The current digital wave greatly influences the fourth chapter of the industrial revolution. We cannot deny the influence of the internet in the industrial realm. Many industrial engineering services now focus on utilizing digitalization to empower industries to gain higher efficiency and productivity.
Industrial automation is one of the major players in the Industries 4.0 era and is transforming how industries run. From interconnected devices in an Industrial Internet of Things network to PLCs and robots that work autonomously according to the instructions or guidelines fed to them. This article gives you a basic idea of how digitalization influences an effective industrial automation network.
Industrial Automation & Digitalization
Industrial automation and digitalization can be considered as sides of the same coin. Both play a crucial role in the successful implementation of I4.0 practices. Just like many industries, manufacturing companies like OEMs, discreet and process enterprises, and the power utility industry is also embracing the power of digitalization and the advancement in industrial automation.
In a recent survey by the Automation World to understand how many industries are devoting their resources to automating their inspection process, about 59.5% of respondents said they do so either before or after production. Others do so at multiple point’s process. From higher efficiency to reduced cost to easier seamless connection between devices to a better workflow, the advantages that digitalization imbibes into an industrial automation ecosystem is plenty. To understand this better, let’s get you familiarized with the digitalization pillars that are the real drivers of successful I4.0 applications.
The pillars of digitalization
If we talk about industrial automation, we cannot imagine one without the embedded systems and interoperable connectivity between devices. In manufacturing units, embedded systems help them keep up with the constant change that digitization demands. It allows the industries to cope with increasing competition to achieve higher operational efficiencies.
Just like embedded systems help industries integrate hardware and software through the power of digitization, connectivity between devices also plays a vital role. As more and more devices from sensors to controllers are interconnected and brought into the IIoT umbrella, establishing a seamless digital communication that offers remote access is desired. Digitization makes this possible.
Another central pillar of digitalization is software, without which it is almost next to impossible to achieve real digital transformation. User-friendly, glitch-free software is the backbone of any industrial automation ecosystem that thrives to achieve accurate digitization.
As this digital era makes everything easily accessible with just a tap on a remote control device, security is of significant concern. With more devices coming into the internet loop, product engineering companies are more prone to cyber-attacks than ever before. Therefore, the fourth and imperative pillar of digitization in industrial automation that product design engineering services must never overlook is the system’s security.
How is digitalization aiding industrial automation?
The digital wave has already engulfed many industries and has been without any doubt a key driver in making industrial automation a considerable success. It is because of this wave that industries like product manufacturing companies, discreet and process industries can now leverage the lucrative advantages of the industrial internet of things.
As more devices are remotely accessed and interconnected, industries have experienced a surge in productivity and overall efficiency in the system. The applications of digitalization in I4.0 include time-sensitive networking, which offers cross-vendor integration and higher interoperability.
Conclusion
With digitization and industrial automation, companies now have access to smarter solutions that hugely impact their overall production. Many manufacturing companies turn towards digital transformation consulting to bring in the best professionals that can implement the best digital transformation services.
If you are one of those and want the best products to implement the best digitalization in your industrial setup, Utthunga’s products and services are for you. Utthunga offers bespoke services that are carefully crafted by professionals to make OEMs, discreet and process industries, and power utility companies IR4.0 ready.