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Marcelo Tarkieltaub Digital transformation PIC

Digital transformation paving the way to recovery in a post-pandemic world

By Marcelo Tarkieltaub, Regional Director, Southeast Asia at Rockwell Automation The pandemic presented new challenges for many industries, including manufacturing. With digitalisation on everybody’s lips, the question is, how can manufacturers best leverage technology, automation and IoT to rebound and future proof their organisations should a similar crisis occur? One of the biggest challenges to impact manufacturers was the restrictions Covid-19 placed on workplace access. With many employees encouraged to work offsite, it resulted in lean engineering and service teams on the factory floor, enterprise risk and limited availability of assets and operations. It left companies tacking a few questions. First, how to ensure an efficient workforce and operations, while protecting employees’ health and safety and conducting training. Second, how to keep their business running efficiently and profitably, maintaining business continuity in the mid to long term in the face of logistics challenges. Last, how to reduce downtime of assets and the need for maintenance while continuing to operate with lean onsite staff. To alleviate these challenges, manufacturers should follow three guiding principles to keep their workforce safe, while preparing for ongoing uncertainty and long-lasting changes to the work environment. Protect the workforce. Standardise operating procedures and tools that keep staff safe, such as implementing regimented social distancing and protective garments on the factory floor, and building workforce confidence through effective, two-way communication that responds to concerns. Manage risks to help to ensure business continuity. Anticipate and be ready to respond to potential changes with speed and agility, as exemplified in the sudden demand for PPEs and masks at the height of the pandemic. Coupled with export limitations from supplier countries, manufacturers had to quickly transition from their regular portfolio and pivot into PPE manufacturing. A flexible factory floor and scenario planning well ahead of the fluctuations enabled manufacturers to […]

Manufacturers can use ‘assets-as-a service’ approach to build better products

By Kevin Dherman, Chief Innovation Officer at SYSPRO Innovations and the evolution of technology has seen a positive shift in how businesses are able to capture data to help them make informed business decisions. In the span of a decade or two, businesses have progressed from the time intensive process of manually gathering data across the business to try to draw a meaningful conclusion from any further examination. The challenge was that a good data conversion seldomly made an impact across the value chain but thankfully, the rise of digitalisation and automation in manufacturing is resulting in the generation of a colossal volume of data. Today, new technologies are connecting the manufacturer directly to their operations and their customers like never before. With historical data as a foundation, manufacturers can fulfill a promise to end customers. They can track inventory anywhere in the supply chain as well as track and forecast delivery dates of raw materials as well as accurately forecast manufacture dates. One way in which manufacturers are collating data at the edge is through the Internet of Things or a network of interconnected sensors, instruments and other devices. Businesses are then able to access a single source of truth through their ERP system and use data insights to facilitate the improvement of productivity and efficiency. While data insights are clearly the route to improved operational efficiencies, the industry is also asking whether there is an opportunity to generate new revenue streams through data monetisation and the re-exploration of business models. Defining data monetisation Gartner defines data monetisation as the process of using data to obtain quantifiable economic benefit. Internal or indirect methods include using data to make measurable business performance improvements and inform decisions. External or direct methods include data sharing to gain beneficial terms or conditions from […]

25 scientists tackling other global challenges

Young Scientists do their thing. The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted science’s vital role in society. Science will provide us with an “exit strategy” from the pandemic when a vaccine is finally developed but until then, scientists are helping to understand the origins of the virus, how it spreads, what treatment(s) are most effective and indeed if a cure is possible. Scientists have maximum visibility right now as different groups of people turn to them looking for answers. Covid-19 aside, science proposes solutions to the myriad of other global challenges facing society, from climate change to cybersecurity, poverty to pandemics, and food technologies to fracking. That’s part of the reason why the World Economic Forum created the Young Scientists Community in 2008, to engage leaders with science and the role it plays in society. Science is no longer a specialist concern. It is the driving force behind the highest-level decisions on global governance and policy-making, while also informing the individual choices people make about how they want to live and what changes they want to make. Image: Pew Research Center Today we announce our Class of 2020 Young Scientists, representing 25 exceptional researchers at the forefront of scientific discovery from 14 countries across the world. From chemical oceanography to child psychology and artificial intelligence, these brilliant young academics are joining a community whose aims are to: Communicate cutting-edge research and position science discourse within the context of scientific evidence. Develop leadership skills and a fuller understanding of global, regional and industry agendas. Build a diverse global community of next-generation scientific leaders, committed to engaging in collaborations related to collectively identified issues. What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak? By joining Forum events, engaging in personal and professional learning modules and sharing experiences with each other, we’re looking […]

