Smart machines assist defence-in-depth security practices to secure operations

October 31, 2022 5:01 pm

Automation and intelligent controls also help in traceability and serialisation solutions to track and trace materials and offer protection against counterfeits.

Automation has become a must-do for the industry now 

There have been significant developments in the automation industry post-covid, and customers are looking to differentiate themselves amidst global competition and rapidly evolving technology. End customers have been demanding innovative OEM solutions that increase business agility, optimise productivity, and achieve sustainability objectives. All this while they look for every way possible to lower their total cost of ownership. Thus, it has become critical to define value beyond machine and equipment costs, maximise performance, react quickly to change, increase profits, innovate, and attract new customers.

Worker safety and training have become a new theme that was necessitated by Covid dynamics. Operating machines and plants remotely have become more needed, again driven by demand drivers and complicated operating environments. Automation has also helped traceability and serialisation solutions to track and trace materials and protect against counterfeits.

With the digital transformation scaling up significantly at the enterprise level, there is a need for connectivity and IT/OT convergence even more on the shop floor. The machines must be smarter and connected to deliver better company and industry results. Sustainability and ESG goals have become solid themes, with industry and government becoming partners on these themes. In some cases, the regulation demands the execution of automation to comply with standards and regulations. Automation has become a mustdo for the industry more than ever before.

Various technologies and a host of solutions for OEMs

 Rockwell Automation provides a host of solutions for OEMs in their journey—from the design stage to application development to data analytics to commissioning and machine upgradation, shop floor Internet-of-Things (machine or cell level visibility to a connected enterprise, from suppliers through manufacturing to customers). We make high-speed decisionmaking solutions that enable KPIs positively. Independent Cart Technology uses magnets to precisely control motion with frictionless propulsion. This results in fewer parts, reduced energy consumption and the ability to quickly start and stop loads without losing control or putting wear on parts.

We have eyes on the shop floor with great automation, electrical, and safety products that monitor processes and provide security. We provide augmented reality solutions that build operators’ skills and help them perform complex tasks. Emulate 3D develops cost-effective software products that facilitate the demonstration, understanding, and sale of automated material handling systems, machines, and baggage handling systems and their efficient market deployment, support, and maintenance.

Smart machine and solutions for processes and performance of machines

 A smart machine is connected and integrated, real-time information enabled, safe and secure and provided remote access. It would be great to understand the drivers for smart machines for machine builders. The products and solutions must add value, reduce costs, reduce risks, and add new revenue streams. A simple, smart machine would turn data into action in real-time, from contextualisation to analytics to optimisation. It would mean integrating safety and plant automation and achieving higher OEE, less unscheduled downtime, and fewer injuries or safety escalations. Smart Motor Control provides vital diagnostic information that optimises performance with real-time access to operation and performance trends and minimises unscheduled downtime. Information-enabled machines and equipment deliver real-time performance and operating data. This information helps people make informed decisions, reduce downtime, and improve plant efficiency and productivity.

Smart Machines utilise defence-in-depth security practices to keep operations secure. The major design considerations for processes would be to meet endusers on their journey to the connected enterprise®, identify their needs, and incorporate the right technologies and capabilities. As far as people are concerned, it is essential to build the necessary skill set, both internally and externally.

The ecosystem of partners helps provide solutions to customers in shaping the business

 Rockwell Automation has a robust ecosystem of partners to help provide comprehensive solutions to customers. There are specific partner programmes that enable deriving value from the machines.

We work very closely with global technology leaders in offering industry-specific solutions.

• Cisco to bridge the gap between the plant floor and the enterprise with a common network infrastructure through training, network design, and products. 
• Endress+Hauser, a global leader in measurement instrumentation, teams with Rockwell Automation to provide pre-engineered and validated solutions in the process industry. 
• FANUC, a global leader in robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation, collaborates with Rockwell Automation to provide the products and resources to help integrate discrete control systems with networks. 
• Microsoft to collect and analyse operational intelligence with business systems and team collaboration platforms.

Rockwell Automation also relies on its trusted distributors and system integrators network to build industry-specific solutions and applications.