Schneider Electric Plant Touted as ‘Factory of the Future’
LEXINGTON, KY—Schneider Electric’s factory here has been making load centers and safety switches since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. But, the 63-year-old facility is a leader in implementing state-of-the-art Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology.
To maintain a business and technological edge, the factory recently achieved a complete end-to-end transformation of its operations from supplier to customer. This effort has improved customer satisfaction by 20 percent, demand forecast accuracy by 20 percent and reduced energy costs by 26 percent.
Schneider Electric Lexington recently earned the distinction of being a “fourth industrial revolution advanced lighthouse factory” by the World Economic Forum. The cutting-edge facility also was the recipient of the 2007 Assembly Plant of the Year award sponsored by ASSEMBLY.
“Manufacturing organizations around the world are facing new challenges arising from the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, combined with the ever-growing threat of climate change,” says Annette Clayton, president and CEO of Schneider Electric North America. “Schneider Electric is proof of IIoT’s power to positively impact the bottom line and further sustainability goals.
“Being part of the global lighthouse network allows us to share our knowledge and collaborate with industry peers to bring about greater sustainability and resilience…so that we can…thrive amidst periods of adversity,” explains Clayton.
The Lexington facility has deployed a digital energy management strategy leveraging IIoT connectivity, Edge-based descriptive analytics and Cloud-based predictive analytics to drive efficiencies across its operation. At the connected products layer, EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor has enhanced operational insight and reduced equipment downtime by 20 percent.
“Exemplifying brownfield innovation, [our] IIoT-based EcoStruxure [system] provides the latest in digital tools, including augmented reality, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, to drive energy efficiency, sustainability and overall cost savings, while offering increasing agility and resiliency within the operation,” adds Clayton.
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