Business Models Affected by Industry 4.0 and IoT/IIoT in Canada

Source: Navgator 2018
Although the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains, factory automation has stepped up to mitigate many of those shortcomings. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, manufacturers worldwide have become acutely aware of the interconnectivity of supply chains. More recent issues such as international trade disputes and labor shortages have only reinforced that there are vulnerabilities every business within a supply chain has to face from time to time. Shortages of critical supplies have exposed vulnerabilities that have shut down production centers, even as demand for certain products has boomed. For many businesses, these challenges have focused on their current supply chain management practices, turning improvements into a critical strategic objective.
Since the dawn of computer science more than two centuries ago, one thing has remained constant: Programming and data entry are tougher than they look.
Part 1 of this 4-part series introduced ways in which increasing digitization might improve plant operations. Part 2: how IIoT can improve the productivity of reactive, preventive, predictive and proactive maintenance. Part 3: five converging trends. Here in Part 4: how IIoT is already improving operational profitability.
The relationship between humans and robots in manufacturing is constantly evolving. Technology advancements and safety improvements have made it possible for manufacturers to move robots out from behind the cage to interact more closely with workers. Depending on the type of application, this collaboration can open new possibilities for increased productivity, efficiency, and flexibility.
Rockwell Automation has released the cybersecurity findings from its 10th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report.” Drawing insights from more than 1,500 manufacturing leaders across 17 of the top manufacturing countries, the report reflects how cybersecurity is becoming a central business issue. One third of respondents have direct information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity responsibilities. As manufacturers advance smart operations, the integration between IT and OT increases the risk of cyberattacks. The report shows that manufacturers are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage these risks to strengthen protection.
In this issue of Industry Insights with Owen we discuss factory automation solutions and concerns with Richard Krawczyk, Account Manager of Factory Automation in Canada for Pepperl+Fuchs. Earlier this summer I met with Richard in Southern Ontario to tour the Pepperl+Fuchs mobile exhibit, and after some interesting discussion we wanted to be sure we shared some of the interesting points of conversation and the depth of knowledge Richard has acquired with our readers.

Phoenix Contact Canada welcomed 60+ channel partners for an exclusive first look at part of its grand opening — an incredible kickoff to what this centre is designed to deliver. Canada’s industrial landscape is evolving fast, and manufacturers are being pushed to deliver smarter, leaner and more efficient operations. To support that shift, Phoenix Contact… Read More…

Salma Siddiqui has announced that she has joined Panduit as Director of Sales, Canada! After 15 years in lighting within the industry, this move represents a natural evolution in her career. Panduit stands out as a deeply connected, people-first organization with a strong culture built on collaboration, trust, and long-term thinking. From the outset, it… Read More…

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.
Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.
Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.
Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.
Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.
Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.
Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In November 2025, NOARK Electric was presented with an opportunity that would test not only its capabilities, but its agility, coordination, and decision-making under pressure. A global technology and social media company—rapidly expanding its AI infrastructure—issued a request for quotation for pad-mounted transformers and switchboards. The scope was significant: a multi-million-dollar order tied to a… Read More…

Waiting until a physical prototype fails is an expensive mistake. At Design Systems Canada (DSC), they help their partners avoid these setbacks by using advanced digital testing. One of the most valuable tools in their arsenal is Finite Element Analysis (FEA). While it sounds technical, its purpose is simple. It allows them to predict how… Read More…
This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
