Machine Design – May 2019

M

any companies

are pushing for

more connected

technologies.

Manufacturers want data to better

understand where more advanced

products or services would make

the most impact with the easiest

integration. But where is the best place

to start? Business managers want to see

a return on investment. IT is concerned

with security. In addition, IT may

already be juggling a complex system

with years of upgrades and getting

legacy networks communicating with

new networks. Workers seeing new

technology may be concerned with job

security. Finally, operations technology

is concerned about production and

quality. Here are three steps to get

a better picture of how to move into

digital manufacturing.

1. Know who’s on your team. Know
   their concerns and available resources.
   Remember, it is all about data, and data
   is knowledge, so start with your people’s
   knowledge. When trying to integrate
   new technology, everyone’s support
   and concern is important. Communi-
   cation on all levels in imperative.


2. Know your analog and digital
   workflow. Just like a workflow chart to
   pinpoint bottlenecks and root causes of
   problems, have a digital flowchart. This
   will show you what type of data from

what machines would give you the most

beneficial data. If done properly, com-

paring the real and digital flowcharts

should show the best place to start get-

ting data, what type of data, and where it

needs to go. This chart will act as a map

as you expand your digital plan.

3. Know what technology is avail-
   able. You might not need all the new
   top-of-the-line equipment. There
   might be technology that addresses or
   circumnavigates concerns. For exam-
   ple, a product with cell connections
   means you don’t need to use the com-
   pany’s infrastructure that might put the
   IT person’s concerns at ease.
   Leasing or subscription options
   might reduce the barrier of entry,
   increase the return on investment, or
   ease the concerns of whoever is respon-
   sible for the equipment or data. Trans-
   parency with the company’s digital plan
   will help workers be more comfortable
   and on board, which will help integra-
   tion and provide feedback on how to
   expand more effectively.
   Digital manufacturing offers many
   benefits, but it can be difficult to get
   everyone on the same page. To start
   on the right foot, do what engineers
   have been doing for years. A company’s
   greatest asset is its people. Use your
   people’s knowledge and expertise to
   determine the best solutions for them
   and the company as a whole.

Editorial

JEFF KERNS |Technology Editor

[email protected]

Old school solutions can aid adoption of advanced

automation.

3 TIPS

to Start a Digital

Manufacturing

Plan

6 MAY 2019 MACHINE DESIGN

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