When we think of IIoT, we often consider the roles it plays in fine tuning processes to peak efficiency, minimizing downtime through predictive or prescribed maintenance, or acquiring data and processing it to improve food quality and safety. But, we don’t always think of another role IIoT can play, and that is using its capabilities to produce unique products in a very small quantity and package and ship them to individual customers.
Jonathan Wilkins, director of industrial automation at Chicago components supplier EU Automation, recently had some input on a special role for IIoT in manufacturing’s future—besides OEE and PdM. Wilkins has served with EU Automation since its beginning and has more than a decade of experience delivering industrial automation to manufacturers.