Whether your goal is to start collecting and analyzing more equipment data for production optimization or to implement digital twins for advanced predictive maintenance, one requirement remains the same: assessing your readiness.
This type of assessment is not a new facet in the process of digital transformation. In fact, in July 2019 Automation World conducted a study of its readers to determine how many had assessed their readiness for the digital future of manufacturing. That study showed that nearly one-third (32%) reported their organization had “clearly stated objectives of technology modernization related to IIoT or Industry 4.0.” Another 48% either had started updating technology without specific corporate goals or were developing plans for modernization. Only 20% of respondents said their organization was on the sidelines with no technology modernization initiatives planned for now.
To help manufacturers assess their readiness for digital technology implementation, a number of resources have been developed. For example, The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) offers its IIoT Maturity Assessment, a web-based tool included in the IIC Resource Hub that enables users to better understand their enterprise IIoT maturity. The IIC Resource Hub is an online interface to the IIC’s resources designed to guide users through the analysis and planning of their own IIoT projects.
More recently, Emerson announced the release of its Digital Maturity Quick Index designed to help companies target specific digital transformation priorities with the highest potential return on investment.
The tool scores operational maturity across key domains including reliability, energy and environmental sustainability, production, safety, security, systems and data, and organizational effectiveness.
This free, online diagnostic tool uses Emerson’s Digital Transformation Roadmap with input from the Smart Industry Readiness Index and the BioPhorum Digital Plant Maturity Model. The interactive diagnostic tool is designed to help companies benchmark their competitiveness against industry peers.
According to Emerson, the Digital Maturity Quick Index “combines specific company financials and business objectives, allowing organizations to compare themselves against others in their industries and have a clear picture of where their digital transformation programs can have the greatest impact. The tool uncovers users’ biggest potential areas for improvement and technology investments by analyzing the largest costs and key performance initiatives. It scores operational maturity across key domains including reliability, energy and environmental sustainability, production, safety, security, systems and data, and organizational effectiveness.”
Following receipt of these insights from the tool, users can connect with Emerson’s professional services consultants for help in reviewing their digital transformation objectives as well as development and implementation of a multiyear roadmap.
In its release about the Digital Maturity Quick Index, Emerson said it plans to continuously enhance the tool over the coming months with a focus on sustainability, analytics, and data management assessments.
