In partnership with leading manufacturers and technology firms, MindSphere World announced the formation of its newest chapter in North America. Founding Board of Directors members for this new chapter include representatives from Deloitte, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), IBM, Siemens and Valiant TMS. Further founding member companies BEET, Edge2Web, Pure Precision, Gleason Corp, GROB Systems, Hardinge, MAYA HTT, Patti Engineering, TÜV SÜD, the University of Georgia, the University of South Carolina, and Wunderlich Malec Engineering form a powerful initial ecosystem of North American manufacturing interests. As one of the world’s premier Internet of Things (IoT) user associations, MindSphere World expanded its scope to include the United States, Canada and Mexico in order to help accelerate the adoption of Industrial IoT (IIoT) and drive the digital transformation of manufacturing in the region.
MindSphere World’s mission is to create an environment in which thought leaders, research institutes and manufacturers representing all sizes and markets can come together to network, develop standards and explore best practices. The organization aims to create a platform for all North American manufacturers to convene, learn and grow throughout their digital transformation, it says.
“FCA is enthusiastic about our membership in MindSphere World North America. We are known for our technological strength and know that IoT is the next frontier of productivity, quality, and innovation. We believe that MindSphere World will help us to identify and implement standards and best practices more effectively,” says Steve Burris, Powertrain Controls Center of Competency, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Raj Batra, President of Siemens Digital Industries U.S. says: “As we move into a more digitalized manufacturing era, manufacturers must embrace the concept of acting in ecosystems. Siemens is committed to making this the preeminent industrial IoT organization in the world, powered by the best and brightest minds from North America’s industrial companies."
Adam Mussomeli, principal and Supply Chain & Network Operations lead, Deloitte Consulting LLP, says: “Over the past 10 years, Deloitte has been committed to narrowing the gap of how humans and machines work together, connecting data and driving innovation across every stage of the product lifecycle. The creation of MindSphere World North America is an important next step to continue that conversation and explore the endless potential of IoT and digital threads as we look to create the next frontier of digital transformation together.”
As localized manufacturing efforts in the United States, Canada and Mexico continue to grow, companies are struggling with how to start their digital journey and how to leverage digital tools most effectively. Part of that struggle includes the lack of standards or networks of like-minded organizations. MindSphere World offers the manufacturing industry a mechanism within an ecosystem to determine typical IoT business models and how to leverage them, identify industry-specific use cases, share best practices, and develop and implement more efficient digital solutions.