by Gary Mintchell | Jun 9, 2026 | Data Management, Edge
When the three people I knew formed HighByte in the Industrial DataOps market, I thought they had a good thing going. Perhaps revenues have not rocketed as much as hoped, but they keep moving. They added work in unified data namespace. This partnership just announced with Siemens is a good deal for both companies.
In short:
- Partnership delivers unified data infrastructure for industrial operations, combining Siemens Industrial Edge, HighByte Intelligence Hub and Intelligence Center X
- Customers can seamlessly connect, contextualize and consume industrial data to build AI models, agents and applications at scale
- HighByte Intelligence Hub now available on Siemens Industrial Edge Marketplace
Siemens is expanding the capabilities of its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with industrial software company HighByte. The collaboration enables customers to seamlessly connect, contextualize and transform data from both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) sources, helping them to get value from industrial data.
HighByte Intelligence Hub is an industrial data operations software solution, designed specifically for data modeling, orchestration and governance. It is now available as an official application on the Siemens Industrial Edge Marketplace. Customers can efficiently consume and reuse industrial data sets from HighByte to build AI models, agents and applications at scale, using Siemens’ recently announced Intelligence Center X software.
HighByte Intelligence Hub runs natively on Industrial Edge, where application and configuration management is handled. The solution integrates directly with the Industrial Edge’s Connectivity Suite, enabling users to connect to a wide variety of OT data sources including PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial protocols. HighByte’s DataOps functionalities extend this connectivity to IT data sources, creating a unified data infrastructure that spans the entire production operation.
A key capability of the integrated solution is data contextualization and pipelining. Using HighByte Intelligence Hub, users can apply flexible and scalable transformation rules to process data from multiple sources across IT and OT domains, adding business context and converting raw operational data into meaningful information. These contextualized datasets can then be made available to IT services in a transparent and scalable manner, with HighByte serving as a true Unified Namespace provider that standardizes data access across the organization. Beyond making OT data available to IT systems, HighByte Intelligence Hub can also be used to adjust machine setpoints in a secure and reliable way, by sending commands from IT data sources – such as manufacturing execution systems (MES) – back to PLCs via Industrial Edge’s Connectivity Suite.
by Gary Mintchell | May 15, 2026 | Data Management, Manufacturing IT, Operations Management
This is one of those press releases that have come to me for years that a typical magazine would just republish and call it news but leaves me wishing for much more information. Like who, what, how. The story concerns implementing a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that enabled doubling of production through the consolidation of data.
I’d love to know more, but this comes from Rockwell Automation—a company who tempts me with cool information but then never follows through. So, if you’re a Rockwell customer checking out their MES solutions, perhaps your account manager can supply you with a deeper look into what appears to be a promising application.
News in brief: Century-old Pacific Northwest co-packer consolidates nine systems into one, achieves 99% inventory accuracy, and wins 2025 Plex Transformer Impact Award
Rockwell Automation announced that Portland Bottling Company (PBC), a leading U.S. West Coast beverage co‑packer, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Plex Transformer Impact Award. PBC earned recognition after doubling its monthly production volume and achieving measurable operational improvements following its deployment of the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform.
Founded in 1924 and based in Clackamas, Oregon, PBC specializes in ready-to-drink beverages manufactured exclusively in aluminum cans. As customer demand increased, PBC recognized the need for greater operational visibility and control. Prior to implementing Plex in 2020, the company relied on nine disconnected technologies with no single source of truth. Manual inventory processes introduced data errors, limited production insight and reduced the company’s ability to respond quickly to customer needs.
To address these challenges, PBC worked with Plex partner Revolution Group to implement Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) — including Plex MES Automation & Orchestration (A&O) and Plex Quality Management System (QMS). By consolidating its technology landscape into one connected platform, PBC provided every department, from production and quality to inventory and maintenance, access to the same real-time operational data, eliminating silos that had previously constrained growth.
“Tracking our customers’ inventory accurately is paramount to our business. Plex enables us to do this efficiently and easily report on-hand balances and warehouse charges,” said Robert Van Blake, IT director, Portland Bottling Company. “Real-time data is a key factor in operational productivity improvements. Prior to Plex, this data was cumbersome to collect and subject to human error.”
