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Everyone is convinced that automation is the only way to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. But this goes beyond just machines or production lines. If you want to get the most out of digitalisation, you need to look at the full picture, including the supply chain. Endless data for endless possibilities. Siemens supports you every step of the way in your transformation into the factory of the future, providing hardware, software and, above all, a wealth of expertise.
These are not easy times for machine builders. The world is at a tipping point. Sustainability is no longer an option, but a must. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of our supply chains. So things have to change, but how? “Digitalisation,” says Thierry Van Eeckhout with conviction. On the eve of Indumation, he looks ahead to what lies in store. “The next step in that process is the integration of the entire value chain. Because the more components and procedures are linked together, the more participants in the value chain are connected, and the more efficiently life cycles can be shaped. Companies must therefore look beyond their own four walls and involve their suppliers in this picture too. Only then can data truly flow and create added value for every participant.” During Indumation, three ‘proof of concept’ demonstrations, tailored to Belgian industry, will showcase the benefits of such a continuous data flow.
The key condition set by the industry in this regard is accessibility. “The technology exists and is affordable. But it takes ‘brainware’ to make headway with the implementation of that technology. If we wait for thousands of engineers to simply appear out of the blue, that transition will remain a stillborn project. Even if all efforts in education were combined, they could never fill the number of engineering vacancies. As a technology manufacturer, it is therefore our responsibility to ensure that our solutions are accessible to everyone. By delivering smart products that are intuitive to use and by making them connectable. We should not expect groundbreaking developments in automation technology itself in the coming years, but rather in how everything can be easily controlled from a single platform. That is where the benefits lie today.”
At Indumation, Siemens will be showcasing the full range of solutions it has to offer in this area. A comprehensive portfolio, catering to every sector and every scale. “We have digital twins and simulation software to develop, expand and optimise process plants more flexibly, quickly and cost-effectively. Everything for AI, cloud and edge computing, and reliable, cyber-secure data networks. Smart electrification solutions. Digitally enhanced motion control to ensure applications run more smoothly than ever. Each and every one of these technologies can be integrated into open, cloud-based ecosystems and platforms. But what makes us the perfect partner for automation and digitalisation projects is that we also understand our customers” specific applications. We understand their sector and the challenges they face. And in every project, it’s essential to extract precisely the data needed to make progress. To ensure our people become true experts in their field, we invest in continuous learning. The greater our knowledge, the more accessible we can make it for our customers.”
Digitalisation is therefore also a story about people and collaboration. “With our customers, where co-creation will be the key word in the coming years. Because, once again, it helps to pick up the pace and lower that engineering barrier. But we are equally keen to collaborate with other technology providers. A taboo that is gradually disappearing. Everyone realises the need to work within open ecosystems in order to offer companies tailor-made solutions.” A fine example of this is the Siemens Industry Academy, which connects more than 50 Belgian technology players with the academic world. “A success story that will soon be expanding further,” Van Eeckhout reveals. “We’ll be able to announce this during an event at Indumation.” Other events at stand 610 include the award ceremony for the winner of the Best Application Contest in motion control & drive technology during the evening opening on Thursday. In addition, Siemens is once again organising ‘Innovation Tours’, which will quickly familiarise participants with the key developments in their specific sector.
www.siemens.com/be/nl/products/software/best-application-contest.html
