GENERAL NEWS
Manufacturers need OT data strategies
According to a new report by global technology intelligence firm , ABI Research , by 2030 the manufacturing industry will generate 4.4 zettabytes of data worldwide . In a broader context , the research suggests that enterprises will generate almost as much Operational Technology ( OT ) data as will be generated in telco networks , mainly by consumers , by 2030 .
“ In the wake of Industry 4.0 , data is becoming the lifeblood of industrial enterprises , driving innovation and efficiency , and the comparison to telco ( consumer data ) is compelling ,” outlined Leo Gergs , Principal Analyst for Hybrid Cloud & 5G Markets , ABI Research .
“ The vast volume of data that enterprises generate only reveals part of the picture . OT data in enterprises often involves conditions in extremely hazardous environments , where any data malfunction could lead to severe consequences . On the other hand , a significant portion of data in telecommunications networks consists of cat videos and other entertaining memes . While there ’ s nothing wrong with enjoying internet memes , OT data in enterprises is crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining business operations .”
As ABI Research identifies , targeting the enterprise OT opportunity requires distinctive capabilities across three main domains :
Image : Shutterstock . com .
■ Infrastructure and storage needs : Enterprises will need to invest heavily in data storage solutions to handle the large volumes of OT and upgraded network infrastructure will be necessary to support the high bandwidth required for transmitting massive amounts of data .
■ Data management and processing capabilities : There will be a greater demand for sophisticated data management systems to efficiently organise , store and retrieve OT data .
“ At present , only a shocking 5 % of enterprise OT data is properly utilised due to high friction between data siloes ,” said Gergs . “ To maximize the benefit of all their data for advanced use cases , like Generative AI and others , enterprises will demand integration solutions that help tear down the walls of individual data siloes .” Highperformance and edge computing solutions will be essential to process and analyse the data in real-time .
■ Cybersecurity concerns : The large volume of OT data , often generated by critical infrastructure , presents a tempting target for cyberattacks , necessitating robust cybersecurity measures .
“ The massive IT outage following a malfunction CrowdStrike software update laid bare , in a shocking way , the importance of a thorough security strategy and robust data storage and accessibility strategy ,” Gergs said .
“ Enterprises are overwhelmed by the complexity this entails . Therefore , they will turn to digitisation partners to provide these strategies as part of a comprehensive data & cloud offering ,” he continued .
“ The opportunity around enterprise data is immense but integration vendors , cloud service and connectivity providers must rise to the challenge by investing in scalable solutions , enhancing data security , leveraging advanced analytics and ensuring interoperability ,” Gergs concluded . n
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. abiresearch . com
KMF announces £ 900K machinery investment
KMF has placed a significant £ 900,000 order for a TRUMPF TruPunch 5000 Large Format ( S12 ) machine to enhance its sheet metal fabrication capabilities . This pivotal investment will see the replacement of an existing punching machine during the forthcoming Christmas shutdown period to minimise disruption to production capacity .
KMF Group is a UK manufacturer of precision sheet metal components , enclosures , machined components and electro-mechanical assemblies . It delivers sheet metal fabrication and value-added services to manufacture sheet metal parts and assemblies for OEMs in the UK and Europe .
“ The rapid TruPunch 5000 S12 will uplift CNC punching productivity for us moving forward . With smart functions and unparalleled speed , this new machinery offers a plethora of benefits for us . The technology behind the TruPunch 5000 S12 means that we will have the ability to punch at up to 1,600 hits per minute and also mark parts at 2,800 hits per minute ,” explained KMF .
Adam Ellis , Head of Business Development , KMF .
The TruPunch 5000 S12 also offers additional features which meet KMF ’ s longterm requirements . These include active die technology ( a descending die enables scratchfree punching and forming processes ) and condition monitoring ( a digital solution which identifies equipment anomalies using live machine data analysis , to improve preventative maintenance and reduce downtime risk ).
The TruPunch 5000 S12 will be installed at KMF ’ s High Carr Business Park sheetmetal fabrication facility . This new advanced machinery is part of the next phase of KMF ’ s investment programme .
Adam Ellis , Head of Business Development , KMF , commented : “ Investment in the TruPunch 5000 S12 marks a new chapter at KMF . As we move forward , we ’ re committed to implementing business objectives that will increase performance , automate processes and complement digitisation .”
In June this year , KMF announced the investment of £ 200,000 in two new pieces of welding and material handling equipment ; a Taylor two-axis stud welding machine and a large-scale KBK lifting system for handling components of up to 250kg .
“ Both new machinery installations will facilitate an improvement in intricate and scaled-up projects . We expect that these integrations will increase the profitability of our processes ,” stated Ellis . n
www . kmf . co . uk
www . trumpf . com
8 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2024