Since its inception, the CC-Link Partnership Association (CLPA) has been a driving force in promoting state-of-the-art network technologies and helping manufacturers to create compatible industrial automation products. This allows us to be perfectly placed to provide support, advice and information to companies throughout their digital transformation journey.
At the CLPA, we recognise that each firm’s digital transformation journey is unique, and that each organisation is at a different stage on the path to achieving its goals. On our recently launched virtual presence, we have offered a valuable tool for you to better evaluate where you are on your digital transformation journey and how to best reach the endpoint of Industry 4.0.
To best understand what is meant by digital transformation and how to succeed in its implementation, we have constructed our interactive 3D virutal presence and will be releasing relevant blog posts to help you on your journey to joining the Connected Industries of the future.
What is the digital transformation and how is it helping manufacturers stay ahead of the curve?
External influences are driving the need for manufacturers to become ‘Smart,’ which can only be accomplished by integrating digital technologies throughout the entire organisation. Implementing these transformational solutions alters the fundamentals of how a company runs, resulting in increased value for its customers.
The following enabling technologies should be implemented:
- IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things)
- Robotics
- Artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML)
- Real-time analytics
The implementation of these lead to a breakdown of technological barriers, and new ecosystems have become available through enhanced networking solutions. As a result, humans and machines can collaborate more closely, resulting in enhanced data-driven business insights that can improve productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.
At the CLPA, we provide support and key information to anyone aiming to become a fully-fledged Connected Industry player, regardless of where they are on their digitalisation journey. Our virtual presence contains valuable resources to ensure that you are on the correct path and guide you in your next steps.
What awaits you on your journey to Industry 4.0?
The digital transformation is a major shift in how your company operates, communicates, and interacts with customers. Only by analysing your present capabilities and comparing them to Industry 4.0 requirements, will you be able to identify what you need to do, such as closing the gaps between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).
There is huge transformational difference from operating standalone machines to having a globally connected infrastructure. This is why the CLPA provides information on the nine stages to Industry 4.0:
Stage #1 Standalone machines
Stage #2 Networking
Stage #3 Connectivity
Stage #4 Visibility
Stage #5 Synchronisation
Stage #6 Optimisation
Stage #7 Upgrade paths
Stage #8 The full IIoT
and finally…
Stage #9 Industry 4.0
To learn more about each of these steps, click here.