Automation: The Future of Logistics Companies in Asia Pacific

-Aik Jin, Tan, Vertical Solutions Lead, Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific In recent years, Asia Pacific (APAC) has seen a rapid growth in e-commerce adoption, but the pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated digital transformation, leading to an even bigger surge in e-commerce. Between 2020 and 2025, the Asia market is estimated to account for 57% of the growth of the global e-commerce logistics market1. As more consumers switch to online delivery platforms, click-and-collect models, and curbside collections, supply chains are being challenged to adapt quickly. Though container shortages, shipment delays2 and the growing demand for air cargo demand in Asia3 have affected fulfillment in recent months, industry leaders are rapidly investing in technology solutions to ease these growing pains – especially automation. There are several different automation solutions that enable manufacturers, warehouse operators and logistics providers to get goods to consumers faster with greater accuracy and efficiency, and at a lower cost. And now that technological advancements are making automation solutions more accessible to companies of all sizes, it will be easier for entire supply chains to keep up with evolving consumer demands, process more orders, and expand operations, all while keeping workers safe. Automation Solutions Have Become More Scalable and Flexible Companies in APAC that are looking for new ways to meet changing business requirements are beginning to realise the importance of automation in warehouse processes. Zebra’s Intelligent Enterprise Index found that nearly half of transport & logistics (46%) and manufacturing (42%) organisations had already deployed Internet of Things (IoT) solutions on a company-wide scale by 2019. Fortunately, warehouse automation solutions have become much more scalable and flexible in recent years, delivering significantly faster returns on investments (ROI) than were previously possible, a result born from the need for innovative technologies that could be rapidly deployed. Necessity is truly the mother […]

A humanoid robot with a shopping trolley is shopping at a grocery store. Future concept with robotics and artificial intelligence. 3D rendering

The technologies driving opportunities in automation

Swisslog Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Francis Meier discusses these trends and the future of automation. Fast-moving industries like retail, food and beverage, warehousing, and logistics have been driving the boom and rapid advancement of e-commerce and the digital marketplace. Intralogistics, AI, Digitalisation and IoT are already thrusting industry forward in ways we never would have thought possible in years gone by. “Just as the merging of digital, AI and remote monitoring are hallmarks of Industry 4.0 in industrial markets, these giant steps in automation will be commercial markets’ pathway to the future. Leaders in their field are already moving into these fields, and the benefits are beginning to filter through to new levels of industry,” said Mr Meier. “As these future-focused technologies advance further, automation-driven industries need to ask how they can not only utilize these advances, but actively shape the new technology to deliver specific business advantages, and achieve long-term growth,” he said. Turning big data into big opportunities One of the key themes is big data, and how forward-thinking companies can better utilise this information to drive growth and company advancement. “Big data refers to large and complex data sets being collected and stored continuously. Collection is one part of the equation – how we use it is the more challenging, and exciting part,” says Mr Meier. “With the right tools, such as intelligent software, it is possible to transform big data into ‘smart data’. This is where you can optimise processes, provide clarity on past, present and future operation figures, and be proactive rather than reactive to change.” Companies to benefit from automation growth The continued growth in automated solutions and intelligent use of data will significantly improve warehouse performance, and allow companies to flexibly adapt to change, says Mr Meier. “The Covid-19 pandemic has […]

How distributed manufacturing is reducing operational risk

By Mathew Hunter, innovation product marketing manager, Konica Minolta Distributed localised production has emerged as a counterpoint to globalisation as it places the production of goods closer to consumers or at the point of use. Using additive manufacturing means manufacturers can produce goods onsite, which delivers a host of financial, efficiency, and environmental advantages. Although globalisation can offer businesses many benefits, the trend towards distributed manufacturing is increasing. Particularly in recent times, this acceleration is due to factors such as: rising fuel prices, which has significantly increased long-haul shipping cost; concerns over climate change and its negative environmental effects; and the lack of control over stock levels, timing and import restrictions when relying on overseas supply lines. Distributed manufacturing uses additive manufacturing to place production sites across dispersed locations, which are interconnected and coordinated through technology. Sites can download designs and 3D-print them on the spot. Because this model relies on local manufacturing, producers have a higher level of flexibility and agility, providing faster turnaround times, quicker delivery of goods, and customised products. This can help manufacturers compete more effectively, particularly in a disrupted environment, as it reduces operational risks. By implementing a distributed manufacturing model, manufacturers can overcome many challenges currently impacting global trade, including constant trade wars and tariffs as well as pandemic-related border closures. Setting up local manufacturing operations also helps support innovation for individual manufacturers and helps the country as a whole gain more resource sovereignty. The New Zealand government has recently launched an approach to industry policy to help grow more innovative industries across the nation. Manufacturing is a key industry for New Zealand to grow and become a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive economy. The Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan aims to: help lift the sector’s productivity, sustainability, inclusivity, and quality of work; and […]

