Data, Digital threads, and Industry 4.0

whitePaper | July 13, 2020

There are different tracking technologies typically used in a production facility. Depending on the amount of data transmitted and the complexity of implementation each have corresponding price points. The manual manipulation of hand scanners requires time for processing and allows for error in recording. The cost of implementation is low, but systems require consistent investment of time devoted to ensuring accuracy. The cost to serialize assets for tracking is low, but the data can be damaged and capacity/flexibility for data storage is limited.

whitePaper | June 8, 2020

Before cobots and other fast-deployable robots, many automated manufacturing cells incorporated only fixed or dedicated tooling rather than solutions that allow for changes or updates. An advantage of fixed automation is that it allows for reliable and high throughput, but it also tends to be custom engineered towards a specific process. Any changes in the workpiece or production process often mean redesigning large sections of the fixed automation system or even starting completely over from scratch.

whitePaper | January 19, 2023

Legacy ERP is the weakest link in your digital transformation, especially when it’s disconnected from CRM. But when everything from supply to sales is built on the same platform, you get more value, flexibility, and visibility to better serve your customers. Moving away from your legacy ERP system and on to something more modern may seem daunting, but the alternative of doing nothing or waiting for the next new technology is holding your business back in more ways than you might imagine. Hundreds of Rootstock customers have gone through the same process, looking at the limitations of their legacy ERP but assuming the migration to a modern cloud-based ERP could wait another year. But, without fail, every single customer comes out the other side wondering why they waited so long to make the switch

whitePaper | November 11, 2022

The manufacturing and hi-tech industries are accustomed to economic downturns, legislative impacts, tax and tariff complexities, and supply chain concerns. During the Great Recession, the United States’ manufacturing downturn resulted in a loss of 10% of its GDP, compared with only 4% for the overall economy. With these already poignant experiences, it is not hard to believe the pace of change has picked up in the last decade.

whitePaper | August 1, 2020

Today’s manufacturers are under pressure to be more flexible, reduce downtime and costs and increase efficiencies. In addition to making new investments in production and technology, data-driven manufacturing companies are responding to these pressures by leveraging the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), the industrial internet of things, (IIoT), cloud computing technologies and innovations in smart measurement and quality data management systems—resulting in greater visibility into their operations. Read our whitepaper, “Smart Measuring Systems for the Smart Factory,” to learn how Mitutoyo is helping advance factory intelligence.

whitePaper | September 21, 2023

Automation is improving the overall productivity of discrete manufacturing plants and facilities, delivering a range of goods from automobiles and electronics to furniture and toys to countless other items. The complexity of coordinating personnel, work procedures, material handling, and automated equipment – all while meeting production goals – make increasing digitalization and use of data across the enterprise and in production essential. Perhaps most important is the ability to put the control engineer, line worker, and design engineer in the middle of this critical data to derive actionable insights and provide real-time decision support. The constantly growing capabilities of digital technologies are creating more opportunities for discrete manufacturers to drive increasingly reliable and more efficient operations.