The widespread adoption of the Internet of Things, connecting sensors, equipment, machines and assembly lines to the network is driving a manufacturing industry transformation. In fact, nearly 30 percent of all manufacturing-related firms are in some stage of piloting, implementing, or expanding IoT deployments. By 2017, an expected 80 percent will have implemented an IoT solution.

Many manufacturers are in the process of figuring out how to deploy a Connected Factory, or perhaps pilot a smaller scale wireless network pilot project in their manufacturing facility. In fact, ARC analystGreg Gorbachwho covers 'Industrial Internet of Things' recently wrote a blog, 'Let's just try it', focusing on a panel presentation that I was part of at their recent conference. This blog focuses on the Stanley Black and Decker success story at their Reynosa factory in Mexico and how a 'let's just try it' approach yielded these results: "OEE increased 24%, defects decreased 16%, labor utilization is up from 80 to 92%, and line throughput is up 10%.  In addition they now have empowered employees, improved labor ergonomics, reduced labor training, and better visibility for line supervisors."

If you are in the midst of this decision process on 'where to start', I'd like to encourage you to access our webcast on demand titled"IoT: Oppportunities and Momentum in Manufacturing", A part of the IoT in Action series, this webcast covers key learnings from industry thought leaders from Forrester Research, AeroScout Industrial, and Cisco. These experts,Michelle Pelinofrom Forrester,Priya Vijayakumarfrom AeroScout andChet Namboodrifrom Cisco discuss what it takes to make the transition to IoT and how companies are reaping the benefits of efficiency, cost savings, better data analysis, and faster time to market. Check out this webcast and let me know what you think.

Thanks for reading!