Software firm PTC has revealed the latest version of its ThingWorx Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution.

ThingWorx 8.4 introduces new capabilities, including Operator Advisor, designed to increase productivity of factory workers by simplifying the way critical operational data is collected, synthesised, and delivered. 

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Complimenting PTC’s existing set of solutions designed for manufacturers, Operator Advisor helps manufacturers improve workforce productivity by simplifying the delivery of digital work instructions in context, eliminating static paper and PDF-based instructions. The solution can also gather data as workers complete tasks for product genealogy and increase visibility into factory operations.

In addition, it brings IT and OT systems together and connects to smart tools and machines to create a unified operator screen.

Meanwhile, a key differentiator, PTC says, is the integration of its ThingWorx IIoT and Vuforia augmented reality (AR) technologies. Work instructions from the new Operator Advisor solution, for example, can be delivered via an AR experience to provide the most immersive, productivity-enhancing experience for any front-line worker.

“Vuforia takes the transformative power of ThingWorx IIoT to the next level and further empowers the next generation of connected workers,” the firm says.

Other enhancements in ThingWorx 8.4 include:

  • Easier-to-Use Dashboard – An updated user interface for the ThingWorx Mashup Builder tool makes it even easier to rapidly build and maintain IIoT solutions;
  • Integration With Enterprise Systems and Data – ThingWorx Flow advances sourcing, synthesising, and feeding data workflow into relevant business systems, while triggering important actions and providing alerts to end users;
  • Enterprise Readiness – Organisations can scale ThingWorx for broader enterprise deployments. As part of this advancement, ThingWorx now seamlessly integrates with InfluxDB and Microsoft Azure SQL for persistence and time series data management;
  • FactoryTalk InnovationSuite, powered by PTC, Integrations – The collaborative offering with Rockwell Automation is enhanced with features and tighter integration, enabling industrial companies to further optimise operations and enhance productivity with data and insights from IT and OT applications and systems.