The impact of transformation was both immediate and sustained. PBC increased production volumes from 900,000 to two million case equivalents per month. Inventory accuracy reached 99%, while shipping accuracy hit 100%. Productivity improved by 10% and waste dropped by 20% and maintenance response times decreased—enabling the company to scale operations while maintaining quality and customer service.
“Plex MES extends beyond execution to help manufacturers bring greater coordination and visibility across quality, inventory and production,” said Michael Hart, head of industry strategy and growth, Rockwell Automation. “Portland Bottling Company’s transformation brings this to life, showing how a connected operational foundation can drive both efficiency and scalable growth.”
by Gary Mintchell | Apr 21, 2026 | Data Management, Generative AI, Manufacturing IT, Podcast, Software
I’ve posted a podcast to both my podcast channel (subscribe on any podcast app) and my YouTube channel.
A first summary of my three days with the Aras community in Miami. These PLM events always return me to the time when I did this sort of work–manually. Then my first taste of computers digitizing the bill of materials as a first step in our data management journey. Unfortunately, that company hit a big bump in the road and I was invited to try other things–at other companies.
Aras product managers showed how LLMs trained on the data within the app along with proper governance worked with agents to perform a number of tasks. Tasks in many cases that would require days of pain-staking work from a human.
While I heard from an analyst in the market that they thought this was all painfully slow, I’d offer the thought that a company does not want to outpace its customers. Most will not want to jump into the deep end immediately.
As always, this podcast was sponsored by Ignition from Inductive Automation.
by Gary Mintchell | Apr 13, 2026 | Data Management, Enterprise IT, Manufacturing IT, Operations Management
I wrote (sort of) a long post Friday defining strategy and practice definitions of Smart Manufacturing. I used Claude.ai to research. I also wanted to see what Claude would write if I told it to put all the research together in an essay in the style of The Manufacturing Connection.
It did write—3,000 words.
What did I discover about the process?
I asked for citations; Claude provided several
- With every question, Claude was always most agreeable, never questioning my request but proceeding to tell me a story about the new research
- When I asked about writing in my style, Claude was most complimentary
- When I asked about holarchy of holons as a philosophical model, it interestingly returned the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture, aka The Pyramid model (without citing it)
- It did what I asked as a loyal copy editor, not as a collaborator
- On another project, I received a press release disguised as an article, it identified that the cited example was actually not relevant to the point providing an alternative example which is leading to further research on the subject—it can be helpful
Smart Manufacturing
Smart Manufacturing is a continuing evolution of better data for improved management with smoother processes in manufacturing.
The head of the product center of the manufacturing company where I worked in 1975 picked me to (among other tasks) become the czar of data. My task (and I chose to accept it) was to verify the accuracy of all data generated by product development, provide it in the correct and usable format to the various consumers—manufacturing operations, costing, procurement, accounting in my case.
By 1976, we were exploring how we could utilize the IBM model 3 minicomputer the company owned to help with this task. I believe this is called digitalization 😉
Fifty years later, I’ve witnessed the explosion of digital technology—sensors, networks, compute power, edge, IT applications like containers and databases, data science. Now CESMII wants to provide an open standard API to help connect all this (something its predecessor the SMLC proposed a decade ago).
Smart Manufacturing is not a thing—it’s a journey!
by Gary Mintchell | Mar 17, 2026 | Data Management, News
This news got lost in my list. It’s dated February 26, 2026. It’s amazing how my coverage has evolved over the decades. More and more data.
Datadobi, has launched an Early Access Program for Data Access Review, a new capability coming to its StorageMAP platform. Developed in direct response to customer demand for deeper visibility and control over data permissions, Data Access Review will extend StorageMAP’s value by adding actionable permissions intelligence to unstructured data management. During the Early Access program, selected customers have the opportunity to test and help shape new permissions intelligence features.
By formalizing and expanding StorageMAP’s ability to analyze and report on access permissions, Data Access Review enables organizations to identify excessive, outdated, or inappropriate access rights before they evolve into security risks or compliance violations. It integrates into existing unstructured data management workflows, ensuring that access governance becomes a natural extension of data visibility, classification, and remediation strategies.
