Building blocks for digital transformation: technological enablers

⏰ Time to read: 04:45 mins

📆 November 29, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial manufacturing, Atlas Copco is quietly but decisively taking its place at the forefront of change. As technology's embrace tightens, the concepts of digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation emerge as guiding lights. These concepts, while transformative, are approached with a sense of humility, recognizing that progress is a collective journey.

Building upon the foundation laid in our previous discussion about digital transformation, let's delve deeper into the tools that Atlas Copco offers. These are the building blocks that make this transformative path possible.

The foundation for digital transformation

Digitization, the initial spark, is the transition from analog to digital—a transformation of data. In simpler terms, it's about converting analog data into a digital format. In the realm of compressed air systems, this meant moving away from manual to digital data collection. It's a foundational step that creates a bedrock for future advancements.

Once digitization sets the stage, digitalization takes the lead. It's about fine-tuning processes through automation, ensuring that every cog in the wheel turns with precision. Atlas Copco, in its continuous pursuit of innovation, focuses on core technologies developed in-house. From controllers to inverters, software to connectivity, these elements work harmoniously, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of compressed air systems.

An overview of our technological arsenal

Within this landscape, Atlas Copco's pursuit for innovation and commitment to transformative advancements shines through:

Ⅰ

Smart components

These form the building blocks of advanced efficiency. They can not only transmit and process data while communicating with other components, but also, help to take decisive actions. Think of them as the virtuoso musicians in an orchestra, each contributing to a perfect harmony. These smart components resonate with that very harmony, infusing intelligence into every aspect of your compressor operation.

Ⅱ

Controllers

Behind the scenes, these unsung conductors direct the movements of the orchestra. They communicate, optimize, adjust, and fine-tune, ensuring each note is perfectly aligned.

Ⅲ

Over-the-air updates

Atlas Copco’s Elektronikon® Nano™ controller, with its exclusive over-the-air update capability, offers two key features. It not only keeps your compressor up-to-date, but also future-proofs this equipment by enhancing its performance, boosting cybersecurity, and adding intelligence.

Ⅳ

Connected compressors

Through the SMARTLINK platform and Equalizer 4.0 for multiple compressors, data becomes more than mere numbers. It's insight, knowledge, and the power to shape better energy management on top of a comprehensive overview for general operations and maintenance. With the introduction of the machine-to-machine module, compressors can seamlessly communicate with one another. This transformation turns data into a catalyst for informed decision-making, digitally enhancing efficiency throughout the organization.

Ⅴ

Adaptability

In a world where diversity reigns, adaptability becomes your greatest asset. Atlas Copco ensures success by seamlessly integrating our systems into your infrastructure. This is made possible with standard communication technologies like OPC UA, CAN, Ethernet, Profinet, and wireless options such as BLE and Wi-Fi.

This ensures that you benefit from enhanced connectivity, improved operations, and a solution that fits perfectly within your unique environment.

Our journey to digital transformation

While digitalization is a notable stride, digital transformation emerges as the crescendo of the journey. Here, Atlas Copco's measured and steadfast approach comes to light.

Initiatives like 5G-related projects and wireless sensor implementations speak to a commitment to holistic progress when it comes to digital transformation.

The company's stride towards Industry 4.0 is an embodiment of embracing change without losing sight of its core values.

Atlas Copco's advancements

The story doesn't end here. The same hands crafting these solutions are tirelessly working on the future. Atlas Copco is on the cusp of delivering advancements that reshape the landscape once more with the following.

Pixelated image of hand and digital data

1. Self-diagnosis

Predictive maintenance, a cornerstone of this vision, reduces downtime and elevates support to new heights.

2. Better support

The digital realm expands the horizons of support. From remote diagnostics to communicating data insights, the distance between solutions and challenges narrows, ensuring continuous excellence.

3. Data insights

In the digital age, data is the new currency. The capability to optimize your compressed air system is now not a vision, but a reality right at your fingertips. SMARTLINK becomes the portal on every device—a gateway to the vast expanse of compressed air system information. We transform data into actionable insights, so you can navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and precision.

4. Customer journey

Our collaborative approach ensures that every step aligns with your goals, from initial engagement to long-term partnership. As aspirations align, seamless integration takes center stage. Customers aren't just consumers; they're partners on a journey, seeking control, efficiency, and partnership.

Pixelated image of light bulb on a plant

5. Energy neutrality

The future is green, and Atlas Copco is a steward of this vision. Energy efficiency, resource responsibility, and sustainable practices converge to lead us toward an energy-neutral horizon. We're not just reducing our environmental footprint; we're enabling you to do the same.

A legacy of innovation

With a history spanning 150 years, Atlas Copco's digital journey echoes a continuous commitment to innovation. Our projects delve into 5G possibilities and remote sensor integration. These parallel the very transformation we're championing on the path to Industry 4.0.

As we embrace digitalization as a partner in your journey, we invite you to explore the possibilities. Our technologies, crafted in-house and driven by innovation, stand as beacons. They guide the way toward an era defined by efficiency, innovation, and a shared vision of a better, interconnected tomorrow.

Person working on SMARTLINK on mobile and pc

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