Industrial organisations must be able to identify ways to tighten production schedules and maximise revenue. Gaining insight into operations and production capabilities to make informed decisions has often involved time-intensive IT projects and a highly specialised skillset. Today, Rockwell Automation has expanded the FactoryTalk Analytics portfolio, a robust advanced analytics environment that empowers users with the ability to make informed decisions. These latest advancements were developed to reduce the complexity of the operations environment for manufacturers and producers and their employees who are driving operations.
FactoryTalk Analytics has been developed for scale, discovering and connecting data sources from the edge of the network up through the enterprise, and then intelligently fusing the information to resolve issues close to the source. At the edge or device level, this can result in near-immediate resolution of production issues. Empowered with machine learning capabilities, FactoryTalk Analytics learns the process and looks for trends in the data, proactively presenting users with insights before an issue arises.
FactoryTalk Analytics brings contemporary user experience capabilities, which are common for consumer experiences, to the production environment. Focused on driving ease of use and productivity, it features Internet-like search capabilities of production data, as well as self-serve drill-downs, allowing the user to make data-driven decisions quickly. Rockwell Automation has chosen the Microsoft Azure cloud as the preferred platform, to help develop and power advanced IIoT solutions.
In one pilot project, a manufacturer of solar panels used FactoryTalk Analytics to connect the data sources of legacy systems spread across multiple facilities. They are now able to more efficiently manage data both on premise and in the cloud, which minimises downtime and saves significantly on IT spend.
In another pilot, a global automotive manufacturer implemented FactoryTalk Analytics to help improve operational productivity. Purpose-driven applications brought data together from disparate systems, which had previously proven difficult to integrate and had limited workers’ ability to investigate production issues. The solution is giving production managers and executives new visibility into key areas of operations, and helping them more accurately forecast production targets.
“Smart manufacturing promises to remove blind spots between organisational silos, putting users directly in touch with information,” said Christo Buys, business manager control systems, Rockwell Automation Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our deep experience in production applications, coupled with technology that integrates control and information, provides outcomes of increased productivity for both existing and Greenfield sites. Importantly, our partners are taking advantage of these solutions to enhance the value of their own offerings.”
Fortifying the state in a time of cyber siege
IT in Manufacturing
In an era where borders are no longer physical, South Africa is being drawn into a new kind of conflict, one fought not with tanks and missiles, but with lines of code and silent intrusions. The digital battlefield is here, and cyber space has become the next frontier of conflict.
Read more...Levelling up workplace safety - how gamification is changing the rules of training
IT in Manufacturing
Despite the best intentions, traditional safety training often falls short, with curricula either being too generic, too passive, or ultimately unmemorable. Enter gamification, a shift in training that is redefining how businesses train for safety and live by those principles.
Read more...Smart manufacturing, APC and the Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are prioritising the integration of smart technologies into their daily operations to stay one step ahead of the competition. In South Africa, some experts believe the country has the potential to leapfrog its global peers through the creation of smart factories.
Read more...Schneider Electric’s Five-Pillar Strategy takes the guesswork out of equip Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Field Service Cycle, otherwise known as the Five-Pillar Strategy, is a structured approach to managing the lifecycle of equipment to prolong asset lifespan while reducing the total cost of ownership for customers.
Read more...Laying the groundwork in IT/OT
IT in Manufacturing
In the realm of manufacturing, the core mandate is to deliver value to stakeholders. For many in the industry, this is best achieved through a risk-averse approach. Only upon establishing a robust foundation should a business consider venturing into advanced optimisation or cutting-edge technological innovations such as industrial AI.
Read more...Looking into the future of machine vision Omron Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.
Read more...Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version