COMMENT COPA-DATA
Boosting global competitiveness through digitalisation and standardisation
Johannes Petrowisch, managing director at automation supplier COPA-DATA, explores why digitalisation and standardisation are essential for staying ahead.
E
uropean industries are under pressure. High labour costs and a growing shortage of skilled workers make it challenging to
compete globally. The solution? Digitalisation and standardisation. These strategies do not just help businesses cut costs – they enable smarter, more resilient operations that compete in the global market.
THE CHALLENGE: HIGH COSTS AND A SHRINKING WORKFORCE Labour costs in Europe are among the highest in the world. In fact, according to Eurostat, hourly labour costs in the EU rose by 5.1% in the third slightly higher for industries compared to the service sector, which saw a growth rate of 5.3% over the same quarter in the previous year. At the same time, businesses face a critical
shortage of skilled labour. In a recent European Commission release, nearly two-thirds of small- to-medium sized businesses state that they This challenge here is two-fold. Changing
demographics are resulting in an ageing workforce, without a pipeline of fresh talent to plug the gaps. Similarly, there’s a mismatch of demand and supply for many professional skillsets – and engineering has long been a sector grappling with this dilemma. As European businesses face rising costs and
to maintain their competitive edge on the global stage.
THE SOLUTION: DIGITALISATION AND AI
Digital technologies are proving to be a game- changer, bridging the labour gap by enhancing productivity and reducing dependence on manual work. Picture a production line where automated systems handle repetitive tasks like assembly operations or routine inspections, allowing employees to focus on creative and strategic initiatives.
Imagine machinery that maintains itself using predictive analytics, identifying potential failures before they occur – minimising downtime, extending equipment lifespan, and saving costs. Add to this live data dashboards that detect to make swift, informed decisions and optimise operations.
10 March/April 2025 Irish Manufacturing
next level. AI-powered systems can analyse vast quality control, and predict maintenance needs with unprecedented accuracy. Machine learning ensuring that automation adapts dynamically to AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants also streamline administrative tasks, reducing workload While digitalisation has been widely discussed,
its true challenge lies not just in implementation but in scaling automation effectively. McKinsey & Company states that 31% of
businesses have already fully automated at least one function. The next step is leveraging automation and AI to mitigate the labour shortage. This is where standardisation becomes essential, ensuring automation can be deployed at scale while allowing human workers to focus on high-value tasks.
WHY STANDARDISATION IS KEY Standardisation is the backbone of modern industrial automation, yet it often goes unnoticed. At its core, it’s about creating a common language for systems, devices and processes to work together seamlessly. In the manufacturing and process industries, where operations often rely on a mix of legacy equipment and new technology, standardisation eliminates barriers to integration. It ensures
that different systems, regardless of their origin or complexity, can communicate effectively. This unlocks opportunities for innovation and allows businesses to connect and integrate those currently siloed automated functions. Digitalisation and standardisation also play
a pivotal role in supporting the twin transition toward sustainability and digital resilience. By these strategies not only reduce operational expenses but also ensure businesses remain globally competitive in an ever-changing market.
APPLYING DIGITALISATION AND STANDARDISATION COPA-DATA’s zenon software platform has From its inception, zenon has been built with interoperability in mind, making it possible for different devices to work together smoothly. By creating standardised data models and process interfaces, different machines and systems – regardless of their origin, age or communication As European industries navigate the twin challenges of high labour costs and a shrinking workforce, the path forward lies in digitalisation and standardisation. The promise of technologies like zenon, which embodies these methodologies, is not merely to maintain competitiveness but to turn today’s pressures into tomorrow’s opportunities.
www.irish-manufacturing.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
