Proprietary data silos remain one of the largest barriers to scaling industrial process optimization across multi-vendor factory environments. Open data standards such as OPC UA, MQTT, and Sparkplug B offer a path forward by establishing common data models and communication protocols that allow equipment from different manufacturers to share information seamlessly. In this article, IIoT […]
Read more →
As manufacturers continue to navigate evolving demands, supply chain complexity, and fast-paced technological change, the need for scalable, intelligent, and resilient systems is front and center. The MESI 4.0 Summit 2025, hosted by Critical Manufacturing, offers a platform for manufacturing and technology leaders to explore how MES and Industry 4.0 technologies are being applied to meet these […]
Read more →
At the Automate Show in Detroit, Gregory Tink, Digital Transformation Consulting Director at Schneider Electric, shared a clear and actionable approach to industrial digital transformation—one that moves beyond buzzwords and into scalable, measurable progress.Start with Strategy, Not TechnologyToo many manufacturers jump straight into pilots or advanced technologies like AI and digital twins, bypassing the foundational work […]
Read more →
AI agents are rapidly transforming industries, and manufacturing is no exception. While initial applications focused on optimizing HR, finance, legal, and claims management, AI agents are now driving significant improvements in core manufacturing operations.These intelligent systems generally take two forms: Independent AI agents that operate autonomously, handling complex, end-to-end tasks with minimal human input. Collaborative […]
Read more →
The convergence of edge AI and centralized intelligence hubs is creating a new operational architecture for manufacturers seeking real-time decision-making without sacrificing data governance or scalability. In this article, IIoT World examines how pairing local inference at the machine level with a cloud or on-premises intelligence hub delivers the best of both worlds: sub-millisecond response […]
Read more →
In the age of digital transformation, data is more than a byproduct—it’s a powerful asset. But most manufacturers are sitting on untapped potential. This white paper from Critical Manufacturing explores how modern data platforms, combined with MES systems, are reshaping industrial operations—from the shop floor to executive decision-making.Readers will gain a clear understanding of how “dark data”—the 60–90% […]
Read more →
At Automate Show 2025, one key theme echoed across the exhibit halls: industrial end users in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and life sciences are under growing pressure to produce faster, smarter, and more flexibly—without adding complexity or cost. But while new tech is everywhere, the difference-makers are clear: modular design, integrated energy and automation systems, and scalable AI are unlocking measurable results across the […]
Read more →
Open automation is fundamentally changing how manufacturers design, deploy, and secure their control systems. By decoupling software from hardware and embracing vendor-neutral standards, industrial organizations gain the flexibility to integrate best-in-class components, implement consistent cybersecurity policies across heterogeneous environments, and unlock granular energy monitoring at the machine level. In this article, IIoT World explores why […]
Read more →
At a time when Industry 4.0 conversations dominate industrial trade shows and boardrooms alike, many manufacturers still miss the mark. The problem isn’t the technology. It’s how it’s being approached.Jeff Winter, a well-known voice in digital manufacturing and VP of Business Strategy at Critical Manufacturing, shared insights at Hannover Messe 2025—cutting through the jargon to […]
Read more →
Artificial intelligence dominates manufacturing strategy conversations, yet most industrial AI projects stall before they deliver measurable value. The missing ingredient is almost always the same: reliable, contextualized data flowing from IoT sensors, PLCs, and edge devices on the plant floor. In this IIoT World explainer, we break down why AI and IoT are not separate […]
Read more →
At Hannover Messe 2025, John Harrington of HighByte offered a timely reminder: as AI races ahead in the industrial sector, the infrastructure supporting it—specifically, DataOps—needs to keep up.While AI dominates the headlines, its power is fundamentally limited without access to the right data. Harrington put it bluntly: “Data is the oxygen for AI.” But not just any data—clean, […]
Read more →
At Hannover Messe 2025, the conversation around digital transformation in manufacturing felt more urgent than ever. But amid the excitement, Stephen Graham, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Nexus, offered a grounded reminder: for small and mid-sized manufacturers, the future will not be won by those with the flashiest technology—but by those who learn […]
Read more →