Digital Twin Solutions: As digital images of production systems & production lines, digital twins can make the unused potential in process, maintenance, and quality control visible. They are scalable and can be implemented with low thresholds – making them the ideal technology for production and maintenance.

Digital Twin Solutions: According to a survey by BearingPoint, 75 percent of companies actively deal with the topic of predictive maintenance. This enabled them to reduce their machine and system downtimes by 18 percent and maintenance and service costs by 17 percent.

Digital Twin Solutions: The Solution?

In addition, the companies surveyed noted an average increase in sales of ten percent. The digitization of production can therefore deliver measurable advantages on a large scale. The most demanding tasks in implementing predictive maintenance currently include a suitable IT infrastructure, the selection and availability of data, and the estimated implementation effort. These challenges can be solved through a step-by-step approach and digital twin solutions.

Areas Of Application Of A Digital Twin

The main task of those responsible for production is usually to network production lines or distributed locations and to ensure a seamless production flow and intelligent control of systems and processes – without any loss of quality. Companies use cross-industry digital monitoring in real-time to make adjustments and improvements at any time. Digital twins offer great added value, especially for system and line monitoring, maintenance, and integrative quality control.

In maintenance and repair, the digital twin should help minimize downtimes of machines or entire lines. In addition to on-site maintenance, remote access also has to function smoothly more and more frequently. In addition, predictive maintenance is increasingly being used to predict faults before they lead to problems. A typical solution is an intelligent warning system that triggers an alarm, for example, if machines or sensors deviate from the learned standard behavior. A prerequisite for a functioning warning system is an extensive “data lake” with valid data, which is fed from the production data collected.

In production planning and control, on the other hand, the challenge is to ensure the production lines and feeds on the shop floor, to optimize set-up times, and to carry out start-up simulations with digital support. The basis for this is data from ongoing production, which is collected by connecting machines or retrofitting the systems with sensors. They are then consolidated and processed so that the production process can be presented transparently and optimized based on the data.

Use Of Digital Twin Solutions In Semiconductor Production

One company already successfully using predictive maintenance is the American semiconductor manufacturer Global foundries (GF). He recently started using smart sensors to monitor the ultrapure water valves at the Dresden site. The valves are critical to production and have been monitored by employees at great expense. Global foundries now collects audio data from the valves and then uses machine learning methods to create a data model. This enables – in combination with continuously recorded sensor data – an evaluation of the actual state and a prognosis concerning expected changes of the valves.

Experts can view this information via a dashboard and carry out appropriate maintenance measures. In addition, historical and current parameters can be displayed, and limit values ​​for an alarm can be defined. This enables early error detection and needs-based maintenance planning, thereby preventing downtimes, reducing maintenance costs, and significantly increasing the reliability and service life of the system.

When companies decide on such an IoT system, they should note that there is currently no ready-made system that directly meets all the requirements of such a smart factory project. IoT systems in production always have to be adapted. To ensure a quick project start, it makes sense to encapsulate typical functions in prefabricated modules and assets and separate them from customer and system-specific aspects. Examples of such modules can be anomaly detection, AR / VR-based maintenance scenarios, or blockchain-based manufacture proof. Despite modularization and individualization, solutions must essentially be designed flexibly and implemented so that they are scalable. That means: Entry must be inexpensive with just a few systems and quickly show added value.

The Way To The Digital Twin

Therefore, the development of seamless monitoring of production systems corresponds more to a step-by-step process. In the beginning, there is the recording and consolidation of data from every single machine, every single sensor, and so on. The second step transfers them for processing on-premise via an edge controller in the periphery or directly to the cloud. In the third stage, all structured and unstructured data are processed, visualized, and interpreted to make them usable for process optimization. Experts can now recognize patterns, establish correlations and determine threshold values ​​for alarms. In the fifth and final phases, a fully digital image of the existing production processes can be “learned” using AI and machine learning.

The status and behavior of production systems can be monitored on the digital twin and intelligently analyzed and forecast thanks to AI or machine learning. Companies can thus minimize physical, retrospective quality controls, make maintenance processes more efficient and keep an eye on production facilities across all locations. The entry barriers to setting up a digital twin are very low, thanks to the scalable step model and the immediate added value.

