Ally Winning, European Editor, PSD
Welcome to the September edition of PSD Europe. We are definitely now on the home straight towards the end of the year, and I can’t see many people or companies that will be sad to see the back of it. To quote the queen, 2020 has definitely been an “Annus horribilis”, and there is still more to come, including what is already proving to be a very contentious US election. The UK is also scheduled to leave the EU’s single market in January of next year as its transition period ends, which could put a dampener on the global economy for the start of 2021.
But, from darkness springs light and the current disruption will create opportunities for those with foresight who can position themselves to take advantage. One area that most people are looking to for those opportunities is the IoT, especially the Industrial IoT or Industry 4.0. Who knows how long the backlash to China will continue or how much, if any, manufacturing will onshore? In any case, our industries need updating to increase productivity and efficiency. The IIoT and automation will be the solution for many companies.
In this issue, our special focus is on sensors and test & measurement. Sensors are at the heart of the IIoT philosophy. IIoT is founded on the principle that the vast computing power stored in the cloud can be utilised to oversee equipment and production more accurately and efficiently than humans ever could. The organisation of industrial plants can be highly optimised to maximise production, while reducing wastage. Production equipment could even be monitored to plan maintenance before a failure occurs. It’s not just production that can benefit from IIoT techniques, planning, logistics and most other areas can utilise the cloud’s computing power.
Of course, the power industry could also be transformed by IIoT principles too. Industrial facilities are normally very power hungry, and that can be a big expense for companies. The International Energy Agency estimates that 66% of industrial power consumption, and 45% of total power used globally, is consumed by electric motors. Making these motors more efficient can cut costs quite dramatically, and the key to this is accurate measurement. The more accurate the measurement, the better information that the computers in the cloud have to make the correct decisions. Whether that is the operation of the motor or its condition. That measurement is usually performed by some kind of sensor.
Because of their use in the IoT, as well as many other applications that require accurate and quick measurement, the sensor market is expected to have strong growth in the short and medium terms. They are vital to the performance of many applications. Inside the issue this month we will look at how sensors are evolving, as well as feature articles on general power topics. I hope you enjoy.
Best Regards,
Ally Winning,
European Editor, PSD
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