In packaging plants across the world, compressed air systems create significant energy waste. Pinhole leaks in air lines, sticky valves and other inefficiencies cost huge consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufactures and small contract packagers alike substantial amounts of money. These also hinder corporate green efforts for responsible energy usage. A key opportunity to solve compressed air issues and boost overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is by thoughtfully implementing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) strategies with scalable PC-based automation technologies.
IIoT promises highly connected machines that improve efficiency and decrease production costs, which is intriguing for even the most traditional plant managers. However, most conversations about implementing IIoT strategies are little more than talk. Beneath the buzzwords and hype, the path forward remains murky — clouded by many questions and a lack of consensus. What is IIoT capable of today? What does it actually mean from a practical standpoint? How can it be implemented painlessly and with a fast ROI? Where is the best place to start?