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

Source: Navgator 2018
Sensors are the first line of awareness in any automated system. They detect the presence or absence of objects, monitor environmental conditions, and trigger precise actions that keep production lines moving. Whether it’s a photoelectric sensor spotting a product or a proximity sensor confirming alignment, these devices ensure that operations run smoothly and safely. They also play a critical role in quality control, helping manufacturers reduce errors and maintain consistency across batches. Sensors have evolved from simple detection tools into intelligent data sources that drive smarter decisions. They are no longer just watching; They are communicating, diagnosing and optimizing.
If you are tasked with implementing a cogeneration project, dealing with project barriers can be a huge headache for you. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that these project barriers have occurred before and can be overcome? In this article I will discuss 10 project barriers that we have come across during the implementation of over 30 CHP projects, and how YOU can ‘manage for success’ if they occur:
The International Society of Automation (ISA) and the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA), with contributing author Pierre Kobes, have released a white paper entitled, “Applying ISO/IEC 27001/2 and the ISA/IEC 62443 Series for Operational Technology Environments.”
January 24, 2023 was an historic day for Humber College. The college received the largest, private donation presented to an Ontario college in Canadian history. A $30 million dollar gift from the Barrett Family Foundation will be used to support the College and its students and is an investment in the future of manufacturing. This most recent donation, combined with previous gifts to the College, total $42 million, cementing The Barrett Family’s generous investments as the largest in Canadian college history.
In the search for a suitable power supply, the costs play a major role, alongside the technical requirements. The focus is often on the initial purchase price, while other potential costs that may be incurred during the operation of the power supply are not taken into consideration. In this blog post, we demonstrate why the decision to purchase a high-quality power supply is a profitable investment for your company, by taking a close look at all the costs involved.
The healthcare industry is among the most highly advanced manufacturing fields in the world, with tight controls and restrictions governing the development and production of medical devices at every stage. At the same time, researchers and developers in the healthcare industry benefit from manufacturing solutions that are flexible, reliable, and innovative. The tension in the healthcare industry between innovation and regulation has historically been difficult to balance. However, factory automation offers a resolution to some of these competing priorities by helping medical device manufacturers produce cutting-edge products that meet even the most stringent industry requirements.

Sonepar Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Zhen Lee as Vice-President, Vendor Relations, effective June 8, 2026. Zhen has more than 20 years of experience across procurement, vendor relations, operational management, and strategic sourcing. His depth of expertise and innovative approach will support Sonepar Canada’s continued focus on strengthening vendor partnerships and delivering… Read More…

Festo Canada is delighted to announce Rupico has joined the Festo Certified System Integrator program! As a certified partner, they bring recognized automation expertise and will integrate Festo’s solutions to help businesses achieve maximum efficiency and innovation. Together, they are excited to push the boundaries of automation technology and deliver trusted solutions to customers across… 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 industrial environments, disconnecting equipment is almost never as simple as “unplug it and go.” Motors, machinery, processing equipment, and portable power connections require safe load-breaking, reliable isolation, and protection against exposure to live parts. This is why E.B. Horsman & Son stocks Meltric Switch-Rated plugs and receptacles. Meltric’s DS and DSN Series Switch-Rated devices combine… Read More…

Safety technology in machine building is much more than just meeting stringent standards – it is a strategic success factor. Modern safety systems not only protect people but make responsibility visible, stabilize processes and increase profitability. It is precisely at this interface that protection of people and system availability meet: Where functional safety creates trust:… Read More…
This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
