As 2013 winds down, news outlets will deliver an onslaught of articles predicting what’s next in the year to come. IMPO magazine began a series this week reporting on what to expect in manufacturing in 2014, based on an IDC Manufacturing Insights web conference that outlines the top 10 predictions for the year ahead.
The theme of the 2014 predictions is movement toward what IDC Manufacturing Insights calls the “3D” value chain. The 3Ds refer to demand oriented, data driven and digitally executed. And, to remain competitive, manufacturers need to embrace this value chain in their operations.
This is music to our ears. In 2013, we released the GA VSD+ compressor, which uses advanced technology to match compressed air output to demand, while reducing energy costs by up to 50 percent. With demand oriented technology, you only use what you need and the result is increased efficiency and significant energy savings. We’ve been promoting variable speed drive (VSD) technology since we launched the first economical to manufacture VSD compressor in 1994, revolutionizing the industry by offering a compressor that provided energy savings of 35 percent.
Also in 2013, we released our customizable compressed air monitoring program, SmartLink, which provides plant operators with the tools to recognize and react to performance changes in real-time. Because SmartLink runs 24/7, it gathers data on every aspect of air usage, helping to predict problems and revealing where production can be optimized to increase efficiency and save energy. Data driven operations give you the knowledge to make the right decisions for your facility without guesswork.
Finally, we live in an increasingly connected and digital world. That’s why we developed an Elektronikon® app that allows you to monitor various compressor parameters and receive status notifications on your device if your compressor has a compatible Elektronikon® monitoring system.
What are you doing to remain competitive in 2014? Share your thoughts in the comments below or contact us.
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