Posted to News on 10th Dec 2024, 13:00
A single digital thread for logistics
Logistics is the backbone of many industries and historically has been an early adopter of advanced technologies to improve efficiency. Despite this readiness to advance, logistics is facing pressure to handle higher demand with less staff in almost all applications. This is driven largely by ongoing skills shortages, rapid expansion of e-commerce, and increasing complex supply chains.
These challenges need for a new approach, with a single digital thread running throughout IT and OT systems. This will deliver value for end users, system integrators, and OEMs serving the vital sector.
Download Schneider Electric's e-guide on how logistics operators can use Universal Automation to create a single digital thread through IT and OT.
Universal Automation
With logistics being an early adopter of technology, especially robotics, the sector is seeing challenges when integrating existing systems. When put into practice Universal Automation, based on the IEC 61499 standard, provides a shared automation layer to unify and monitor diverse systems.
Universal Automation allows seamless IT-OT collaboration, deployment of best-in-class solutions, and results in efficiency and sustainability improvements through the use of next-generation systems.
A single digital thread
Open automation creates a continuous data flow across all assets and can even add sensors to legacy systems. This digital thread connects disparate systems, allowing operators to monitor, control, and optimise entire facilities or supply chains. Vendor-agnostic solutions like EcoStruxure reduce workforce upskilling needs, simplifying operations and simplifying recruitment and onboarding.
Make logistics sense
Universal Automation also enhances supply chain visibility. It enables real-time communication between warehouse management, manufacturing, and distribution systems. It also supports parcel operations, improving delivery accuracy with AI-driven solutions. In airports, a digital foundation simplifies addition of new technologies, enhancing customer satisfaction in areas like baggage handling and security.
Bringing together information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) across many and varied systems in logistics is only possible through the widespread adoption of open automation. Find out more here.
