TÜV SÜD and Yokogawa support companies with systematic transformation towards Industry 4.0

With around 25 000 staff in over 50 countries, TÜV SÜD is among the world’s leading providers of testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services. The experts have a broad range of expertise in all aspects of the manufacturing industry and around the topic of process optimisation. This ensures that all relevant dimensions are considered completely and precisely.

A major provider of industrial automation and control solutions, Yokogawa combines superior technology with engineering services, project management, and maintenance to deliver field proven operational efficiency, safety, quality, and reliability in industrial plants.

Companies of the manufacturing industry seeking to access the benefits of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) must apply a dedicated and holistic approach to their digital transformation. The Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) enables them to efficiently assess their digital maturity level and take a systematic approach to implementing transformation. SIRI was developed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in partnership with TÜV SÜD and other companies, and is recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Early this year, SIRI activities were transferred from the EDB to the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT).

“SIRI pursues a holistic assessment that goes far beyond a quick check”, says Pascal Gaillot, SIRI Assessor at TÜV SÜD. In contrast to many other maturity models, SIRI does not focus exclusively on technology. Instead, the model uses an integrated strategy that also takes in the processes and organisation of a company, thus delivering informative results. “Further than assessing the operations’ readiness by a standardised quantification of maturities, SIRI includes site-specific cost profiles and business priorities in the analysis. This structured and comprehensive approach results in highly accurate prioritisations of digital initiatives for the company”, explains Maurice Houben, SIRI Assessor at Yokogawa. By doing so, companies develop a roadmap which permits targeted planning of the next steps – a major advantage.

The SIRI assessment is based on a framework with a clear structure; its three main building blocks of technology, process and organisation rest on eight pillars, which are broken down into 16 sub-categories or dimensions. Owing to its clear structure, the assessment delivers informative results in a relatively short time, even allowing industry-specific benchmarking of the level of maturity.

SIRI application was first tested in various pilot projects at companies of different sizes and from different industries, including chemicals, electronics and aviation. To date, SIRI has been used successfully in more than 600 companies worldwide. “Drawing on our experience, we are convinced that SIRI can be transferred to all sectors of industry and significantly benefits companies of all sizes, from small companies to SMEs and multinationals”, explains Pascal Gaillot.

Third-party SIRI assessors

TÜV SÜD and Yokogawa support companies with SIRI assessments. Support by experienced and certified SIRI assessors raises the efficiency of the assessment and enhances the informative value of its results. “An important effect that is often overlooked is the creation of awareness and enthusiasm among the participants for the Industry 4.0 concepts and the value they can bring the company,” explains Maurice Houben. “These offer a strong basis for the change management aspects during implementation of the transformation initiatives.” The assessors from TÜV SÜD and Yokogawa typically work in mixed teams, contributing the expertise and experience of a testing and certification company and a supplier of process automation solutions and devices, both of which are among the global leaders in their sectors of industry.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/22032022/tv-sd-and-yokogawa-support-companies-with-systematic-transformation-towards-industry-40/