JULY 20239MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTScomplex networks can be time-consuming and challenging. Thankfully, cellular-based sensors are more flexible, and have two main characteristics companies look for in these products. First, they eliminate the need for gateways, simplifying the deployment process. Second, cellular sensors are highly robust, with each sensor operating independently and relying on cellular towers rather than potentially vulnerable gateways or routers within a plant.4. Supply Chain - To address the challenge of uncertainty in the supply chain, companies must adopt a digital strategy that incorporates automated decision-making with AI, advanced data analytics, and IoT. These key elements enable the supply chain to remain efficient and optimized, while also providing businesses with the agility and resilience necessary to adapt to changing demands.5. Edge + Cloud Processing vs. Edge or Cloud Computing­ It is crucial to consider where information is stored and processed to ensure that (a) machines can react quickly to emergencies and (b) that systems are secure from cyberattacks or data leakage. The optimal solution is to combine edge and cloud processing to reduce costs, increase battery life, and improve device intelligence.6. The Shift from Reliability to Sustainability - As plants become larger and more complex, reliability has been the main focus to ensure long-term operation. However, with the global goal of achieving sustainability, reliability departments must now transition to become "sustainable reliability" departments. The long-term goals of clients must guide the efforts to continuously improve and optimize their operations while considering environmental demands. Automation of process data can identify strenuous demands that consume more energy, and models can approximate emissions to better focus efforts on sustainability.To achieve sustainable uptime, it is not enough to simply monitor conditions and predict downtime. It is crucial to track faults that reduce machinery efficiency and tie sustainability, energy optimization, and reliability together. The future of wireless IoT is self-charging, which is essential for hundreds of thousands of sensors deployed everywhere at scale.7. Data and Analytics - In the field of data and analytics, technicians at the end-user site now expect the same level of data quality from wireless sensor nodes as they do from traditional handheld analyzers that are 100 times the cost. To achieve this level of data quality, careful selection of an accelerometer with minimal noise density and high g-value and bandwidth is crucial. Wajax's TechIQ sensors have achieved this level of quality. However, it's also essential to ensure that the analytics used are not a black box, but instead use context, domain knowledge, and pattern recognition techniques to reduce the amount of data needed to achieve greater than 95 percent accuracy analysis.8. Technology Convergence ­ The market is saturated with single-use devices, resulting in a multitude of disparate technologies being deployed with varying hardware and software interfaces. There is a critical need for technology convergence to integrate the functionality of these distinct devices into a unified platform wherever possible. 9. Cybersecurity in IoT: State-of-the-Art vs Legacy Systems - Upgrading legacy IoT systems can be challenging for some plants, but adopting newer technology can lead to better operations. Strong cybersecurity measures are critical to remain competitive in the industry. Modern IoT devices adhere to UL2900-2-2 standards, using AES 256 encryption and IP address masking for enhanced security. SOC II Type II certification by IoT manufacturers is becoming increasingly prevalent, which indicates a higher level of security assurance in the product.10. Skilled & Trained Resources - With an aging, retiring workforce and a shortage of skilled talent in many industries, companies face the challenge of attracting and retaining necessary personnel. Fortunately, technology can provide some solutions to alleviate this issue in the long run. By using artificial intelligence to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, companies can focus staff efforts on more complex and productive tasks. Additionally, connecting staff across long distances can reduce costs while maximizing the availability of experts to share knowledge. New technologies like mixed, parallel, and virtual reality also offer virtual presence opportunities, allowing users to live-stream and troubleshoot from anywhere, at any time.For industrial distributors and service providers to remain competitive, they must adopt a customer-centric mindset and leverage industry trends to create a valuable ecosystem for their customers. This can provide a sustainable competitive advantage over the long term. For instance, we've rolled out TechIQ, a digital solutions offering that addresses these exact needs for Wajax customers, and as these trends take hold in the industry, more and more customers will look to their distributors for these kinds of options to address their needs. cellular sensors are highly robust, with each sensor operating independently and relying on cellular towers rather than potentially vulnerable gateways or routers within a plant
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