Page 6 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 1st March 2021

industry already converted to smart factories and a support the real functionalities of data-driven
further 44% expected within the next five years. applications. Key elements that automation
This results in over 70% of vehicle manufacturers specialists should include in their products are
currently involved in this initiative. interconnectivity and the use of a network solution
At the heart of Connected Industry applications that features sufficient and well-utilised bandwidth
are large volumes of data, which are generated, as well as the ability to support the convergence of
shared and analysed in order to offer a unique information technology (IT) and operational
insight into machines, processes and facilities as technology (OT).
well as supporting automated closed-loop feedback The first aspect enables automation products to
control. Therefore, the implementation of a highly communicate and interact with other devices within
advanced networking technology to connect an enterprise, for example supporting effective field-
multiple parties and share information is paramount level communications. Optimal level and allocation
to set up intelligent, interconnected plants. When of network bandwidth, on the other hand, allows
implementing automated systems, businesses automation devices within a network to effectively
require a high-performance, secure and reliable handle the ever-increasing traffic of data generated
networking technology in order to get the necessary by smart machines while minimising latency and
data from factory floor devices, which are otherwise jitter during transfer.
disconnected, to set up Industry 4.0 applications. Toyota’s plant in Wałbrzych, Poland, the
company’s biggest engine and transmission
Connected industries manufacturing operation in Europe, was able to
The automation specialist needs to select and use increase the availability of its production lines and
automation devices that leverage a state-of-the-art improve the transparency of data by selecting a
industrial communication technology that can network technology with these features. In

March 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p6