Open IIoT event creates an engaging platform for users

Open IIoT hosted a Demonstration Day on 17 September in Victoria as an open platform to discuss the practical implementation of Industry 4.0. This was the first event in a series of panel discussions, with events taking place in Sydney and Brisbane on 15 October and 7 November respectively.

While so many believe that they have the ‘smarts’, this platform addressed any pressing IIoT questions and provided practical solutions to common business problems.

Jim Wallace, who was one of the panellists for Open IIoT at the event, said that the guest attendance is proof that more information is still needed.

“We had a large number of guests and the session was engaging and informative,” he said. “There are still so many questions around the topic of IIoT implementation and a session such as this one forces us to explore, be inquisitive and openly address common issues and concerns.”

During the event, guests enjoyed a walkthrough of the Open IIoT demo model. This demo model combines technologies by panellists NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, SMC Corporation, Universal Robots, Beckhoff, Balluff and ZI-Argus.

“It offers a real-life demonstration of various IIoT technologies working together and how these can best be integrated,” said Wallace. “It’s the ideal opportunity to learn more about adding smarts to your machine for improved measurability. These measurables help with forward planning, are easy to use and customisable.”

With their combined knowledge and expertise on Industry 4.0, Open IIoT’s panel believes that there is still a need for more information to make informed purchasing decisions and to help users get started on the Industry 4.0 journey.

”By combining forces, Open IIoT has access to a wealth information and resources,” added Wallace. “These can be used to benefit and arm users with the competitive advantage needed to succeed.

“It might seem repetitive but there is still so little sharing taking place out there. It’s up to us to create platforms such as this in which like-minded people can interact and ask questions.”

According to Wallace, one of the key takeaways from the session was to start small. Don’t be daunted by the size of a project: rather, break it into achievable goals and use your first application as a stepping stone and lessons learned for the rest of the rollout.

“We have spoken extensively about how to implement IIoT technologies but so often we forget why we would want to do this,” said Wallace.

He said a key benefit is remote monitoring and controlling. “With so many applications out there, there are an array of benefits. Based on experience, predictive maintenance, smart energy consumption, quality, easy access to data for decision-making and remote maintenance options are some of the key reasons to implement IIoT technologies in your plant.”

To join Open IIoT at their next discussion, go to https://openiiot.com.au/events/.