Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is changing the game fast – not only for manufacturers, but the entire supply chain. Connecting IT and OT systems across all operations in a business is enabling data accumulation at an unprecedented scale. At AUSPACK 2019, the industry can learn about how to make this data unlock value on the production line and beyond.
As plants and production processes modernise current and legacy systems, and plant networks converge with enterprise business systems, manufacturers are gaining access to a tremendous amount of data. However, most need assistance to maximise the benefits of their data and transform it into actionable information.
Now, help is at hand in the form of a new collaborative initiative between SMC, Beckhoff Automation, NORD Drivesystems, Balluff, and ZI-Argus, dubbed Open IIoT (stand B237). AUSPACK 2019 will be the launch platform for this open-source knowledge group, which was set up to provide the industry with valuable information about Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things, including the 'how to' of implementation.
Across the show floor, numerous exhibitors will provide access to the latest ideas and technology on Industry 4.0, from information and automation solutions, to robotics and integrated coding and vision systems. HMPS (stand G140) will showcase its newly launched its new Industry 4.0 solution, HMPSConnect, which links HMPS equipment into the Industrial Internet of Things, providing a dashboard for users to easily access data across all of their machines.
Heat and Control (stand D150) will demonstrate how engaging with a single source supplier like the HCI Alliance (a partnership between Heat and Control and Ishida) can add value through increased connectivity levels and digital data exchange, along all stages of the processing and packaging production line. Foodmach (stand E065) will spruik its expertise in Industry 4.0 line integration and the implementation of programming standards into production systems, and Matthews (stand D140) will take visitors through a suite of intelligent identification products designed to optimise the benefits of IIoT connectivity.
The Industry 4.0 theme will also be explored beyond the show floor at the AUSPACK 2019 Business & Industry Conference, taking place on 26 and 27 March at the Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre.
John Broadbent, founder of Realise Potential, will lead a panel discussion on taking the ‘leap of faith’ towards Industry 4.0. To pull off a successful Industry 4.0 transition, it’s important to understand what this technology is and how to implement it, says Broadbent. “If you go down the path of understanding what the Industrial Internet of Things can do for you, it will help you keep the doors open – make your business more sustainable and here for the long term, and keep people in employment,” he said.
Another highlight at the conference will be the presentation by Foodmach CCO Earle Roberts about the $165m Dulux paint production and packaging plant, recognised as one of the top five Industry 4.0 plants in the world.
From show floor to conference hall, AUSPACK 2019 has Industry 4.0 and the IIoT covered.
Register for the show and the conference here.
