Connected for the greater good

Looking back at 2015 there was one major recurring theme at every trade show, press conference and machine tool supplier-sponsored event: how to prepare for the impending Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and what it will mean for every manufacturing-related business.

The name of the game is connectivity, and in this digital age it’s a wonder how so many machine shops have stood still as the rest of the world moves on.

At Okuma America’s Manufacturing Excellence event in early December, Jeff Estes, director of the company’s Partners in THINC program, spoke on the topic of IIoT and noted how only 4 to 5% of machine tools are connected. He quipped how shops are still relying on paper for scheduling and a stopwatch for monitoring production.

If you read that and think that you can relax, because you take comfort in knowing you’re not the only one—in fact you’re in the majority—then be prepared to be standing alone when the train has left the station.

Here’s one simple definition of IIoT that I’ve heard: taking smart information from machines, sharing it and using it.

Company’s are showing that there is value in connectivity. The data being pushed out from today’s machine tools assist in human decision making.

Once you’re connected and gathering information through shop floor monitoring software, tracking utilization becomes automatic and visible. The data makes it easier to understand issues leading to downtime and what it will take to fix them.

Integrating a factory is complex, and you need a strategy. It’s highly recommended that shop owners get their operators involved in the process. In order for any change to happen you need buy in—giving people a role in the implementation, so they truly understand what’s happening and believe in the benefits, will go a long way towards a smooth transition.

For those with security concerns, there are solutions, like Mazak’s SmartBox for example, that highlights Cisco secure switches for risk mitigation.

You may be wondering, why are suppliers so interested in getting shops connected? Well, there are new service models that will be available to the connected shop. Your machine tool supplier can become a closer partner. They have exposure to operations around the world, and they’re collecting data to better analyze technology and assist with preventive maintenance and other services.

I don’t expect the IIoT revolution to slow down this year, so take the time to learn how you can get on board, sooner than later.