Event demonstrates smart factory technology

The day will feature speakers discussing their experiences using the latest automation technology to build smart factory environments. Plant managers and engineers can also view live demo kits to get a hands-on experience of the automation technology that's helping to build the current and next generation of smart factory. Technical staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the technology and its use in factories.

The concept of the smart factory has become increasingly popular among plant managers in recent years. Developments in industrial networking technology have allowed businesses to improve efficiency and output while minimising downtime and wastage. By giving plant managers real-time access to the wealth of data generated through day-to-day operation, businesses can gain a much better insight into process efficiency and machine status.

Noel Sheppard, a Director of Distec, said: “There is a persistent myth that smart factories and industrial networking inevitably leads to a high capital expenditure.”

Sheppard continued: “Many businesses fear that the transition to a smart factory requires them to overhaul the majority of their legacy systems, which may not be compatible with the latest smart technologies. We want to use this smart factory day to show businesses how they can make the move to a smart factory without incurring the associated costs and downtime.”

He concluded: “On the day, we will demonstrate a cost-effective alternative to equipment replacement. Red Lion Controls’ products allow even legacy systems to communicate with each other in a network effectively, regardless of differences in communication protocols. This makes the process of updating equipment more cost-efficient and just as effective.”