Why the IPC Connected Factory Exchange Standard (CFX) Is Critical for Successful Industry 4.0?
Michael Ford
Sr. Director Emerging Industry Strategy at Aegis Software Corporation
- The new IPC CFX standard is unique in that it defines precise data content, as well as the protocol, for all messages
- With a highly detailed and consistent dataset, more Industry 4.0 related value can be derived from MES
- Context of data is qualified from data of many processes, aiding live decision-making and process optimization.
- Machines are treated as “plug and play”, with very flexible control and planning, enabling Industry 4.0
Working for Aegis Software, provides Michael the opportunity to apply his years of electronics assembly manufacturing experience, to drive both business process and technology solution innovation, that satisfies evolving needs in digital manufacturing, in a way that is value-driven and sustainable.
Starting his career with Sony, including eight years working in Japan, Michael has been instrumental in creating and evolving leading software solutions for assembly manufacturing, that meet the most demanding expectations, leading industry forward.
Today, Michael is an established thought leader for Industry 4.0 and digital Smart factories, an active contributor to IPC industry standards, including the Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) “plug and play” IIoT standard, and chairs the IPC-1782 manufacturing traceability standard, promoting the complete IPC standards-based digital factory platform. Michael also regularly contributes articles, columns and blogs in several leading industry publications.
