ThingWorx 8.4 Adds Operator Advisor
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On the 27th, PTC announced the release of 'ThingWorx 8.4', which added features such as 'Operator Advisor'.

The newly added Operator Advisor feature helps manufacturers increase employee productivity by generating context-sensitive digital work instructions. It also collects relevant data to ensure employees are fully aware of product lineage and gain greater visibility into factory operations. By linking with IT or OT systems and connecting to smart tools or machines, an integrated operator screen can be created.

“With ThingWorx Operator Advisor, Vestas has moved from text-based instructions in paper manuals to 3D CAD files powered by PLM,” said Mark Jaxion, who leads the IoT & Industry 4.0 business unit at Vestas Wind Systems. “This allows employees to focus on their work by leveraging context-sensitive information delivered to them, rather than combing through multiple IT and OT systems to find the right information.”

PTC's momentum in the IIoT market, particularly in the manufacturing sector, has led to the adoption of ThingWorx by customers, system integrators, and strategic partners worldwide. Colfax, Elekta, Lavifood, Sealed Air, and Woodward are among the companies that have adopted ThingWorx and IIoT.

Additionally, ThingWorx 8.4 enhances dashboard usability with the ThingWorx Mashup Builder tool, while the ThingWorx Flow feature integrates data workflows with relevant business systems. It also provides end users with alerts and prompts them to take critical actions. It can also be integrated with InfluxDB or Microsoft Azure SQL for time series data management, etc.

“ThingWorx is integrated into Woodward’s various systems, generating actionable data for our employees,” said Jay Drager, Woodward’s global business systems division president. “This has allowed us to improve product quality as well as efficiency and productivity across our facilities.”

PTC has integrated FactoryTalk InnovationSuite into ThingWorx 8.4. Launched in collaboration with Rockwell Automation, FactoryTalk InnovationSuite enhances operational optimization with tighter integration and other enhancements, further boosting productivity through data and insights from IT and OT applications and systems.

Vuforia augmented reality (AR) technology has also been integrated. For example, the new Operator Advisor presents work instructions through an AR experience, maximizing the engagement of frontline workers and driving increased productivity.