87 Schaeffler, a manufacturer of precision mobility components, uses Microsoft Fabric to maximise the value of its factory data A digital thread connects data, processes and information across a product’s entire lifecycle, making it easier to track and improve decisions. It links everything from research and development to production and even end-oflife management. By combining operational technology (OT) – like sensors, machines and factory systems – with information technology (IT), the digital thread gives manufacturers a complete view of their operations in real time. The first step in building the digital thread is data collection. “To create the thread, manufacturers must develop a seamless flow of data from the physical environment of the factory to the digital environment of the cloud,” says Stuetzle. “As a smart factory can generate up to a petabyte of data per day, it is critical to ensure all industrial data is collected, consolidated and processed in a consistent manner across the cloud-to-edge continuum.” Microsoft Azure IoT Operations helps break down old barriers between OT and IT systems, making it easier to collect the data needed for the digital thread. Once this data from factory equipment is stored in the cloud, it can be organised and structured to a set standard with tools like manufacturing data solution in Microsoft Fabric. There, generative AI can analyse the data to uncover valuable insights that help improve operations. “Manufacturing data solutions in Microsoft Fabric brings disparate pieces of information together, from OT sources like factory sensor telemetry to IT data like inventory details, into a unified data foundation, following an industry standard information model,” says Stuetzle. “By providing a scalable and repeatable pattern to address all factory domain data projects, this data flow creates the digital thread: a consolidated view of all customer relationship management, product lifecycle management, enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution system, just to name a few. With each of these key pieces of IT, OT and engineering technology data under one roof, manufacturers “ The digital thread revolutionises manufacturing and quality control” INDUSTRIALS & MANUFACTURING
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