Network Systems Indeed, the partnership between APS Industrial and Siemens is focused on helping Australian companies adapt to the shifts in automation technology. “One of the points we try to get across is that you don’t have to be an expert to get on board with these developments. Siemens is leading the way with Industry 4.0 – they are walking the walk,” said Newnes. “You don’t have to be an expert to take advantage of all of this because Siemens will guide you through that journey. As a business, as long as you expressed a want or desire to get on this journey and make a start, you just need to engage with the experts that can help you get your business on the path.” Farrell said that the goal of addressing the particular needs of companies in Australia by drawing on local knowledge and expertise was one of the driving forces in the collaboration between Siemens and APS Industrial. “The only way that we can address the needs of the different
industrial markets is to work with partners that have expertise in these areas. There is a whole lot of great expertise available in Australia to help companies achieve what they need to achieve,” Farrell said. “It is through partnerships, like the one we have with APS, through that network of expertise, that we can solve the problems and achieve the solutions for our customers. It is a real community.” Farrell said that newer automation technologies, while complex, can be made simple, accessible and usable for nonspecialists. “Machine learning, for instance, is rapidly becoming quite simple. There is extremely complex programming behind the scenes, but this same programming allows for simplicity when it is configurable by an easy-to-use interface in the front end that can be used by people without highly specialised skills and knowledge,” he said. And the introduction of edge computing doesn’t have to be difficult either. In fact, Siemens is
releasing products that have edge capability already built in. All of Siemens’ HMI panels, for example, will have edge capability as standard straight out of the factory. They can carry out all the normal functions of an HMI panel, but they are also future-ready. “That takes the risk away, as it lowers the risk of investment – you are already making that further investment in the future – and if you want to use it in the future, it is available,” said Farrell. According to Newnes, it is now easier than ever before for Australian companies to get hold of cuttingedge industrial technology. “This is something that APS and Siemens are helping with. Our partnership is not yet two years old, but there is a real passion and energy in both companies,” Newnes said. “It is not only exciting for us, but it can only be a good thing for Australian industry as well, because the more that these technologies get adopted, the better our industry will perform.” Farrell agreed. “For Siemens, the reason why we have chosen to
go with a master distribution setup is our commitment to the concept of partnering for success. We recognise that we need to partner with a business that can provide the touchpoints and reach into the market with our product portfolio. People still want to do business with people. Despite all the information that is available online, we need to connect physically and personally with our customer base. APS is enabling us to do that,” he said. “Digitalisation has been very challenging to many businesses, small and large. But it is happening around us and companies need to adapt and change to get on board. We are surrounded by countries and regions that are well advanced in digital technologies and digital solutions. It has been happening in Europe for quite some time, and it is now happening rapidly across Asia, especially China. Australia has a lot of great talent, a lot of great minds with extensive knowledge. But I firmly believe we need to embrace these technologies so that we can be truly competitive on the world stage.”
APS and Siemens are helping Australian companies to get hold of cutting-edge industrial technology to improve their bottom-line.
24 MAY 2020 Manufacturers’ Monthly
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