‘Digital transformation’ is on ARC agenda

Orlando event Feb. 12-15 to focus on a more connected plant

By Bob Vavra, CFE Media January 8, 2018

‘Digital transformation’ remains a manufacturing buzz word that sounds exciting and daunting at the same time. The 22nd annual ARC Industry Forum in Orlando from Feb. 12-15, 2018 will present a series of presentations and discussions designed to build on the excitement and allay some of the concerns.

The annual U.S. gathering from the Boston-based analytics and research firm will look at the concept of digital transformation from every aspect of business, industry and infrastructure, and will present examples of how digital transformation is under way in manufacturing today.

“We’re seeing signs of positive disruption via digital transformation everywhere we look,” said Andy Chatha, president and founder of ARC Advisory Group, in a press release. “Today’s smart, connected, information-driven industrial enterprises are making better use of their assets and data to improve business and regulatory performance. We’re seeing a similar transformation across infrastructure and within municipalities.”

Chatha noted that still are issues facing the industry that are critical to the success of digital transformation. “Without robust cybersecurity, connected enterprises are more vulnerable to hackers and other cyber-criminals,” Chatha said. “Also, today’s shortage of the skilled knowledge workers needed for successful digital transformation will become an increasing constraint.”

ARC has helped organize an end user-driven Digital Transformation Council to meet at the 2018 ARC Industry Forum for the first time.

Among the keynote speakers at the 2018 ARC event are:

  • Kenny Warren, Vice President of Engineering at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, who will speak on the business goals of the company’s Open Process Automation initiative
  • Jason Handley, Director of Smart Grid Emerging Technology and Operations at Duke Energy, who will speak on new technologies that are impacting the emerging Smart Grid.

For more information about the 2018 ARC Industry Forum in Orlando, click here.

Bob Vavra is content manger of Plant Engineering at CFE Media.