EDITOR ’ S CHOICE LIFECYCLE SERVICES
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
Why you should lean on a partner who knows your lifecycle
By Rachael Conrad , VP GM Services , Rockwell Automation
If we had to pick a theme song for lifecycle services , it would definitely be “ Lean on Me ,” by the late Bill Withers . As the song goes : “ You just call on me , brother , when you need a hand / We all need somebody to lean on / I just might have a problem that you ’ ll understand .”
With challenges like cybersecurity , digital transformation and workforce shortages , in addition to traditional OT obstacles , having the ability to lean on a partner is vital to plant operations leaders , engineers and maintenance teams . A collaborative partnership , such as LifecycleIQ™ Services from Rockwell Automation , offers expertise to customers at any stage of the plant or asset lifecycle . Much like the song says , with a simple phone call ( or instant message ) a customer can lean on Rockwell Automation for a wealth of resources and seek help with business challenges .
The simplest explanation of lifecycle services is that they help manufacturers get the most out of their machines so that they can work faster , smarter and with more agility . In other words , they help expand what ’ s possible . Not sold yet ? Here are three more benefits to working with the right lifecycle partner .
CONSULT MORE EXPERTISE
Our lifecycle services professionals are consultants who are loaded with technical and business expertise , industry knowledge and solution application experience . While the typical factory manager or engineer is familiar with plant issues , a lifecycle partner will allow you to call in a pinch hitter when you are facing any number of complicated scenarios . For example , our LifecycleIQ Services team provides comprehensive end-to-end consulting for every stage of operations . Whether you ’ re implementing drive systems , starting up a new operation line , optimizing your plant floor assets , or modernizing an entire system , a collaborative partnership can offer a second set of eyes on the problem , help you identify potential roadblocks and determine the best route to success .
A collaborative partnership can offer a second set of eyes on the problem , help you identify potential roadblocks and determine the best route to success .
A partnership can also provide advice and guidance for IT / OT convergence , including networks , infrastructure , and cybersecurity posture , along with understanding the challenges and opportunities of a wide variety of manufacturing domains and environments . This can help your team improve productivity and securely share data and information across your entire enterprise .
As a real-world example , one North American paper mill wanted to reduce obsolescence risk by modernizing their drive systems . By working with LifecycleIQ Services , the mill identified their goals and decided to build remote monitoring and network infrastructure design into the project , ultimately improving system performance response by 30 %. Partnering with the lifecycle team expands your knowledge base and gives you access to new solutions and years of experience – all with a simple phone call , instant message or email .
ONE QUICK ACCESS POINT
Whether it ’ s working with a local municipality , an IT partner or an automation subcontractor , outside support isn ’ t a foreign concept for most manufacturers . In fact , most companies require some form of outside support , especially as they encounter skills shortages , obsolescence risks and greater operational complexity . However , as synergy continues to boom and companies face increasingly complex , interconnected business environments , a lifecycle partnership can be a breath of fresh air in the form of simplicity . A collaborative partnership provides one point of access for assistance and accountability . Rather than spending precious time deciding where to ask for help or who to contact for support , bringing in a lifecycle partner will be your one-stop shop for outside help .
6 PECM Issue 55