Sovereign capability requires smarts

The processing industry continues to evolve and IIoT technologies are taking centre stage, transforming traditional manufacturing operations into more connected, efficient and data-driven environments.

Naturally, the growth of technologies has necessitated support from key suppliers, and this is where cohorts like Open IIoT come in.

Open IIoT is an industry group comprising leading automation brands SMC Corporation Australia & New Zealand, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, Beckhoff Australia and Balluff.

“Since our inception in 2018, we have evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of industry,” said Jim Wallace, Sales Director for Balluff Australia New Zealand. “Today, our complementary solutions can be seen at events across the country as we work to enable sovereign capability through efficient IIoT-enabled solutions and integrated processes that can be deployed locally.”

Wallace describes the term ‘IIoT’ as “the generation of data and the use of that data to make informed decisions in real time”.

“Gone are the days where one needs to justify the implementation of IIoT systems,” said Wallace. “When we think of manufacturing in 2024, we think of innovative ways to optimise and enhance performance, and IIoT technologies form part and parcel of this.”

However, one of the key barriers that manufacturers face — even in today’s modern manufacturing era — is centred around cost: something that Wallace argues can be easily traversed in small, incremental steps.

“IIoT applications are unique in that they can be rolled out over time in a modular fashion, allowing the ROI for each project or improvement to be analysed prior to moving onto the next phase.”

He adds that it’s all about seeing tangible outcomes — something that is extremely transparent and easy to determine when deploying IIoT technologies: “The data speaks for itself.”

Nick Psahoulias, Managing Director for Beckhoff Automation Australia echoes this sentiment.

“My advice for anyone who has reservations but would like to deploy Industry 4.0 technologies is to firstly, start small and with a clear strategy, then identify specific and measurable goals and challenges that IIoT can address. Partnering with experienced providers will also help.”

Speaking to the real-world, transformative effect that IIoT technologies have on the local market, Psahoulias confirms that they’re driving significant improvements across various facets of production and supply chain management.

When navigating the IIoT journey, he advises that it’s best to ‘go together’.

“To get the most out of your systems, work with your suppliers rather than operating in a silo. Your suppliers are well-versed in data and outcomes,” he said.

He also reiterates the power of data-driven insights.

“Leveraging advanced analytics can help to deliver a competitive advantage in an industry where every millisecond and output matters.”

Looking ahead, Psahoulias believes that Australia will see the increased adoption of AI and machine learning, integrated into IIoT for more advanced analytics.

“In addition, blockchain technology may become more prevalent for improved traceability and transparency,” he concludes.

Image credit: iStock.com/coffeekai