Deloitte Consulting LLP has announced the grand opening of The Smart Factory @ Wichita. Consequently, the new center marries an ecosystem of world-leading, innovative collaborators.

These include founders such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dragos, Infor, SAP, Siemens, and Wichita State University. Meanwhile, among the builders include Check Point, HPE, Tenable, ServiceNow, UiPath, Verizon, and more. Thus, these are those with strategy and cutting-edge technology to showcase the power of smart factory technologies.

Accelerates Innovation

Many manufacturers find themselves relying on outdated legacy systems to power their operations. Incidentally, this remains true as organizations continue to respond to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, many are also reeling the impact of volatile supply chain, labor shortages, and fluctuating global economy.

Organizations that engineer an end-to-end smart manufacturing operation can increase efficiency, sustainability, and cyber security. In addition, they will be able to build resilience and create new levels of growth and competitive advantage.

Dan Helfrich, Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP cited the need for manufacturers to evolve in response to unprecedented levels of supply chain and workforce disruption. Thus, reassessing the capacity and agility of their manufacturing operations.

“The Smart Factory @ Wichita showcases how Deloitte and our strong ecosystem of collaborators is bringing this innovation to life. (In addition), helping deliver a combination of strategy and end-to-end technology to help organizations better navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow with a tech-forward approach,” said Helfrich.

On the other hand, Stephen Laaper, Principal and Smart Factory Leader at Deloitte said the center showcases the power and potential of bringing together potential solutions to demonstrate practical manufacturing applications. In addition, Laaper said the strength of this collaborative approach will help organizations accelerate innovation and make Industry 4.0 a reality.

Industry 4.0 in Action

The Smart Factory @ Wichita showcases advanced manufacturing techniques in a variety of applications on a shop floor to help organizations navigate their biggest challenges. Hence, visitors to the immersive facility will experience smart factory concepts. This includes concepts that bring together the Internet of Things, cloud, artificial intelligence, computer vision and more to create interconnected systems that use data to drive intelligent actions. Furthermore, they will witness in real-world demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and see practical applications brought to life.

The Smart Factory @ Wichita also serves as a catalyst for operational transformations and improved business results. For example, Deloitte has created a technology platform, Smart Factory Accelerator, with a suite of managed services that enable manufacturers navigating the complex digital transformation landscape. This aims to optimally achieve their operational performance objectives.

Moreover, the cloud-based, turnkey set of solutions with advanced analytics, coupled with Deloitte’s network of ecosystem relationships, solves for today’s most important operational challenges, such as visibility into end-to-end operations at scale, provides proactive, predictive operational insights, and helps achieve step-change performance objectives.

Sustainably Smart

Housed in a net-zero building, a renewable energy smart grid powers the 60,000-square-foot Smart Factory @ Wichita. In addition, the center has wind trees, solar assets, and smart lighting. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) kits produced at the factory use 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).

Meanwhile, in support of a community that is known for its deep roots in manufacturing, The Smart Factory @ Wichita is working with Wichita State University. The university hosts the factory on its Innovation Campus.

Most importantly, the center brings together Deloitte’s technology experience with the university’s research, educational and innovation capabilities. Wichita State University is also using the factory in its curriculum as an applied learning experience. This aims to enrich students’ experiences and help inspire the next generation of STEM manufacturing talent.

The new factory expects to draw over 5,000 visitors, including leaders of globally renowned companies. Moreover, The Smart Factory @ Wichita also engages many parts of the community including local vendors, suppliers, and businesses.