b'The transformation from linear plant setups into dynamic and interconnectedsystems is one of the greatest challenges of our times for machine shops.manufacturing reduces costs fordiscontinuous, uncontrollable wearvalue in software as a service, in labor; lighting; and heating, ventila- are the keys to success. which a manufacturer purchases ac-tion and air conditioning. Drivingautomationthroughcess to software rather than a soft-Thorpe said data collection usingprocess monitoring and control isware license.edge computing, meaning close toanother way of stabilizing tool lifeThe vendor is giving you access a machine, is important for drivingand reducing the risk of unplannedto their ecosystem, he said.production automation. downtime, he said. Dariol said by accessing the eco-The value is being able to runOf course, manufacturers neversystem of a software developer, end lights-outproductionandun- should implement a technology justusers can generate solutions simi-manned cells without risking bro- for its own sake, and it is impera- lar to how the business model func-ken tools or even broken machinetive that costs dont go out of con- tions for smartphones.spindles, he said, which resultstrol when an implementation makesThe real customers of Apples inmaintenancecostandmajorstrategic sense. Thorpe said oneiPhone are not the users who are downtime. way to minimize the cost and timebuying the smartphones, he said. Thorpe said one of the biggestto realize a return on investmentThe real customers are the devel-threats to unmanned production isfromconnectingmachinesandopers. They are building the appli-unpredictable tool life. For a tool togathering the data needed to im- cations on the Apple devices and properly support automated pro- prove efficiency is through softwaretherefore increasing the value the duction, minimizing continuous,subscriptions. user of the iPhone perceives.controlled wear and eliminatingDariol also sees a high level ofEven if manufacturers understand VUSP VUPOctemag.com/cteguide.com19Indy40.indd 19 7/19/21 10:57 AM'