IIoT & Connected Manufacturing
A downtime event times the machine and a work order times the job, but neither shows how much of a technician's shift was hands-on work, Automation World notes.
Don't read wrench time off CMMS records; capture technician time separately before setting a productivity target.
Automation & Controls
Rockwell Automation introduced SecureOT capabilities that help machine builders identify vulnerabilities, document cybersecurity posture and support compliance readiness across the machine lifecycle, aimed at emerging cybersecurity regulations.
If you buy machines from OEMs, expect cybersecurity documentation to become part of the spec; ask for it at quote.
Process Technology
OleumTech launched SIMPLE LOGIC, which lets users of its BreeZ 8 software configure logic functions through a drag-and-drop interface for wireless industrial process control.
Low-code logic on wireless I/O lowers the bar for small process tweaks; keep change control on who can edit it.
Edge Computing & Inference
OMRON will add OnLogic's industrial computing to its automation expertise to serve data- and AI-intensive applications, The Robot Report reports.
Automation vendors are buying edge compute; expect more bundled controller-plus-compute offers and check the lock-in.
Smart Manufacturing & Digital Twin
Eyelit's Celeste Lefebvre argues automotive plants need four MES capabilities in 2026, including traceability down to the component and controlled quality records that support audit readiness.
Use the list as an MES RFP checklist, noting the author is a vendor product manager.
Robotics & Cobots
Automation World says combining collaborative robots with autonomous mobile robots can help manufacturers improve flexibility, accuracy and productivity while addressing labor shortages and evolving automation needs.
Mobile manipulation is a labor-shortage lever; scope one machine-tending or transfer task before buying a fleet.
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