The Early Access Program is available exclusively to current Datadobi customers who are actively using StorageMAP. Participants will get an early look at new features, gain valuable insights about access permissions in part of their environment, and have a direct line to share feedback that will help shape the final data access product.
“It’s not just about knowing your data; knowing who can access it matters just as much,” said Steve Leeper, VP of Product Marketing at Datadobi. “This program offers a first look at these new capabilities, and users’ real-world feedback will help us deliver what organizations really need.”
Customers interested in joining the Early Access Program can reach out to their Datadobi account representative or visit our website for more information.
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by Gary Mintchell | Jan 12, 2026 | Automation, Data Management, Generative AI, Manufacturing IT, Software, Technology
Siemens seems to have found a home at CES over the past few years. I don’t know what it costs to give a keynote, but it’s probably well worth it, since no other major automation supplier seems to attend. I did write about a robotic exhibitor in my last post. Oh, and I’m still not likely to travel to Las Vegas for the next CES. I’ll save a ton of money and grief by receiving the news at home.
Siemens has maintained strong collaboration with Microsoft for decades—see all the Copilot news below. Recently, NVIDIA has joined the collaboration dance. Also, see news below. I think Siemens thought they’d gain penetration into the North American market through Chrysler’s acquisition by a German company plus the plants constructed by VW and BMW. That market is not so hot—see the proportion of sales into automotive by competitor Rockwell Automation, for example. Check out the customers featured by Siemens at CES this year: PepsiCo, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Meta Ray-Ban, and Haddy.
Perhaps the best acquisition, and most successful, that Siemens ever made was with UGS years ago. While rivals have struggled with software (and competitors have nibbled at some of the Siemens applications), Siemens continues to strengthen Xcelerator and Copilot technologies. And check out the launch of Digital Twin Composer. Digital Twin technology and application seems to be finally gaining traction.
In short, Siemens announcements:
- Siemens and NVIDIA expand their partnership to build the Industrial AI Operating System, reinventing the entire end-to-end industrial value chain through AI – from design and engineering to manufacturing, production, operations, and into supply chains.
- Siemens launches Digital Twin Composer software, available on Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace mid-2026, to power the industrial metaverse at scale
- PepsiCo using Siemens Digital Twin Composer to simulate upgrades to its facilities in the U.S. with plans to scale globally
- Siemens unveils nine industrial copilots to bring intelligence across the industrial value chain
- Siemens highlights new technologies for accelerating drug discovery, autonomous driving and shop floor efficiency
“Industrial AI is no longer a feature; it’s a force that will reshape the next century. Siemens is delivering AI-native capabilities, intelligence embedded end-to-end across design, engineering and operations, to help our customers anticipate issues, accelerate innovation and reduce cost,” said Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens AG.
“Just as electricity once revolutionized the world, industry is shifting toward elements where AI powers products, factories, buildings, grids and transportation. Industrial AI is no longer a feature; it’s a force that will reshape the next century. Siemens is delivering AI-native capabilities, intelligence embedded end-to-end across design, engineering and operations, to help our customers anticipate issues, accelerate innovation and reduce cost,” continued Busch. “From the most comprehensive digital twin and AI-powered hardware to copilots on the shop floor, we’re scaling intelligence across the physical world, so businesses realize speed, quality and efficiency all at once. This is how we scale a once-in-a-generation technology shift into measurable outcomes.”
Siemens and NVIDIA are expanding their partnership to build the Industrial AI Operating System – helping customers revolutionize how they design, engineer, and operate physical systems. They will work together to build AI-accelerated industrial solutions across the full lifecycle of products and production, enabling faster innovation, continuous optimization, and more resilient, sustainable manufacturing. The companies also aim to build the world’s first fully AI-driven, adaptive manufacturing sites globally, starting in 2026 with the Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen, Germany, as the first blueprint.
To support development, NVIDIA will provide AI infrastructure, simulation libraries, models, frameworks and blueprints, while Siemens will commit hundreds of industrial AI experts and leading hardware and software. The companies have identified impact areas to make this vision a reality: AI-native EDA, AI-native Simulation, AI-driven adaptive manufacturing and supply chain, and AI-factories.
