Big Data and the New Generation

Over the last few weeks, we have been considering the use of the term Big Data and its use within the manufacturing environment. The amount of data being generated within our manufacturing plants, via historians and bespoke databases has been well documented.

We recently decided to use this topic as a focus for discussion during a recruitment process and asked candidates to present on this subject.

I always find that in addition to helping qualify candidates, the stimulation of this external thinking is equally worthwhile. The main challenge (from multiple candidates) to the use of the Big Data term came from the perception that our manufacturing data is not 'complex' (e.g. there is no social media dimension to our data). 

This is indeed true; it also begs the question – why can’t we add a social media dimension? Would we benefit by being able to combine our current manufacturing data with blogs, wikis and the like?

The first step here (and before considering the technology) is starting to think about some usage scenarios.  If a procurement department used the data from a historian to select the best type of steam trap (based on lifecycle costs), would it be useful for this performance data to be augmented by the tribal knowledge contained in blogs and wikis?

The other dimension is a demographic or talent management one – should those of us with greying hair have an obligation to create an environment which is attractive for a new generation of talent and allow them to use the tools and technologies they are familiar with? 

Phil Gillard, General Manager, SolutionsPT