May 1, 2024

Manufacturers have less than a decade to get their data house in order before the fifth Industrial Revolution (Industry 5.0) takes over and the immersive metaverse is the norm on the factory floor. The key to tomorrow’s success is embracing digital transformation today. Join keynote speaker Walker Reynolds, the go-to thought leader for all things IIoT, as he outlines the steps required to navigate manufacturing’s digital frontier. As founder and Board Chairman of Intellic Integration and President of 4.0 Solutions and IIoT University, Reynolds applies next-generation architectures to modernize manufacturing using a holistic hands-on approach. A passionate advocate for creating middle class jobs that help manufacturers become more efficient, Reynolds is a sought-after speaker known for his ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely—which can be heard regularly on his popular 4.0 Solutions podcast.

Digital transformation is the process of adoption and implementation of digital technology by an organization in order to create new or modify existing products, services, and operations. Digital transformation is built on models used for decision making, and it is important to manage those models and their uncertainties to achieve the desired results. In this session, two MIT thought leaders describe the engineering skill sets that can impact the wider organization, and the process for defining Industry 4.0. Five strategies for digital transformation are described, while identifying the right level of complexity for different roles and technologies.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to adopt new and innovative IT technology in today’s traditional control systems due to their closed and proprietary nature. In 2016, an industry consortium was formed called the Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF) which consists of end users, suppliers, systems integrators and academia with a vision to create an open standard for process control systems, which will allow for interoperability between different vendors components and software portability across hardware platforms. These open systems will allow the insertion of new technologies when they become available and will help companies accelerate their digital transformation activities

The presentation will explore ALTA Refrigeration’s transition from custom engineering services to a scalable industrial equipment manufacturer through the adoption of Opto 22’s groov Edge Programmable Industrial Controller (EPIC) and MQTT technologies. It will highlight the challenges and solutions in developing the company’s EXPERT series for efficient, modular refrigeration control, emphasizing improved serviceability, scalability, and the innovative use of remote monitoring and data analytics to enhance customer support and operational efficiency.

In this fireside chat, PTC’s John McEleney talks with Philip Taber, Vice President of Engineering at Silverside Detectors, a manufacturer of high-tech sensors for nuclear security and water resource management. The two will explore how the digital thread can reshape manufacturing practices for sustainability. Through real-world examples, McEleney and Taber will demonstrate how leveraging the digital thread enables supply chain resilience, optimizes resource utilization, and supports innovation toward eco-friendly products. The session will highlight strategies for reducing dependency on traditional global supply chains, embracing localized production, and optimizing logistics through digital technologies like 3D printing and real-time data analytics. The audience will leave with insights and strategies for achieving a greener future in manufacturing.