expect the Digital Twin focus to shift to include not just the physical aspects of the twin but the process aspects as well. This will drive new interest in process design and engineering applications, so changes in operating performance required to facilitate reliability can be assessed for production impacts, as noted above. | MA
Technology Handbook Sensors · MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION 11
GOING DIGITAL BY JENNIFER RIDEOUT
Jennifer Rideout is the manufacturing marketing manager for Cisco Canada. She is responsible for developing go-to-market strategies for the manufacturing sector in Canada, including channel alignment and content development. She can be contacted at jerideou@cisco.com.
Is your factory future-proof? Probably not
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he Oxford dictionary defines future-proof as ‘(a product or system) unlikely to become obsolete.’ I admit, in an era of unprecedented technology advances, the concept of a future-proof factory floor may seem disingenuous. After all, what is bleeding-edge today will be table stakes tomorrow. But there are enough commonalities across these advancements in technology that the idea of a future-proof factory should be taken seriously. In a word…Ethernet. The introduction of industrial IT networks to unify, protect and streamline data on the factory floor has revolutionized manufacturing, and that can no longer be ignored. The advantages an Ethernet IT network creates on the factory floor — improved product quality, machine utilization and a reduction in unplanned downtime, to start — breeds continued success for early adopters. Their advantage multiplies the longer it takes competitors to adopt new technologies. And while an industrial network is a large part of future-proofing your factory floor, ensuring interoperability with technology for years to come, there are other considerations to ensure you have a factory that’s built to last. Is your factory future-proof? Consider the following. Must-have #1: Talent
Investing in your people and technology go hand-in-hand. Without the right technology, your people cannot produce their best work. Without the right skills and talent in your organization, even the best technology will go to waste. A future-proof factory requires the right technology and the right talent to operate it. My colleague dove into this topic a few issues ago, explaining how investments in technology and talent can complement each other.
An investment in video conferencing technology, for example, not only makes it possible to introduce remote troubleshooting and video on the factory floor — it also provides a way to train employees and offer continuing education programs. Consider this: Do you have the right talent to lead you into the future? Must-have #2: Cybersecurity The introduction of Ethernet to the plant floor has created new challenges for IT and manufacturing leaders. One of the most significant is cybersecurity, as factories continue to be one of the most attractive targets for malware and ransomware attacks. At a minimum, any plans to futureproof your factory must include a defence-in-depth cybersecurity strategy. Yet manufacturing leaders often underestimate the importance of this issue. One-fifth of Canadian manufacturers admitted they have not taken any steps to defend against cyber attacks. Would you trust those companies with your data? A cybersecurity strategy protects not only your data and equipment, it also increases consumer confidence. And with proper security layers in place, such as an Industrial Demilitarized Zone (IDMZ) and access controls, data goes where you want it to — nowhere else. Consider this: Are your machines safe from cyber threats? Must-have #3: The right
industrial network Most factories have an industrial network. The problem is that many legacy industrial networks are flat, with no segmentation of traffic between controls, process devices, supervisory devices, and factory operations. The problem? If an issue arises in one part of your factory — let’s say hackers compromise
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one machine — there is no barrier from that machine to the rest of your floor. Or, if the single switch networking your PLCs and HMIs fails, the damage to production could be debilitating. The other risk of a flat network is bandwidth. Factory managers run the risk of adding devices that can’t be supported, out-scaling the network and causing outages. The right industrial network follows a segmented design architecture, so traffic is routed properly, securely and without data loss. That same architecture should prioritize network redundancy, so if one switch fails, another picks up the excess traffic. Production stays online, your machines are secure, and your network can handle the addition of new machines moving forward. Consider this: Is your industrial network flat? Must-have #4: Culture
Building a factory for the future requires leadership. Implementing the items above requires significant financial, time and human resource investments that should not be ignored. To be successful, leadership must fully commit to these changes and initiate a cultural shift for employees to follow. Data supports that manufacturers who make these changes see improvements in factory productivity, uptime, and machine health. Introducing these concepts to leadership and having a conversation around factory vulnerability is a good way to gauge readiness for a future-proof factory. Consider this: Has your company’s leadership embraced the adoption of advanced technology? The demand from customers for highly personalized, ready-made products will not decrease. The manufacturers that can deliver on these expectations will have the technology, people and culture to thrive in the digital era. Will that be you? Only time will tell. | MA
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