Aveva is a leading provider of engineering and industrial software solutions that help optimize operations and improve efficiency for businesses across various industries. One of their recent advancements is the industrial metaverse, which has the potential to revolutionize the way industries operate. In a recent interview with Aveva’s Chief Product Officer, Rob McGreevy, he shed light on the challenges and opportunities that the industrial metaverse presents.
One of the main challenges in transitioning to the industrial metaverse is the technological aspect of integrating various systems and sources. Aveva has extensive experience in integrating diverse processes such as boilers, case packers, palletizers, chemical processes, and mixed power grids with renewable and traditional sources. However, it remains a significant challenge due to the complexity involved in bringing these systems and sources together. Additionally, cybersecurity and determining the balance between cloud, on-premises, and edge computing are other technological challenges that need to be addressed.
The human side of the equation presents another set of challenges. The shift in the way people work requires effective change management. Employees need to be onboarded, trained, and acclimated to the new technology-driven processes. Traditional methods of shadowing supervisors for months are being replaced with hands-on training using tablets and digital tools. This transition requires a different mindset from both workers and the organization as a whole. Moreover, there are other considerations, such as the adoption of global standards, country-specific and industry-specific nuances, and potential involvement of work councils and labor unions.
Despite these challenges, Aveva remains dedicated to the industrial metaverse as part of their strategic direction. The recently appointed CEO, Caspar Herzberg, has been advocating for the transformation of the industrial metaverse. Aveva recognizes the potential of the metaverse as an opportunity for industry advancement and will continue to invest in its development.
Aveva’s goals for the future include enhancing their ongoing efforts in areas such as immersive operator training and simulation systems. They are also focused on strengthening the data foundation for the metaverse by capturing, collecting, and organizing industrial information to create contextually relevant digital twins. Additionally, Aveva aims to develop industry-specific applications and improve ways to visualize data, including 1D, 2D, and 3D views, real-time data, and enhanced support for mobile devices and tablets. The ultimate goal is to create a fully immersive and integrated environment for industrial operations.
To visualize the potential of the industrial metaverse, Aveva offers various software and solutions that connect the physical and digital worlds in industrial environments. They can digitize existing facilities using 3D laser scanning, creating a point cloud that represents the geometry and physical nature of the space. Aveva also develops high-fidelity simulation models based on actual process production control systems, allowing users to run scenarios and simulate real-life situations. This integration of simulation and production control systems provides a comprehensive understanding of operational outcomes.
Another area of focus is supporting remote field workers. By leveraging the digital twin and interconnectedness of the metaverse, field workers can communicate with Network Operation Centers while operating off the same view of the equipment. Augmented reality on tablets also enables workers to overlay digital information on physical equipment, facilitating inspections and maintenance tasks.
Aveva’s software seamlessly integrates various data sources and models, providing users with a comprehensive view of assets and real-time data associated with them. Whether through laser scanning or schematic versions, Aveva’s software enables immersive exploration and planning of fieldwork. Their production-grade software is not merely demo material and has tangible contributions to the industrial metaverse.
In conclusion, Aveva is at the forefront of the industrial metaverse, offering innovative software solutions that optimize operations and improve efficiency for businesses worldwide. Despite the challenges involved in transitioning to the metaverse, Aveva remains dedicated to its strategic direction. Their goals for the future include strengthening the data foundation, developing industry-specific applications, and enhancing visualization capabilities. With their software and solutions, Aveva is enabling industries to embrace the potential of the industrial metaverse and revolutionize the way they operate.