The Next Industrial Revolution is Here

Many people think that Industrial Revolutions are firmly in the past, that there’s nothing that significant on the horizon for manufacturing like there was at the turn of the last century. But they would be wrong. Two events are coming up this year that will focus on the next Industrial Revolution, a revolution that is data-driven.

Of course, I’m talking about the Internet of Things (IoT) and how manufacturing is steadily ramping up to participate in the digital evolution. Some companies, like GE and Cisco, are already there. For those who understand and embrace the Internet of Things, the mantra is evolve and prosper or be left behind. But how do you begin to understand it, let alone embrace it and make it part of your company?

On April 19-21 in Dallas, Texas, the fifth annual [MC]² Conference will bring leading experts together to share their experiences with effectively implementing the digital factory. Topics will include how small- and medium-sized businesses can formulate their own data-driven enterprise and how to protect that enterprise. Automation, robotics and training platforms will also be defined and discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it means to become a digital factory. Find out more here.

The second event is MIC – Maintenance Innovation Conference, which will be held June 2-3 at the Bilbao Exhibition Center in Bilbao, Spain. A combination exhibition and conference, the main focus is on the importance of Maintenance as a key factor in the Industrial Internet of Things, to make the most of the new possibilities offered by big data, cloud farming, 3D printing, machine learning and augmented reality, and to turn them into a new way of doing business that is more profitable, scalable and competitive. Speakers include experts from DMG MORI and Siemens, who will speak about machine-tool maintenance and machine-tool monitoring, respectively, as they relate to IIoT. Other conference topics will include Industry 4.0 and Maintenance: An Overview; ISO 55.000, Optimum Asset Management and Life Cycle Analysis; Predictive Maintenance; the Concept of “Big Data” and Its Practical Application in the World of Maintenance; Collaborative Robotics; Maintenance Services: Technical Assistance Services and Industry 4.0 and Technological Solutions: Presentation of Case Studies and Success Stories. Learn more here.

Even if you cannot attend these events, it’s important to educate yourself and your management team about the Industrial Internet of Things because it’s here—It’s the fourth Industrial Revolution. You can also access my article in the March issue of MMT which gives a direct correlation on IIoT and how it relates to mold manufacturing. Check it out here.