Traditionally, industrial plants have followed prescriptive run‐repair‐replace approach for managing and maintaining their assets and equipment. While this strategy had been working for end-users, they realize that it is not the most cost-effective strategy. End users have begun to better realize the contributions of proper inspection and maintenance in keeping physical assets in good working conditions to avoid business interruption and improve profitability as well as plant safety. End users are taking informed approach to planning inspection and maintenance to maximize asset output while maintaining asset integrity.

The time is right for smart manufacturing organiztions to adopt -- or expand -- their use, of AR and VR.  While the world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) may be best known for such games as Pokémon GO and The Machines for the former and Minecraft VR and Need for Speed VR for the latter, both technologies are becoming an important part of the underlying strategy of firms adopting smart manufacturing methodologies.

The IIoT edge is still in the development stage regarding solidification of its ultimate role in emerging IIoT architectures, but there is no doubt as to its rising importance in fulfilling the IIoT vision. As industrial internet strategies are evolving, so too are the functional capabilities of the enabling edge infrastructure devices. In the IIoT gateway and router market, this expanding functional spectrum provides both IT and OT suppliers with more options as to where to position device offerings. New offerings, including highly functional low-cost devices, target a variety of points along the broadening price/performance spectrum associated with the edge.

After a busy summer, Digital Transformation Council members are back and they are hungry for information.  This became apparent at a recent member meeting focused on optimizing production operations with asset performance management or operat

When people think of disruptive technology, they think of startups like Uber and tech titans like Google, Amazon, and Apple.