Integration with Siemens software.
Siemens also announced that it will be integrating NVIDIA NIM and NVIDIA Nemotron open AI models into its electronic design automation (EDA) software offerings to advance generative and agentic workflows for semiconductor and PCB design. This will both maximize accuracy through domain specialization and significantly lower operational costs by enabling the most efficient model to handle and adapt to every specific need.
Product Launch
Siemens’ primary product launch at CES 2026 is the Digital Twin Composer, available on the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace mid-2026. This new technology brings together Siemens’ comprehensive digital twin, simulations built using NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, and real-time, real-world engineering data.
With the Digital Twin Composer, companies can create a virtual 3D model of any product, process, or plant; put it in a 3D scene of their choosing; then move back and forth through time, precisely visualizing the effects of everything from weather changes to engineering changes. With Siemens’ software as the data backbone, the Digital Twin Composer builds Industrial Metaverse environments at scale, empowering organizations to apply industrial AI, simulation and real-time physical data to make decisions virtually, at speed and scale. Digital Twin Composer is part of Siemens Xcelerator, an industry proven portfolio of software used by companies worldwide to develop digital twins.
Customer application of digital twins
PepsiCo and Siemens are digitally transforming select U.S. manufacturing and warehouse facilities by converting them into high-fidelity 3D digital twins that simulate plant operations and the end-to-end supply chain to establish a performance baseline. Within weeks, teams optimized and validated new configurations to boost capacity and throughput, giving PepsiCo a unified, real-time view of operations with flexibility to integrate AI-driven capabilities over time.
Leveraging Siemens’ Digital Twin Composer, NVIDIA Omniverse libraries and computer vision, PepsiCo can now recreate every machine, conveyor, pallet route and operator path with physics-level accuracy, enabling AI agents to simulate, test, and refine system changes – identifying up to 90 percent of potential issues before any physical modifications occur. This approach has already delivered a 20 percent increase in throughput on initial deployment and is driving faster design cycles, nearly 100 percent design validation and 10 to 15 percent reductions in capital expenditure (Capex) by uncovering hidden capacity and validating investments in a virtual environment.
New Industrial Copilots Streamline Manufacturing Operations
Siemens also spotlighted its partnership with Microsoft highlighting co-building the industrial copilot.
Siemens also announced that it is expanding its set of AI-powered copilots across the industrial value chain. This will embed intelligence that extends from design and simulation to product lifecycle management, manufacturing, and operations.
Siemens will deploy nine new AI-powered copilots for its software offerings, this will include Teamcenter, Polarion, and Opcenter. These copilots, respectively, streamline product data navigation, reducing errors and accelerating time to market; automate compliance, helping to ensure faster regulatory approvals and lower risk; and transform manufacturing processes, driving cost savings and operational efficiency.
These copilots, along with the rest of Siemens’ expanding portfolio of industrial AI solutions, are available to companies of every size on the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace.
AI-Driven Innovations in Life Sciences, Energy and Manufacturing
- Siemens acquired Dotmatics whose Luma platform enables scientists to unify billions of data points generated across instruments and labs, creating a coherent foundation for AI-driven exploration. Combined with Siemens Simcenter simulation and digital twins, teams can rapidly test molecules, identify promising candidates, and virtually scale production to help life-changing therapies reach patients up to 50% faster and at a lower cost.
- Bob Mumgaard, CEO and co-founder of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, described how the company uses Siemens’ technologies as it leads the path to commercial fusion. Commonwealth Fusion Systems uses design software and a strong data backbone to help it accelerate the development of fusion machines that promise clean, limitless energy for generations to come.
- In manufacturing, Siemens announced a collaboration to bring Industrial AI to Meta Ray-Ban AI Glasses. With hands-free, real-time audio guidance, safety insights, and feedback, shop floor workers will feel empowered to solve problems efficiently and confidently.
- Haddy is reshaping manufacturing through AI-powered 3D printing and localized micro factories that deliver sustainable, high-quality products faster and closer to customers. Facing challenges around supply chain disruption, sustainability, and production agility, Haddy partnered with Siemens to streamline design, optimize operations, and scale efficiently.
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