This will allow IoT and industrial engineers to connect and control heterogeneous equipment over the internet of things (IoT) framework. Factory floor equipment can then be monitored in real time.
Collected data can be used to optimize the production processes or improve tool maintenance schedules. Currently, this software is targeting the automotive, aerospace, mechanical and manufacturing industries.
Bosch’s IoT Suite provides secure connections between devices while their Vorto software manages the information that is collected. ThingWorx, however, will be used to collect the data into meaningful dashboards and perform Big Data data analytics.
"ThingWorx offers an easy-to-use interface with simple operating functions like drag-and-drop. This facilitates cross-departmental development of applications, even in complex environments, without the need for advanced IoT Engineers,” said Rob Gremley, President Technology Platform Group, PTC.
“Once the system and process complexity has been captured with the Bosch Software Innovations IoT platform, ThingWorx removes the last hurdle into the smart, connected world," he added.
“It has never been so easy for companies to enter into the IoT business,” said Jim Heppelmann, President and CEO, PTC. “This new technology stack will decisively influence and optimize business processes, even for companies with mature, complex environments."
Connecting various devices on the production floor is hardly a new idea.
SCADA systems, wired connections, PLC’s and other Industry 4.0 technologies have been around for quite some time. What differentiates IoT from other Industry 4.0 technologies is that it can simplify the networking process by avoiding steps like wiring the components together.
Many manufacturers expect the equipment they buy to be shipped ready to connect. As a result, these plants might default to using whatever IoT system ships with their equipment, as opposed to purchasing additional software.
As a result, it is hard to believe that third party IoT will rapidly permeate the manufacturing industry unless it can be easily added to existing Industry 4.0 systems or pull through with the optimization and predictive maintenance promise. Otherwise, PTC’s IoT for manufacturing might see a limited market of customers that are building their production facility from scratch or retrofitting their unconnected equipment to Industry 4.0.