The case for digital transformation grows stronger in this Coronavirus era of limited interactions, travel and gatherings.
In a Forbes article, When Digital Transformation Is The Only Way, Emerson Automation Solutions’ Chief Technology Officer Peter Zornio describes ways manufacturers and producers are undergoing these transformations.
Given our current era, Peter notes that:
…it’s more important than ever today to remotely execute tasks that keep essential facilities operational while also protecting workers. Confronted with the harsh realities of fewer employees able to work in the traditional hands-on manner, companies have been forced to adopt newer, better and more productive methods — remote and virtual technology tools — and will never look back.
He shares several examples including:
- Replacing Manual Readings And Inspections With Sensors
- “Digital Twin” Models Replace The Real Thing
- Problem Solving Digitally Across Multiple Disciplines
On replacing the manual rounds and inspections Peter explains that a:
…new generation of easy-to-install wireless sensors has made it inexcusable to continue sending employees into installations to gather production data or inspect equipment and potentially expose them to dangerous situations. This includes process variables such as levels or flow rates, as well as safety and equipment health variables — vibration, temperature, acoustic, etc.
Peter closes with a clear path forward.
Dedicate time and resources to engage and empower your workforce as new technologies and processes change longstanding practices. Once you’ve demonstrated success, think bigger and scale proven success across your facility or enterprise.
Read the article for more on the examples he shares and how best to move forward in these challenging times. Visit the Plantweb digital ecosystem section on Emerson.com for more on the elements in a scalable and secure portfolio of transformational technologies, software and services that provide relevant personnel with enhanced insight to enable actions that drive Top Quartile performance. You can also connect and interact with other digital transformation specialists in the IIoT / Digital Transformation group in the Emerson Exchange 365 community.
