From Volume 3 Issue 2 of Connected.
Three – the number of earthquakes in Indiana since 2020. Thankfully, these were all relatively subtle, and for those of us who lived in the area, were not memorable. Most of us probably carried on with our lives without noticing at all.
Industry change, much like an earthquake, can go on slowly in the background of a busy year or present as something much louder and massively disruptive. When there’s an industry shift, all participants are eventually forced to acknowledge the changing environment. These are the changes that can leave less nimble businesses to fail while those who recognize the trend and adapt are rewarded as industry leaders.
WHAT IS DIGITAL MODERNIZATION?
Industry 4.0, the current headline term for the modernization of industry with the use of plant floor data, is one such trend. Digital modernization refers to the process of updating and upgrading traditional business practices, processes and technologies to align with modern digital capabilities. It involves leveraging the latest advancements in technology to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences and drive innovation. It has been slowly growing momentum as business leaders and operational leaders begin to get to the heart of data-dependent issues.
Traditionally, machines stood alone to do tasks reliably without connection to the rest of the plant. Now, much more interconnectivity is desired to help operators and business leaders direct plant operations. Network infrastructure and the devices that support this communication are nearly as critical as the machines themselves. Outages from poor implementation or aging infrastructure can cause downtime and waste.
Digital modernization aims to empower organizations to embrace digital transformation and unlock that sitting data. This includes adopting cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies to revolutionize how businesses operate and deliver value to their customers.
CHALLENGES TO DIGITAL MODERNIZATION
With the adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the lines between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) blur a little more with every passing day. Applications supporting plant floor operations often need separate infrastructure. Tools that may be commonly used in IT are considered unfriendly to industrial protocols found in production environments.
Another common challenge for organizations is stretching the capabilities of software in ways it was never meant to be used. For example, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package is meant to handle a finite group of tasks, most often aimed at the finances and fundamental resources of a business. Using that same package to drive the manufacturing process is prone to headaches and time-consuming workarounds. The right tool for the right job is equally true when it comes to software. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) on the other hand, are designed to work in cooperation with ERP platforms by capturing and processing the rapid exchange of data during the manufacturing process. A true MES is the backbone of modernization and brings insight to the areas that need improvement.
Although many companies are well into their digital journey, there are still many that haven’t started. Companies need to be part of digital modernization to remain competitive, relevant and resilient in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. When looking to modernize, it is important that businesses consider what data they would like to have and what capabilities they could unlock within their own organizations.
DATA LEADS TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
In today’s digital age, digital modernization is not just a trend but a necessity for businesses looking to succeed in an ever-evolving technology landscape. All businesses addressing digital transformation are in the position to “start where they are” and make basic, iterative steps toward their goals.
Uptime, asset effectiveness, quality of finished goods, overall efficiency and environmental goals have all been tough to tackle in the past. The challenge is getting needed data regarding impacts on people, process and technology. Today, we are equipped with real-time sensors, large amounts of computing power and software to unlock the data that has been collecting and sitting. For example, a management team might analyze production data when considering whether to add a shift, add overtime or further automate to keep up with demand.
Once data collection is achieved, it is important to be able to analyze and visualize data in ways that can lead to improvement. When insight is gained by tapping into new data sources, it can open discovery in ways that were never originally intended. Is it timely? Are there enough samples? Can this lead to quality improvements or a reduction in waste? Many new questions can require multiple experts from diverse backgrounds.
By embracing digital transformation, organizations can unlock new opportunities, drive efficiency and deliver exceptional value to customers. Whether it’s adopting cloud technologies, harnessing the power of data analytics or prioritizing proper software, digital modernization empowers businesses to future-proof themselves and stay ahead of the competition.
INTELLIGENT INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS CAN HELP WITH YOUR DIGITAL MODERNIZATION JOURNEY
This is the turning point that drove Kirby Risk to build a new business division aimed at helping clients on their digital modernization journeys. The Kirby Risk Intelligent Industry Solutions team was assembled with professionals coming from both IT and OT backgrounds.
When the Intelligent Industry Solutions team engages with a client, the initial goals discussed are often based on what other organizations have. Since no two businesses are alike, trying to take the same path as another organization will typically lead to challenges. End goals and small attainable steps are key in gradually moving across the roadmap.
Our approach is to look at the goals of our customers with a consultative mindset and build a strategic plan with achievable steps along the way. Intelligent Industry Solutions has the OT experience and the IT awareness to bring the whole team to the table to plan and execute successfully. The Intelligent Industry Solutions team has the right experts to help plan challenges into an actionable roadmap, and when needed, Kirby Risk has capable engineering resources to assist end users with implementation of many of these new technologies.
When you feel the rumbling of transformation in your industry, let the Intelligent Industry Solutions team help you address the people, process and technology challenges in your path.