As we reach the end of 2020, we can reflect upon a year that was unlike any other. In 2020, many had to shut down their operations and may have been faced with pressures of shortages. In addition, increased safety measures had to be put in place to ensure worker safety. Will these trends continue into 2021? In this article we will have a look at the trends of 2020, and how these will carry on into the new year.
Digitalizing the Factory Floor
In recent years, increased focus has been on IoT (Internet of Things) and Industry 4.0, and 2020 truly highlighted the importance of having the ability to access systems remotely. We are expecting that this trend will continue into 2021 and beyond. IoT-enabled devices allow manufacturers to monitor safety within their facilities, and they can identify potential disruptions before they occur. This can even allow for the remote access to the machines to enable repairs if needed. Slip rings are an essential part of digitizing, as they allow for both the transmission of data and power. In addition to electrical power, slip rings can also transmit optical fibers, signals, and field buses such as 100 BaseT ethernet.
Predictive Maintenance to Keeps Production Going
Predictive maintenance is the process of monitoring machinery performance to predict when it will need maintenance. In a highly digitized environment, it is more efficient to ensure that all machinery is operating at optimal performance levels. Predictive maintenance allows for the reduction of unplanned outages while extending the lifetime of the machines. It is even possible to conduct tests while the machine is in use to ensure that there is no loss of productivity due to the equipment downtime.
Virtual Product Consulting
Similar to the increased digitization of the factory floor, in 2020 we learned just how many meetings can be done online. At rotarX, we conducted all our product consultations through virtual meetings and screen sharing technologies. While we hope to return to fairs and events as soon as it is possible to do so, we have also seen just how easy it is to connect with our customers online. We are expecting that virtual meetings and consultations will continue to be part of our daily lives in 2021 and beyond. If you would like to schedule a virtual consultation with one of our consultants, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help.
Looking Ahead
With the expectation that the world of production will continue to become more digitized, we imagine that there will be even more advancements made within technology, including slip rings. At rotarX, we strive to be at the forefront of innovation to ensure that we can satisfy the market demands for slip ring technology. We offer a number of solutions, including solutions that enable both power and signal transmission, including USB, ethernet, Coax, and field bus transmission.
At rotarX, we offer both standardized and highly custom solutions, to ensure the right fit for every project. If you would like to schedule a virtual consultation with one of our product consultants, we would be happy to help you find the right solution.