ALSO READ: From December 2021: Google Will Activate Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication: Some Google services such as YouTube, Chrome and Drive can only be used with a Google account. But a password alone is soon no longer enough. Because Google wants to introduce two-factor authentication this year – for 150 million users. We explain the background. 

Google Enables Two-Factor Authentication For 150 Million Accounts

Google users who are not already using them will soon be obliged to do so. We are talking about two-factor authentication (2FA) because Google wants to automatically activate millions of accounts from December 14th and thus this year.

So that the changeover is not too abrupt, the 2FA does not apply directly to all users: inside at the same time. However, Google wants to inform all affected users in advance by email. In total, there should be around 150 million accounts for which the authentication method is already stored in the account.

If you do not receive a notification, two-factor authentication will not be activated for the time being. In principle, however, the setting is not an obligation. Because users can switch off the 2FA again after activation still, it’s a big step for Google.

How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?

Two-factor authentication is a pure security measure. It protects against unauthorized access to user accounts. Two independent elements (factors) are required for registration.

If hackers have hacked the password, they will still not be able to log into accounts with a 2FA. In addition to the password, you should also have access to the second factor. However, this is usually not the case with digital codes.

Google uses the “actual” password as the first element for its 2FA. As a second factor, users can choose, among other things, SMS codes, push notifications or security keys. However, several methods can be added simultaneously if one should not be available.

Google Announced Changes In May And October

Setting up the 2FA is relatively straightforward on the Google website. But if you haven’t set it up yet, you can wait and see. Because for those who have received a notification, the step is automatic.

According to information from Spiegel’s news magazine, the 150 million results from the number of users who have given the required information in their Google account. This includes, for example, the telephone number or an Android device that can be used to confirm registration.

Google announced the change in May and again in October of this year. The company justifies the decision with additional security measures for its users.

Two-Factor Authentication At A Glance: Advantages And Disadvantages

And Google is right about that. Because the Federal Office for Information Security recommends using a 2FA in its “IT Baseline Protection Compendium”. It helps, especially with weak and insecure passwords.

One disadvantage, however, is that the registration process can take longer. To register, the smartphone or the chosen registration method for the second factor must always be at hand.

Either way, Google leaves its users the choice inside and after the changeover. Because users can deactivate the 2FA in the Google settings, in terms of their accounts’ security, probably not many users will do that.

ALSO READ: Remote Work 2021: How Are Companies Successful?

Remote Work 2021: More & more companies are taking the step of having their employees work completely remotely inside, instead of the office.. The last year, in particular, has shown that remote work can work. Therefore, we will explain to you how companies will continue to implement remote work in the future successfully.

Remote work is remote work. Employees work far away from the office, in a different location. It doesn’t matter how far away this place is from the workplace. Those who work remotely can work from home, in their favorite café, or abroad.

Remote Work 2021: What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Remote Work?

For most employees, the advantages of remote work outweigh the advantages. Because increased flexibility for remote employees: inside can lead to higher productivity. In a comfortable environment, employees are more likely to invest in their work and do whatever it takes to get their job done.

Office space costs money and inhibits expansion: moving to larger premises eats up the capital of growing companies. Remote working models enable companies to save overheads such as rent, utilities, and depreciation on office furniture and then invest the savings more productively.

In addition to higher profit margins and higher quality, more efficient work, employers who offer remote working opportunities ensure that their employees are happy and engaged. Outside the office, employees gain more time for concentrated work without distraction. It also helps improve communication skills.

However, remote work is difficult to implement if you have little self-discipline and feel socially isolated without personal exchange among colleagues. Team members who are physically away from the office may not receive all the complete information.

Remote work can lead to a lack of coordination in teams, as teams have relied on face-to-face meetings in the office to gain context for certain ideas – this does not work remotely.

In addition, companies are often far too dependent on meeting software and face technical difficulties with major problems. In addition, staff turnover is currently extremely high due to the location.

