The rise of industrial data platforms has been spurred by the growing use of IoT in the manufacturing industry. These huge volumes of disparate data types and sources have encouraged manufacturers to implement platforms to collect and standardize data across their many machines and systems. In doing so, these "Industrial Data Platforms" enable greater operational efficiency, complete production visibility, and help to drive continuous improvement initiatives. But what...

A Resource to Understand Industrial IoT, Explore Valuable Use Cases, and Prepare for Common Challenges With tighter margins, rising inflation, and more competition than ever before, many companies are undergoing a digital transformation to remain competitive in today’s market. Industrial IoT is a critical technology for companies looking to create smart factories and capture more market share. In fact, many companies have already adopted connectivity solutions to cut costs...

Unleashing Digitization in Manufacturing Recently, we had the opportunity to host an event with MachineMetrics users and prospects to learn how manufacturing leaders are leveraging digital technologies to increase operational efficiency. Our “Let’s Get Digital” event was a fantastic success, enabling local manufacturers to get an in-person tour of the AccuRounds facility, as well as network with colleagues at Trillium, a local brewery. (Stay tuned: We’ll be hosting more of...

For discrete manufacturers, machines are the lifeblood of production. If equipment is maintained properly, then efficient production, lower costs, on-time delivery, and increased customer satisfaction can all be achieved. Companies have continued to rely on broad averages and expectations to develop maintenance calendars. For example, maintaining equipment every 30 days or every 100 parts based on historical averages (or based on OEM recommendations). Complexities such as...

Last month, I attended the Grand Valley State University Automotive Supplier Symposium in Grand Rapids, MI. As a manufacturing technology professional, the event was incredibly thought provoking and there were two presentations in particular that resonated with me. First, the Symposium’s keynote was delivered by David Leich, executive director of supply chain for GM, who shared what GM is doing to ensure supply chain resiliency amongst the many disruptions going on today as...

MachineMetrics Achieves Best-in-Class Information Security Standards with ISO 27001 Certification Internationally recognized standard validates MachineMetrics’s commitment to high-level data security practices NORTHAMPTON, Mass., April 19, 2022 —MachineMetrics, a leader in machine data collection and production analytics for manufacturers, today announced that it has achieved the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) / International Electrotechnical Commission...

The seamless integration of IIoT components including IoT hardware, software, and communication protocols has occurred in incremental steps for manufacturers. Early industrial automation systems were basic sensors, limit switches, and other devices that fed data directly to a printout or HMI where little to no analysis was available. Data still needed to be input into standalone software platforms at the management level. There were problems with interoperability between...

This article is part of a series addressing the most pressing concerns manufacturers have when it comes to Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT solutions. In the rapidly changing manufacturing technology space, it can be difficult to distinguish valuable solutions and approaches from shiny objects and short-term thinking. We’re here to address concerns and provide clarity around these topics to help you move forward with confidence. Explore the complete series: Yes, You Really...

(Up)Time is Money Several years ago while I was visiting a customer’s manufacturing facility, the plant manager acting as my tour guide stopped suddenly outside the door to the main production floor. He turned to me with a knowing smile and asked, “Do you know what that sound is?” There could be no mistaking the source of the thunderous booming on the other side of the heavy metal door. “I assume that’s your stamping press?” I answered. To my surprise, he shook his head no....

The power of data brought to life by the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) technologies is undisputed. For manufacturing, it’s no longer a question of whether companies will digitize and incorporate these systems into their operation - it’s a question of when. It’s also a matter of survival and competitiveness. For data standardization, there are many things to consider, such as how the data will be...