The integration of IT and OT, facilitated by digital transformation, has revolutionized automation. By leveraging advancements in cloud computing, edge computing and digital networks to drive innovation and improve decision-making and incorporating smart manufacturing technologies, businesses are witnessing significant improvements in operational efficiency and the emergence of new opportunities.
Overview
The integration of IT and OT, driven by digital transformation, has dramatically transformed the landscape of automation. By leveraging advancements in cloud computing, edge computing, and digital networks, businesses can innovate and enhance decision-making processes. These technologies enable real-time data processing and analysis, which streamline operations and lead to better decision-making. Smart manufacturing technologies further amplify these benefits, allowing for greater automation, precision and flexibility in production processes. As a result, companies are experiencing notable improvements in operational efficiency, as well as the development of new ways to understand and fulfill market demands and create competitive advantages.
On-machine solutions such as variable frequency drives (VFDs) and distributed control systems have proven their value across various industries by increasing efficiency and reducing installation costs. Predictive maintenance and real-time analytics tools play a critical role in optimizing plant operations, reducing downtime and enhancing asset management. As industrial environments become more interconnected, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures grows. Implementing best practices and cybersecurity frameworks is essential to safeguarding industrial control systems from emerging threats and ensuring the integrity of increasingly complex and connected systems.
Key Takeaways
- Gain a clear understanding of how integrating IT and OT enhances automation processes
- Explore how cloud computing, edge computing, and digital networks are transforming business operations, leading to improved decision-making and operational efficiency
- Discover the latest trends in smart manufacturing technologies, including practical examples of how businesses are leveraging these innovations to optimize workflows, reduce costs and create new opportunities
Speakers
Over the past 34 years, Dean Phillips has been a leader in the technology sectors and the world of smart manufacturing. His is a continuous advisor to the smart manufacturing advisory committees with Society of Manufacturing Engineers and PMA Precision Metalforming Association. Phillips has been a speaker on IoT, AI, robotics, VR and AR. He is the creator of reality safe, a VR / AR safety training solution for manufacturing, working with Purdue. Phillips has spent the majority of his time advancing IoT, maintenance and safety to be more predictive and develop outcome based solutions. He has been on the board of directors for SME and an advisor for TTU, MTSU and TCAT. He has been a contributing lecturer on big data and it’s value and need for artificial intelligence to filter the information into actionable items. Phillips provides safety and development to cobot users and assists universities to outline expectations from manufacturers.
Ron Bliss has over 40 years of factory automation experience, and joined joined Rockwell Automation in 1994 in product management. He has worked in many areas, including controller hardware, controller development software, human machine Interface terminals and software, and is currently the principal platform lead for communications software. Bliss holds degrees in electrical/mechanical engineering, computer integrated manufacturing and an MBA. He also earned a cyber security specialist certificate and is the named representative for Rockwell Automation for the OPC Foundation.
Benjamin has spent 16 years designing and manufacturing engine bleed air systems in the aerospace industry. Over this time, he helped grow the manufacturing and design capability through incremental process improvements, including physical and digital automation. At AMT, he oversees the technology research arm and is responsible for assessing the manufacturing industry on cutting-edge technologies. Through this research, he provides content and direction to the manufacturing technology creators within the US. Automation is poised to be the next pivot technology to grow US-based manufacturing.
Roncevic is a Manufacturing and Quality Control (QC) Digital Systems developer with 8-plus years of experience, developing advanced software solutions in the field of industrial metrology AI models, process monitoring and data science. He career as a project manager in an automotive foundry. Roncevic planned, supervised, and instituted various manufacturing processes from the concept and quotation stage to the serial production. Roncevic was employed in a high-paced startup environment as a mechatronics engineer, where he developed robotics perception systems. Afterwards, he transitioned to a software company as a manufacturing software engineer for a cloud based product. Today, he is founder of Calibras, which provides state of the art manufacturing QC software solutions, tailored with the factory ecosystem in mind.
Mike Bubolz, a product developer and founder of EISEN DEV, a Milwaukee-based agency specializing in turning innovative ideas into reality. With an insatiable curiosity for new technologies and a deep commitment to empowering start-ups, Mike has helped companies around the world build hardware that delights users and drives growth. Known for his practical insights and experience in automation, product development, and manufacturing, Mike brings a unique perspective to leveraging technology to streamline processes and boost productivity.