The ongoing debate on whether OT and IT should be integrated has never been more intense. Plant operations have a different focus and are beset with different challenges in ensuring a smooth and productive running plant compared to IT. This, on the other hand, is very much about KPIs, financial performance and profitability metrics. However, they share the same data in many cases but apply different criteria. Closing the gap between the two has many benefits, not least of which are efficiency and profitability managed in near real time.
Bridging the OT and IT gap
The modern plant now has the ability to share primary data effectively between the two methodologies. OT and IT were once disparate systems for plant management. Operation technology data and information technology data can now share the same hardware platforms, thereby eliminating wasteful duplication of effort.
The Omniflex EasyView HMI cMTx series can be deployed on factory floors, providing the necessary operational interface to the plant controllers and processes, but can at the same time use the plant network to deliver IT data to the ERP systems using SQL databases which interface into the commercial systems.
The cMTX Series HMIs serves as the data centre that integrates field data with factory management systems in a safe and stable manner, reducing the time for management reaction to changing plant conditions.
Looking into the future of machine vision Omron Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.
Read more...Novel closed-loop CP technology wins innovation award Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Researchers at Deakin University have won the Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award at this year’s AMPP Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville, USA. The award recognised the development of a novel closed-loop cathodic protection system for localised corrosion control in challenging industrial environments, which Omniflex helped with as a technology partner.
Read more...Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.
Read more...Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
Read more...Immersion cooling systems for data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The demand for data centres in Africa is growing. The related need for increasing rack densities brings with it escalating cooling requirements.
printer friendly version