Unlocking the potential of IoT data-driven manufacturing: A blueprint for success
The adoption of data-driven manufacturing has revolutionized industries by providing companies with the tools to harness IoT data and drive operational efficiency. One company at the forefront of this digital transformation is CDE, a global leader in wet processing equipment that serves industries ranging from virgin quarrying to materials recycling. As businesses across sectors look to optimize processes and stay competitive, CDE’s journey into leveraging data to enhance operations offers valuable insights into how to implement and scale digital solutions effectively.
In 2018, CDE recognized the growing need to understand their equipment performance more deeply. The solution? Data-driven manufacturing powered by Siemens Insights Hub. This decision sparked a transformation for the company, allowing it to move from simple data collection to meaningful insights that shape its day-to-day operations.
Starting small, scaling quickly
The key to success in data-driven manufacturing adoption lies in starting small and building the foundations for scalability. CDE began its journey by connecting just two assets to Insights Hub. Within 18 months, they had connected over 80 plants globally. This rapid expansion was made possible by focusing on flexibility and scalability from the beginning.
The real value came from the flexibility of Insights Hub. We were able to build a dashboard once and replicate it across multiple plants, which allowed us to roll out the solution at scale quickly and efficiently.”
-Norman Kane, head of global support, CDE
Norman Kane, who leads the technical and process support team at CDE, highlights the simplicity of their approach. By creating a repeatable process, CDE was able to standardize the integration of new plants, ensuring that each new system was seamlessly added to its global network.
The shift from data to insights
While the initial goal was to connect their assets and gather data, CDE soon realized that the actual value of industrial IoT lies in the insights gained from that data. Once the data flowed from multiple locations, the focus shifted to understanding key metrics such as energy consumption, water usage, and chemical processes. This knowledge will allow CDE to not only optimize plant performance but also drive sustainability initiatives across their operations.
As businesses in the manufacturing industry strive to balance efficiency with environmental responsibility, having real-time insights from industrial IoT solutions such as Insights Hub can make all the difference. These insights empower companies to make informed decisions that lead to both cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
Paving the way for future growth
CDE’s successful implementation of data-driven manufacturing technologies demonstrates how organizations can leverage data to enhance operational efficiency and improve sustainability efforts. Their journey offers a blueprint for other businesses seeking similar digital transformations.
We’ve reached the point where it’s not just about gathering data – it’s about understanding it and using it to drive decisions that will ensure our long-term sustainability as a business, and help us support customers in their sustainability journey too.”
-Norman Kane
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, those who can effectively harness the power of data will be well-positioned to lead the way in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. CDE’s journey highlights the importance of starting small, scaling thoughtfully, and always keeping an eye on the bigger picture – using data to unlock new possibilities for growth and impact.
Learn more about IoT data and CDE & Siemens partnership
Watch this video customer story about CDE’s IoT evolution with Insights Hub.
Want to experience Insights Hub yourself? Contact a Siemens expert to request a demo.
