Modular Training Environment

Intelitek's SmartCIM 4.0 Introduces Students to Industry 4.0

Graham CelineDerry, NH (USA), October 2022 - The emergence of new industrial technologies has caused such rapid changes in manufacturing that employers are in constant need of workers who are technically advanced, process savvy, and natural problem solvers. To help develop this workforce, Intelitek, a worldwide CTE leader, has released SmartCIM 4.0, a modular training environment featuring industrial working components for computer-integrated manufacturing education.

The SmartCIM 4.0 system is designed for advanced manufacturing programs in which students learn to be operators, installers, and maintainers of industrial systems. Students gain firsthand knowledge of not only individual components of industrial training, but also of automation, networking and communications, systems integration, and the essential employability skills they will need in modern industry.

The system consists of sophisticated interconnected manufacturing configurations with several fundamental components such as production workstations, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), assembly stations, and quality control stations. The components are linked by a continuous-loop conveyor and pallet tracking system, a central management control station, a TCP/IP communication network, and Intelitek's OpenMES software. The solution can be customized to an institution's specific needs and can have any combination of workstations, including third-party machines and processes.

"The SmartCIM 4.0 system stands out because it uses real industrial equipment instead of the miniaturized versions offered by other vendors," said Graham Celine, VP, Business Development of Intelitek. "Using a real production line that makes real products allows schools to teach all aspects of the principles and technologies involved in Industry 4.0 manufacturing."

SmartCIM 4.0 is aligned to the industry with curriculum options to match local business needs. Intelitek has partnered with leading industry vendors like Siemens, Cognex, Yaskawa, Allen Bradley, and more to deliver training programs that lead to micro-certifications for specific fields that align to advanced industry-level certifications. The curriculum is also aligned to the ARM Industry 4.0 blueprint, as well as other industry credentials, like NIMS.

Intelitek has been offering CIM solutions for education and training for over four decades. SmartCIM4.0 is a solution upgrade created to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 training.
"The integration of digital technologies in manufacturing environments is at the core of Industry 4.0," said Yoram Doitch, CEO of Intelitek. "We've not only created a real-world environment in which students can acquire and hone their skills in industrial automation and industry applications, we also offer tools and simulation that allow students to see what happens when they make changes to the production process, such as speeding up some components to improve production efficiency without risking equipment damage."

Celine continued, "Whether they're in our real-world or virtual environment, CTE and engineering students who train on SmartCIM 4.0 gain invaluable preparation for next-generation jobs."