Problem solving the next frontier

-Ian Walsh, Managing Director, Intent Group Over the last few years, I have run several courses and seminars for business leaders, wanting to improve their business performance and productivity. One of the questions I typically ask is how much time a week they invest in problem solving? The answers vary, but many suggest they do a fair amount of problem solving. I then ask how many of them dedicate a set amount of time each week to structured problem solving as opposed to reactive, during on the event, problem solving. After some muttering and reflection, for most of the group, the answer is none. Less than 10% invest structured time with their teams to solve problems! It was Einstein who defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Surely you can’t expect your business to improve if you don’t invest any time in solving problems to root cause? Improvement itself is defined as solving the right (more impactful) problems at a faster rate than the ones that are occurring. If all you are doing is reacting to what occurs then you are treading water and in today’s competitive landscape, I believe going backwards. The question I have is why do we do this? Or why don’t we invest in structured problem solving? Here are the top 5 great myths: It takes too long, and we don’t have time. But we have time to react to the failure and lose production while we fix it. We are too busy. This is because we are reacting to all the problems that we haven’t fixed. We don’t need to do this as we have engineers who solve the problems, thus placing all responsibility on one group for this activity. This is ‘I operate, you fix’ mentality […]

Varonis – 2021 Manufacturing Data Risk Report

Varonis, a pioneer in data security and analytics, has released its 2021 Manufacturing Data Risk Report, which examines the state of data security within industrial manufacturers and engineering firms. The report found cybersecurity maturity in the manufacturing sector lags behind other industries such as finance, with nearly half of all companies still underprepared for a disruptive attack. It is the sensitive and often highly valuable nature of their data which specifically puts manufacturers at risk – this data is overexposed and under protected, and to limit the damage attackers can do, companies must improve their cyber security practices. Key findings from the report include: Every employee can access, on average, 6 million files on their first day on the job. For large companies, that number doubles. 4 in 10 organisations have 1,000+ sensitive files open to every employee. 44% of companies have more than 1,000 active “ghost user” accounts enabled. More than half of companies have 500+ accounts with passwords that never expire.

Schaeffler expands OPTIME availability

The latest update of OPTIME integrates Schaeffler’s condition monitoring systems (CMS) SmartCheck and ProLink. OPTIME therefore covers condition monitoring for a very wide range of machines and often even entire plants. Analysis enables maintenance teams to predict machine problems and act appropriately. As a result, customers reduce downtime and increase the profitability of their machinery. Avoid downtimes, increase profitability Particularly for companies operating in system-intensive process industries, avoiding unplanned downtimes means greater profitability. Via the smartphone or desktop app, customers with OPTIME have a constant eye on the status of their plant, even with hundreds of machines, as the messages are user-friendly and prioritised according to criticality. As a result, in-house maintenance personnel or even service companies can plan maintenance measures, personnel utilisation, and the procurement of replacement parts in a timely and cost-efficient manner. They have the flexibility to decide whether they want to draw on other services and if so, which ones. The modular service concept offers online, remote or on-site services. Condition monitoring can be easy Users of digital services in the industrial environment also expect the information provided to be easily understood and the hardware and software to be uncomplicated to get around. Condition monitoring systems by Schaeffler can be used without needing extra qualifications because with the help of the Schaeffler know-how, the system configuration and data analysis are largely automated. This integrated knowledge is integral not only to the highly scalable OPTIME solution with wireless single-channel sensors, but also to the two systems for machines with dynamic speed and load conditions and involving environments with temperatures in excess of 85 degrees Celsius – the single-channel CMS SmartCheck and the multi-channel CMS ProLink. With condition monitoring solutions, operators and maintenance personnel have an expert eye tracking the condition of practically every machine in the plant […]

Yubico launches first YubiKeys with biometric authentication

Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, now has available the YubiKey Bio Series, the first series that supports fingerprint recognition for secure passwordless and second-factor logins. Built for biometric authentication on desktops, the YubiKey Bio Series supports modern FIDO2/WebAuthn and U2F protocols, in both USB-A and USB-C form factors. In keeping with Yubico’s innovation and design philosophy, the YubiKey Bio does not require any batteries, drivers, or associated software. The new security keys integrate with the native biometric enrolment and management features supported in the latest platforms and operating systems. Once a YubiKey Bio is set up, users will experience secure second factor and passwordless logins for desktop-based FIDO-supported services and applications. The series reimagines biometric authentication on a security key. Its three chip architecture allows the biometric fingerprint material to be stored in a separate secure element which delivers enhanced protection from physical attacks. The YubiKey Bio acts as a single, trusted hardware-backed root of trust which allows the user to authenticate with the same key across multiple desktop devices, operating systems, and applications. The YubiKey Bio enables biometric login on desktop with all applications and services that support FIDO protocols and works out-of-the-box with Citrix Workspace, Duo, GitHub, IBM Security Verify, Microsoft Azure Active Directory and Microsoft 365, Okta and Ping Identity. With the growing adoption of modern authentication, Yubico continues to work closely with its partner ecosystem to encourage support of biometric authentication as detailed in the WebAuthn and FIDO2 specs.

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