On the Path of Skilling
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
Today, smart and intelligent manufacturing is the need of the hour. This has given rise to 4th industrial revolution, which comprises of data analytics, business intelligence, industrial IoT, digitisation and many other aspects. Industrial IoT provides varied possibilities and opportunities to manufacturers to implement automated business processes, real-time monitoring, tracking of systems and other allied solutions. B&R Industrial Automation helps global and Indian manufacturers to leverage these technologies in their machines, systems and factories.
Ideal partner for a successful IIoT implementation
B&R Industrial Automation is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. Based in Austria, B&R focuses on innovation and flexible modular design in its quest for perfection in automation. Combined with its global service footprint and diagnostic capabilities, B&R adds value to their customers and helps improve their bottom line with industrial IoT concept implementation.
B&R’s automation solutions can help manufacturers improve productivity, flexibility and responsiveness to changes in their customer demands along with cost reduction. Predictive maintenance approaches minimise unscheduled downtime, improves maintenance, productivity and effectiveness, and enables optimal asset performance.
Challenges for plants and factories
With Industrial IoT, users face new challenges related to security, maintenance, shop-floor connectivity and many more. The lack of adequate skills and education acts as a major deterrent to adopt new technologies. Workplace education programs can help current employees of manufacturers gain knowledge and equip them for technology changes. On the other hand, for manufacturers, labour and productivity both are equally important. Considering the current trends and future challenges, few manufacturers have already started investing in training and skill development centres. These centres allow their employees to try complex concepts in industrial processes. However, the gap between adoptions of fast evolving technologies and skilling is huge, and is continuously growing.
Focus on training
B&R takes initiatives through its Automation Academy to bridge the gap between technology and skills. Anyone, joining B&R as a software developer, has to undergo an extensive engineering camp, spanning 4 months. This improves their knowledge in the field of automation and enables them to independently and easily implement complex solutions even under immense pressure.
Through Education Network program, B&R collaborates with colleges and universities in India. B&R’s training modules provide the trainees an ideal platform for effective learning. These compact training modules rely on a consistent didactic concept. They serve as the best possible companion to our extensive online help documentation also available in a printed format.
B&R also provides customised training on diagnostics and service of machines enabling manufacturers in debugging machines on shop floor. The company has a full-fledged, well equipped facility for training at India headquarters, Pune and regional offices in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Being a member of AIA (Automation Industry Association)B&R is actively involved in “Campus Connect” program, which runs in collaboration with engineering institutions. It offers two levels of engagement at undergraduate stage and one during postgraduate engineering studies. The program helps bridge the gap between education and industry creating student competency and employability, which entail sustained engagement with students and academia for proliferation and promotion of contemporary and relevant education in Automation.
Skilling: IIoT adoption made easy
When manufacturers or automation vendors talks about implementing industrial IoT, the discussions is always focused on technologies, electronics, hardware, software, sensors, network connectivity and much more. For handling and implementation of new technologies, skill is also a necessary aspect. Along with the solutions and technologies, B&R focuses on specific industry trainings where workforce obtain skills to evaluate information and technologies effectively enabling them to keep pace with current industry trends.
“It is possible to pick and choose aspects for improvement, which are immediately relevant for a company. However, while doing so, there are a set of do’s and don’ts for ensuring that next step in the journey. Educating and hand-holding owners and engineers are essential for imbibing the nuances of digital power and sustaining long-term success of business.”
Sivaram PV, Non-Executive Chairman, B&R Industrial Automation, and President, AIA
B&R Industrial Automation, India, Email: [email protected]