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The following table provides definitions for some of the terms that are used in this document.
Term | Definition |
5G | Fifth generation technology standard to broadcast cellular networks |
Automated Guide Vehicle (AGV) | Vehicle or robots that move around manufacturing facilities without an onboard operator |
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) | A robotic vehicle that uses onboard sensors and processors to autonomously mobilize within facilities |
Asset management | Approach for developing, operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of assets in a cost-effective manner |
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) | Automated computer-controlled systems used to store and retrieve material loads from storage locations |
Augmented Reality (AR) | Technology combining virtual information with the real world, enhancing objects by applying computed-generated virtual information |
Computer vision | Advanced ways for computers to gain a high-level understanding from digital images or videos |
Data fabric | Architecture that standardizes data management across an organization, providing a consistent set of data service capabilities |
Distributed computing | Multiple devices that run multiple software components as a single system in the same or separate physical locations |
Digital transformation | Business adoption of digital technology to improve process, efficiency, value, and innovation |
Digitization | Process converting information to digital format, such as converting manual paper-writing to a software application. |
Digitalization | Process of moving to digital operations using digital data, leading to a digital business |
Digital twins | Encapsulated software model mirroring physical objects, processes, and plants through representation of a real-world entity |
Edge computing | Distributed computing that brings processing and data storage closer to where data is generated |
Edge architecture | Decentralized architecture reflecting edge computing paradigm; includes all far edge, near edge, and cloud systems for distributed edge computing |
Edge compute platform | Combination of hardware and software on which an application are run; provides tools to manage security services, applications hosting and ongoing platform maintenance |
End-point device | Gateways, sensors, actuators, and data generators with communication capabilities to perform defined actions |
Enterprise Strategy | It is a strategic process undertaken by an enterprise to incorporate stakeholder expectations, values, standards, and best practices for growth and sustainability. In relation to smart manufacturing, it can in other conventions such as IT strategy, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation strategy and Industry 4.0 strategy. |
Fidelity of data | Data that is not manipulated or distorted and produces genuine results |
Hybrid cloud | Computing environment combining an on-premises data center (or private cloud) with a public cloud with shared data |
Hyperscale cloud provider | Providers with servers and operations that are designed to rapidly deliver scalable cloud services, process large amounts of data, and integrate with other systems |
Information infrastructure | Set of IT and OT components in edge infrastructure that provide data and information services at the edge |
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) | Use of Internet of Things (IoT, or interconnected objects that able to exchange data over network) in industrial applications |
Information Technology (IT) | Computing technology consisting of computers, networking, storage, processes, and infrastructures to create, exchange, store, and process electronic information |
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | Performance metrics observed over time against a set of objectives set by corporate and individual facilities |
Material management | Availability of materials required to meet the production needs |
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) | Solutions that are tied to events on the factory floor that ensure quality and efficiency into the manufacturing process |
Micro services | Service-oriented architecture where a single application is composed of many independent smaller components |
Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) | Holistic solution that manages process and provides full visibility into manufacturing process to optimize efficiency |
Multicloud | Use of multiple public or private cloud computing, edge computing systems, and storage services as a single architecture to perform tasks |
Operational Technologies (OT) | Computing technology consisting of hardware and software to manage and control industrial operations, focusing on process |
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) | Standard measuring production efficiency, consisting of availability, performance, and quality |
Operational efficiency | Measurement of resource allocation letting organizations reduce waste in time, effort, and materials |
Performance efficiency | Represents performance that is related to the number of resources that are used to perform tasks, including time and capacity |
Pilot purgatory | Status where a company stays in new technology testing phase, unable to progress toward expected business outcomes |
Private cloud | Model of cloud computing where the infrastructure is dedicated to a single-user organization |
Production management | Process of managing people and processes in a manufacturing or plant floor; also called operations management |
Quality management | Process that is associated with dedicated monitoring and controlling of workflows to deliver qualitative products |
RAN | Radio Access Network Is a part of wireless telecommunications system. It uses radio access technologies to connect end devices to core network within a facility or enterprise |
Smart manufacturing | Technology approach using computer-integrated manufacturing to monitor production and promote flexibility |
Smart factory | Use of multiple combinations of modern technologies to implement digitalization in manufacturing |
Success metrics | Quantifiable metrics to track whether business strategies are working effectively |
Service-level agreement | Set of expectations between a service provider and the customer to describe services or products delivered |
Sustainability | Initiative of industrial organizations to make products that use economically viable processes that conserve energy resources |
Virtual Reality (VR) | Simulation created with software that gives the user the perception of a real environment |
Workload balancing | Process of distributing a set of tasks over a set of resources to make overall processing more efficient |
Workforce productivity | Job function efficiency of people involved in a production facility |
Workload mobility | Ability to leverage far edge, near edge, and cloud locations to optimize compute and storage, based on individual facility requirements and constraints |