The last two years have been challenging for most companies because of the COVID 19 pandemic and the ensuing economic uncertainties. In order to sustain and thrive, companies are exploring new ways of streamlining their operations and remaining competitive. One such tool that can aid them in this quest is digital transformation. Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to transform traditional business processes and services, changing the way businesses and industries are managed and operated. The media industry is already digitized. Newspapers,Kindle books, and advertisements for products and services have already been completely transformed by digital technology. Whether in industry or in business, the question now is not why digital transformation, but rather when? The principles of digitization are mostly same for both industry and businesses, but for the purpose of this article, we will be concentrating on digital transformation in the industry.
Industrial digital transformation is the integration of business model change, process improvement and adaptation of myriad digital and emerging technologies. This transformation encompasses the organization's factories and plants, physical assets, and field operations. Industrial digital transformation requires both an understanding of opportunities and the ability to apply the right business model, technology and changes within the organization to benefit from these changes. Take the example of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). Digital transformation has radically improved PLM implementation. Since PLM spans multi-system data, it is vital that the PLM software enables different teams across the company to leverage critical data during all phases of the product lifecycle. Software like Windchill from PTC provides such end to end and comprehensive out-of-the-box PLM functionality that integrates and connects through various data sources and breaks down silos of information; enabling proper aligning of the company's goals.
Components of Digital Transformation
Building a digital industry is about building an entire ecosystem that involve all aspects of manufacturing processes, right from ideation to procurement, and from designing prototypes to the end of the product lifecycle. The entire purpose of digitization is not only to ensure efficiency, but to develop an ecosystem that makes for an excellent customer experience. This ecosystem includes the digital description and modification of objects, functions, processes, services, applications, etc. as components of the digitalized world. Here, in brief, are the components of the digital transformation.
Automation and Robotics
Automation and Robotics is the use of control systems and information technologies that use computers to operate and process machines and systems. It reduces the need for human work in the production process, and is a step beyond mechanization. The aim of automation and robotics in industries is to speed up the manufacturing process.
Digital Collaboration
Digital collaboration is the practice of people working together by leveraging information technology in order to improve workplace collaboration, communication, document management, content management, and information flow across the organization. The end result is improved communication and better productivity.
IIoT, Big Data, AI and ML
IIoT stands for the Industrial Internet of Things and refers to a network of connected devices in the industrial sector. It is a subset of the Internet of Things (IoT). The defining characteristic of connected devices on IIoT networks is that they transfer data without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Connected devices communicate through gateways, which are physical servers that filter data, and transmit it to other devices and software applications or IIoT platforms like ThingWorx.
In the context of an industry, Big Data is nothing but high amount of machine data. Big data analytics coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) combines and analyzes massive datasets in order to gain meaningful insights that help users make faster, better, and data-driven decisions. This in turn increases efficiency, revenue and profits.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
From being predominantly a technology for gaming, AR and VR are finding significant use cases in industry. AR and VR are already disrupting everything from designing and prototyping, and from machines / systems servicing to training. Vuforia Chalk for example, combines advanced AR collaboration tools with real-time video communications to connect a field technician with an expert so that they can both see and discuss the situation at hand.
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Digital Modelling and Simulation
A model is a representation of the construction and working of some system of interest. A model is similar to but simpler than the system it represents. The aim of modelling in industry is to enable the analyst to predict the effect of changes to the system. Simulation of a system is the operation of a model of the system. Simulation is a tool to evaluate the performance of a system, existing or proposed, under different configurations of interest and over long periods of real time. Simulation is used before an existing system is altered or a new system is built, to reduce the chances of failure to meet specifications, to eliminate unforeseen bottlenecks, to prevent under or over-utilization of resources, and to optimize system performance.
Additive Manufacturing
3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital model CAD file. The technology works by adding layer upon layer of material to build up a complete object. Because it works by adding material, it is also called as additive manufacturing. Since the technology allows for small batches and in-house production, this process is ideal for prototyping, which means that products can be created faster than with more traditional manufacturing techniques, and without the reliance on external supply chains. And with rapid development in technology, 3D printers are also contenders for mainstream production.
Benefits of Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation is important for industries as it allows them to improve or modify core business processes by utilizing digital technologies that streamline otherwise disparate tasks and jobs. Here are a few benefits of digital transformation for industries:
Although initial adaptation has been slow, confidence and progress in digital transformation is accelerating. Industries have realized that shifting customer expectations, increased competition, and a rapidly changing technological landscape require a drastic shift for continued success. Digital transformation is the way ahead, for both manufacturers and businesses.