March 2019

32 n EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT March 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com Converging at the Edge Digitalisation is about people “Isn’t it a huge jump to take on ‘edge’ when other aspects of your enterprise are probably still lagging behind?” We are just getting used to the cloud, IoT, Industry 4.0 and other “smart factory” concepts. And now we are expected to embrace edge computing as well. The benefits of taking the large amount of repetitive data created by machines and automated systems and processing it locally are huge. Edge computing takes the pressure off existing networks, data storage, potentially costly cloud services, and software applications. Data is turned into useful information closer to its point of origin and more importantly, in real time. Edge computing means that factory- floor technology can be used to provide streamlined information that can then become operational intelligence once it is interpreted and displayed by crossover applications sitting in the “edge” layer. The edge layer provides data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and is the gateway to the higher IT-level Marketing & Operations Group Manager, Mitsubishi Chris Evans Chief Technologist in Digital Manufacturing, Manufacturing Technology Centre Dr Lina Huertas The digital technology revolution that is sweeping through the manufacturing industries of most developed nations can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are a small or medium-sized company with a traditionally skilled, but ageing, workforce and little evidence of a return-on-investment. But if the UK manufacturing sector is to prosper, it is vital for companies of all sizes, wherever they sit in the supply chain, to understand how new technologies can improve their business, and embrace the changes necessary to secure their future. The manufacturing world is moving quickly and the UK risks losing out on jobs and investment if we allow ourselves to fall behind international competition. That means having the skills to drive technological transformation. The world's major manufacturing companies are now looking for a digitally-enabled supply chain staffed by employees who have the knowledge and technological skills to support an end-to-end digital transformation. Traditional stable jobs are being replaced by dynamic careers in digital manufacturing. Digitalisation isn't just about new machines or software. It requires new skills, and any manufacturing business needs a strategy that includes up-skilling their current workforce. They must prepare not just their factories, but also their workforce for the change, or global companies will migrate to more digitally mature economies where