New and emerging IT technologies combined with innovative process technologies and product development, come together in innovative forms of physical manufacturing.  This merger of technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial data analytics, machine learning, and new computing architectures with additive manufacturing or modular and mobile production, is supported by new electronic and informational processes.  These initiatives are known as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industrie 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, etc.  They have opened up the possibility for new business models, which can radically change the way industrial enterprises do business.

The business environment is increasingly dynamic and volatile.  Companies face global and regional cycles of growth and recessions as well as rapid changes in regulations, energy and raw materials availability, markets, and competition.  New business models, enabled by Connected Manufacturing, and Connected Supply Chain Networks, as well as leading edge technologies, will help companies remain competitive, and become leaner, agile, and more flexible.

Information and automation technologies need to be implemented to boost productivity, flexibility, and responsiveness.  They also introduce challenges such as cybersecurity and the convergence of operations and information technology (OT/IT).  Processes that require little human intervention need systems that empower humans with the information they need, when they need it, so they can focus on problem solving and decision-making.  Virtual collaborative workspaces will address organizational complexity, bridge distance, and facilitate remote intervention and mobility.  Simulation and knowledge management systems help to preserve and develop know-how.

Process plants with continuous or hybrid manufacturing processes will leverage connected assets, combined with third-party services.  Smart machines and equipment can support reliability, efficiency, and safety in plants by enabling predictive asset analytics.  This will improve uptime and asset lifecycle performance or produce small batches of specialty materials.  Production units will become modules, featuring ‘Plug&Produce’, enabling fast reconfiguration and optimization of production lines.

Discrete manufacturers will be able to produce customized products quickly and cost-efficiently.  Soon, smart cyber-physical components communicate directly with machines, while background processes will trigger re-ordering and address potential deviations.

Which strategies can industrial enterprises adopt to position themselves, taking advantage of the latest technologies, while prioritizing their investments wisely?  Join us at the Annual ARC Industry Forum Europe to learn from your peers how an information-driven strategy can position you to succeed and determine how to approach critical technology decisions.