Your consultative SMART facilitator: act now, unlock the value of IIoT
22 November 2017
If you’ve read Part 1 of this article, then you already know what IIoT means and have some idea of how SMART you truly are. Now you need to take the next step to unlock the value of IIoT and, as a SMART facilitator, Routeco can help you realise that vision.
Routeco’s recommended next steps to becoming SMART
If you are thinking about what you could change in your manufacturing facility to increase productivity, reduce downtime and gain value from the valuable data stored in your machines then here are some recommended next steps to help you on your journey to becoming SMART.
To help you realise your vision, Routeco will work with you in a consultative manner to understand your business needs, address your issues and help you to implement IIoT into your manufacturing processes.
To help get you started, here are a few pointers and topics to consider:
Audit your existing networks
Successful technology deployment depends on an accurate assessment of your organisation’s current network, security state, overall readiness to support the proposed solution and compliance with policies and best practices. As you plan to deploy and support a new technology, application, architecture or solution to address evolving requirements you need to be sure your existing infrastructure can support it.
Design or upgrade your network infrastructure
Industrial automation excellence starts with an optimised physical infrastructure. As networks converge, the physical infrastructure becomes even more critical to support the demands of real-time control, data collection and device configuration. Each element of the physical infrastructure must be designed and deployed to ensure industrial networks and control systems provide sufficient performance margin within the specified environmental conditions.
Review your cyber security policies
As the reliance on our critical networks grows, so too does the frequency and complexity of cyber-attacks against them. This increasing complexity of threats means that traditional methods of securing infrastructure and sensitive assets are no longer adequate and a more robust, future-proof line of defence is required to combat the evolving nature of cyber-attacks.
Enable the data within your machines
To enable companies to derive value from their data more quickly, easily and incrementally, installing new control and automation components that allow for remote monitoring, machine performance, device health and diagnostics will all help with a ‘predictive maintenance’ strategy. At the enterprise level, these solutions offer more powerful ways to integrate plant-floor data into business intelligence strategies.
Protect your critical software applications
In today’s manufacturing landscape seconds matter and downtime is critical. Your bottom line depends on your ability to keep your plant infrastructure up and running at all times. Downtime in your SCADA, HMIs, Historians and other critical industrial automation systems can mean lower yields, lost revenue, regulatory fines, compromised quality or a damaged reputation. To maximise your productivity and quality you need continuous availability and continuous visibility.
Maximise production with real-time data analytics
With the right tools you can consolidate data from many sources, turning it into the kind of reporting and analysis that can help you make informed business decisions. Capturing data is fundamental but data without context is not an asset. Converting data into working information capital and putting it into context is the ultimate goal to increasing your profitability.
Routeco LIVE
Routeco LIVE is back for 2018, after successful events in 2016. Routeco will be incorporating Rockwell Automation's: The Connected Enterprise On The Move and featuring live demonstrations of products and solutions that make your smart manufacturing visions a reality!
Location's & Date's:
• 17th April 2018 at the Village Hotel, Leeds South
• 19th April 2018 at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes
• 3rd May 2018 Hampden Park in Glasgow
Register for Routeco Live here!
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