Rockwell Automation and Microsoft Deliver on a Shared Vision to Accelerate Industrial Transformation

Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- FactoryTalk Optix
- Azure IoT Operations
- FactoryTalk Design Studio
Tech Stack
- Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service
- Generative AI
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Productivity Improvements
- Cost Savings
- Digital Expertise
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Generative AI
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Food & Beverage
Applicable Functions
- Process Manufacturing
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Machine Condition Monitoring
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company employs approximately 27,000 individuals dedicated to serving customers in more than 100 countries. Rockwell Automation is committed to connecting the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and sustainable. The company is known for its expertise in industrial automation and its ability to deliver innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Rockwell Automation's PartnerNetwork is an expansive, global partner ecosystem that provides market-leading technology, superior support and services, and an integrated approach to business. The company is focused on delivering the value of The Connected Enterprise, helping industrial enterprises realize the full potential of their digital transformation journey.
The Challenge
The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for enhanced operational efficiency, scalability, and sustainable growth. Traditional industrial practices are being challenged by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, necessitating a shift towards more integrated and data-driven operations. Manufacturers face the challenge of capturing critical insights from existing sites without extensive retrofitting, while also needing to streamline the integration of shop-floor data with cloud-based applications. This requires advanced analytics and improved scalability across multi-site environments. Additionally, there is a need to empower the workforce with AI-driven tools that can enhance productivity, reduce errors, and accelerate decision-making. The challenge is to bridge the gap between traditional industrial practices and modern digital applications, creating solutions that unlock the full potential of industrial data.
The Solution
Rockwell Automation and Microsoft have expanded their strategic collaboration to revolutionize industrial transformation by providing manufacturing customers with advanced cloud and AI solutions. This partnership combines Rockwell's deep industrial automation expertise with Microsoft's cutting-edge cloud and AI capabilities. At the Automation Fair, Microsoft debuted its latest solution, Azure IoT Operations, which integrates with Rockwell's digital offerings, including FactoryTalk Optix. This combined solution allows manufacturers to capture critical insights from existing sites without extensive retrofitting, simplifying the integration of shop-floor data with cloud-based applications. The adaptive cloud approach enables advanced analytics and improves scalability across multi-site environments. Additionally, Rockwell has expanded its FactoryTalk Design Studio software with a new Generative AI Copilot, developed in partnership with Microsoft. This feature, powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, enables engineers to use natural language prompts for tasks like product guidance, code generation, and troubleshooting. The collaboration also introduces Rockwell’s FT Optix Food & Beverage model into the Microsoft AI model catalog, providing machine operators with AI-guided instructions to enhance productivity and reduce errors.
Operational Impact
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