“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin
Change is an inevitable and essential part of life. Knowing how best to respond to changes is consequently very important. That applies, for instance, when we change over to a new computer program or start using new digital technologies. An ability to review and reorientate our actions in changing situations and times is called for here. If we want to survive, we have no option but to adapt and adjust ourselves to new situations from the minute we are born.
Digital technologies add value
We are in the middle of the digital revolution – the digital transformation sends its regards. For many people, the world has been turned upside-down already. For others, it has come to resemble a kaleidoscope. In short, digital technologies simplify our lives and open doors for new and successful business models.
At present, economic involvement is particularly focused on the “Internet of Things” (IoT) for this reason: technologies that enable physical and virtual objects to be networked together and to interoperate with the help of information and communication technologies.
The following are just a few possible examples:
Wearable technologies
Wearables are defined by their manufacturers as smart devices that can be worn directly on the human body such as Google Glass, a brand of smart glasses, or assorted smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, Sony & LG, among others, which have been on the market for some time now. The idea is to either provide users with (even) more information or give them easier access to known information.
Self-driving cars
Self-driving cars allow autonomous and intelligent navigation in real traffic without active human input.
Smart homes
A smart home is an intelligent residence where all devices are interconnected, to enable and monitoring using a smartphone or a tablet. Ideally, a “smart”, networked home improves safety, saves valuable time and cuts the costs for energy.
Infinite possibilities for digitalizing successful business models
The innovation potential unlocked by digitalization is endless – especially with regard to Synaptic Business Automation (SBA); for more information on Yokogawa’s lead theme at ACHEMA 2018, click here.
With an entrepreneurial, innovation mindset and methodologies like SBA, you can develop and realize a whole host of ideas. For instance
Create digital customer experiences
Build open platforms and ecosystems
Establish more agile corporate cultures
Unfortunately, these groundbreaking advances are increasingly punctuated by bad tidings about new vulnerabilities and data scandals, which cast a spotlight on the need for a new security culture and regulations to reflect the digital transformation.
Global Internet access for everyone, measures to protect individual privacy and personal data and a sustainable digital infrastructure which unites a high degree of openness with maximum possible security are key priorities for us.
Against this background, it is obviously imperative that a suitable security foundation be laid to meet the new requirements of the digital age. The answer: Plant Security.
Yokogawa’s plant security portfolio
It’s a fact that functional safety (SAFETY, IEC 61511) is a “must-have” for safety instrumented automation solutions. Yokogawa’s plant security portfolio combines both ingredients: safety & security. As far as security is concerned, we conform to international standards and recommendations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 62443), national recommendations, e.g. NAMUR (NE) 153 and 163 or the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). That is also true above all with regard to critical infrastructures (KRITIS).
All of this is reconciled with your individual requirements as the starting point for the perfect plant safety concept.
Exciting times
These are exciting times we live in. Let’s enjoy them and seize every chance we can to shape them. We can draw on a wonderful set of instruments – both technical and human – for doing so. The digital future lies in our hands.
My advice to you is to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital transformation – unconditionally and in every aspect of your business.
It’s all about overcoming barriers – especially the mental ones!
How is digitalization changing your life?
Feel free to write a comment or come visit us at our booth, so that we can discuss some of the burning issues with you in person
