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AI • IOT • NETWORK EDGE

Accelerate Efficiency with Industrial Digital Transformation

Two men in hard hats and safety vests looks over data on a factory floor.

In today’s hyperconnected and competitive world, manufacturers face unprecedented challenges. To thrive, they must rethink their operations, embrace advanced technologies, and chart a course toward smarter, greener factories. A range of emerging innovations, including AI, computer vision, and edge computing, helps manufacturers optimize production, streamline operations, and achieve sustainability goals.

“Clients are asking, ‘How is AI going to affect what we’re doing in the plant?’ ‘How will it play in our overall industrial operations?’” says Mike Trojecki, Senior Director of AI Practice at global technology solution provider World Wide Technology (WWT). “Businesses need to start somewhere and those that don’t embrace emerging technologies will quickly fall behind.”

Industrial Digital Transformation Era

Adoption of those advanced technologies is known as the industrial digital transformation era. It involves adopting AI and computer vision to enhance operational agility, reduce costs, and improve security. By integrating these tools, manufacturers not only improve revenue but also position themselves to better meet the demands of modern supply chains.

But that transformation can’t be achieved in isolation. WWT works with partners to overcome industrial digital transformation hurdles and fill in critical gaps. By analyzing a partner’s or client’s overall process, WWT can map out the necessary technologies and solutions to address key challenges.

By integrating these tools, #manufacturers not only improve revenue but also position themselves to better meet the demands of modern #SupplyChains. @Intel via @insightdottech

“We can work with clients to find and identify the quantitative and qualitative digital transformation challenges that are impacting their businesses. We look at the biggest opportunities to mitigate risk, decrease costs, increase margins, and grow revenue,” Trojecki explains.

Predictive Maintenance with Multisensory AI

WWT also helps clients modernize manufacturing and cut costs by implementing predictive maintenance solutions across the factory floor. Predictive maintenance is critical for minimizing downtime and preventing costly equipment failures. While traditionally it has been a manual domain of factory line workers with years of experience, today’s technologies enable the process to be more automated.

WWT recently assisted a machine manufacturer in minimizing equipment downtime using sensor data and computer vision. Doing so, the company was able to analyze machine health and take proactive measures before any issues occurred.

Similarly, AI-based video analytics solution provider iOmniscient uses a multisensory AI approach to predict potential issues, even with limited training data. By integrating data from multiple inputs, manufacturers can gain deeper insights into equipment performance, enabling timely interventions and reducing overall maintenance costs.

Another approach to predictive maintenance is digital twin technology, which creates a virtual replica of machine operations to alert users of any potential problems. For example, technology company Bosch GmbH and Prescient Devices, a leader in data engineering and IoT solutions, implemented this approach through the Bosch Digital Twin integrated asset performance management system. This system monitors machines and provides timely data for better decision-making.

“If machines go down unexpectedly, they can take multiple days to fix. With predictive AI analytics, managers can fix them during preplanned maintenance windows, so the production line would never go down,” says Prescient Devices CEO Andy Wang.

As AI reliance grows, so does the need for edge hardware capable of processing larger data loads. Manufacturers require compact, high-performance devices that can operate in harsh environments and support Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). Companies like AAEON provide such solutions with their COM-RAPC6 and NanCOM-RAP computer-on-modules, which combine compact form factors with exceptional power efficiency.

Collaboration at the Edge: Bridging OT and IT

Beyond technology, addressing cultural challenges and operational silos between OT and IT teams is a key step for achieving true industrial digital transformations. Companies like Red Hat, provider of enterprise open source software solutions, and Intel have demonstrated how their industrial edge platform can foster collaboration, break down barriers, and enable greater productivity.

“Businesses are a formation of people, and how those people operate the business often emulates system design. If you have poor collaboration with your IT counterparts or still experience siloed friction in the relationship, it will manifest in your systems—whether it’s a lack of resiliency or the inability to stay on schedule,” says Kelly Switt, Senior Director and Global Head of Intelligent Edge Business Development at Red Hat.

Driving Sustainability with AI and Advanced Technologies

As manufacturers adopt these technologies, they can pave the way for sustainability—a business imperative. By going green, manufacturers can reduce environmental impact, meet growing regulatory requirements, and align to customer demands for eco-friendly products. Real-time monitoring solutions enable manufacturers to identify inefficiencies, reduce energy usage, and extend equipment life.

NEXCOM is at the forefront of this transformation, helping manufacturers achieve sustainability goals with intelligent edge solutions. These solutions empower manufacturers to optimize energy usage, monitor emissions, and implement predictive maintenance strategies that can significantly lower carbon emissions. Such innovations not only address immediate environmental goals but also pave the way for a smarter, more connected future.

The Future of Smart Manufacturing

By embracing technology advancements, manufacturers not only address today’s challenges but also position themselves for long-term success.

As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative solutions cannot be overstated. From enabling predictive maintenance with multisensory AI to breaking down barriers between OT and IT, these initiatives transform manufacturing as we know it—delivering smarter, greener, and more resilient operations.

 

This article was edited by Georganne Benesch, Editorial Director for insight.tech.

About the Author

Christina Cardoza is an Editorial Director for insight.tech. Previously, she was the News Editor of the software development magazine SD Times and IT operations online publication ITOps Times. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, and has been writing about software development and technology throughout her entire career.

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