Without the right tools, deadlines are missed, knowledge is lost, and collaboration is a mess.

What Helps Companies To Implement Remote Work?

To be successful despite remote work, a tool like Meister Note, which supports all team members equally, helps. Meister Note is a simple, intuitive tool that teams can quickly and easily create clear notes.

So it’s an online collaborative document tool so teams around the world can create and manage content quickly and intuitively. The aim is to increase teams’ communication, organization, and productivity.

With Meister Note , the most important information can be created as notes and shared with others. All employees have the knowledge to hand at all times, which at the same time reduces the need for unproductive remote meetings. The potential to create knowledge databases also prevents a loss of knowledge when employees leave the company.

Meister Note serves companies, for example, as a knowledge base, as a tool for meeting management, internal communication, and project documentation.

The data is protected following the provisions of the GDPR. Companies benefit from an ISO-certified German data center in Frankfurt am Main and standard encryption of Data-at-Rest. Protection with 2-factor authentication is also possible.

Meister Note is just one of many applications from Meister Labs. If companies decide to combine Meister Note with the other two tools Mind Meister and Meister Task, end-to-end workflow management can cover all areas of remote work optimally.

With Meister Note, companies create a productive work environment. At the same time, they simplify communication within the team so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of remote work. Convince yourself now and become successful with remote work.

ALSO READ: What Is Domain Mapping, And How Does It Work?

Many websites can be found under complicated URLs and are difficult to remember for new visitors. So we’ll show you what domain mapping is, and how it helps with the problem. With the help of domain mapping, you make it easier for your visitors to access your website. So that means your website can also be found at a simpler and more memorable URL.

This is often used when you have your hosting provider’s name, such as WordPress, in the URL. For example, your URL structure looks like this: “www.yourdomain.wordpress.com”. You can use domain mapping to get the hosting provider from the URL. Your visitors will then find your website under the URL: “www.yourdomain.com”. This is easier and directly looks more serious.

Domain Mapping – How To Change The Domain In WordPress

You have the option of using the domain mapping directly with WordPress. WordPress.com offers a paid service for this.

Overall, domain mapping only takes three steps. This is how you carry out the domain mapping on your WordPress website:

Step 1: Enter The Registered Website

Under “Domains”, select “Add Domain” and then “Assign”. Enter the URL of your registered website here.

Step 2: Inform The Domain Provider

In the second step, you inform the domain provider with whom you registered the domain to link your domain to WordPress.com. Then indicate that the name servers of your URL should be connected to the following addresses:

• NS1.WORDPRESS.COM
• NS2.WORDPRESS.COM
• NS3.WORDPRESS.COM

Alternatively, you can also replace all existing name servers in your registrar online account with the three addresses.

Step 3: Define The Primary Domain

Then set your domain as the primary domain under “Domains”. Note that it will take a few hours before your new domain is available.

The WordPress.com offering is the easiest and fastest way to use domain mapping. However, it is also the most cost-intensive option to get a new URL or connect to an already registered one to your website. You usually have to pay less if you run a self-hosted WordPress website.

Conclusion: Domain Mapping For Easier Assignment

If you want to make it easier for your visitors to get to your website and remember your URL more easily, domain mapping is a good option.

Suppose you want to operate your website with the WordPress content management system, but you don’t feel comfortable installing it on your own. In that case, you will find a good alternative from many hosting providers. Special WordPress hosting gives you support with installation, security and updates.

As a result, users have significantly less effort with the CMS administration, but at the same time, all the advantages of the self-hosted WordPress variant, including a large selection of plugins and WordPress themes.

This is often used when you have your hosting provider’s name, such as WordPress, in the URL. For example, your URL structure looks like this: “www.yourdomain.wordpress.com”. You can use domain mapping to get the hosting provider from the URL. Your visitors will then find your website under the URL: “www.yourdomain.com”. This is easier and directly looks more serious. You usually have to pay less if you run a self-hosted WordPress website.

ALSO READ: Hacker Accuses Automaker Daimler Of Manipulating Exhaust Emissions