(287e) Panel Discussion (Tim Olsen, Emerson)

This forum will discuss the digital transformation happening now in manufacturing facilities across the globe. Processing facilities are beginning to effectively utilize the abundance of process and asset health data and information as part of an overall digital strategy. Although a digital transformation will require investments in technology, it is the behavior changes based on this new information that will make the greatest impact to realizing benefits.

Topics of discussion will include, but not limited to:

- Brief overview on trends and challenges with digital transformation

- What new skillsets are required for manufacturing as more collaboration is required between IT and OT

- What Universities are doing to embrace the digital transformation

- How analyzed data can enhance less experienced staff to compensate for shortages in skilled resources

- How processing facilities are using data in new ways to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and process safety

- How manufacturers are utilizing online asset health data and predictive analytics to more effectively plan maintenance based on condition rather than time