a. Enterprise network infrastructure
b. Data center network infrastructure
c. Industrial/factory network infrastructure
d. Industrial construction infrastructure
e. Electrical cabling
2. Why does Panduit work with early-stage startups?
We believe that partnering with the right startups could be a great source of compelling value. Panduit brings the resources of a $1B company to collaborations with startups that have exciting innovations and the next big thing. We assert that startups shine at identifying new product ideas and are nimble at detecting customer opportunities but lack scale in areas such as sales, engineering, and manufacturing. Panduit endeavors to work with early stage startups where we can contribute our global reach and a breadth of technical expertise to create a path for out-sized success.
3. What are the biggest trends you see in IIoT over the next 5-10 years?
a.
Edge computing will support IIoT: Edge computing or “mini data centers” with self-contained compute, storage and network will co-locate with dense IIoT applications to reduce latency and improve utility and performance of automation and machine learning.
b. IIoT will dominate industrial safety applications: Wearables for industrial workers will track everything from security and location information to environmental and health data to make a dramatic impact to the safety of industrial workers.
c.
Powering IIoT devices will continue to be a challenge: Powering remote IIoT devices will be a pain point for widespread deployments before an economical, centralized architecture is adopted that supports flexible power-at-a-distance with monitoring and safety as key features.
4. What are your innovation priorities as an organization?
As with other manufacturers, Panduit competes by anticipating and meeting future customer demands in chosen markets. We’re looking to gain first mover and sustainable advantages by providing disruptive products and solutions through a comprehensive approach to innovation that includes both organic and startup partnerships. Our priorities in IIoT:
a. Connected Enterprise: Innovative cable management and connectivity, power distribution, cooling/heating, environmental monitoring, remote management, security, and safety technologies within the connected enterprise (including factory) or industrial construction environment.
b. Smart Tools: Innovative tools for designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining network or electrical infrastructure within the connected enterprise (including factory) or industrial construction environment.
c. M2M Communications: Innovative Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication technologies that provide improved capacity, security, ease of use, or reduced cost within the connected enterprise (including factory) or industrial construction environment.
d. Automation & Machine Learning: Innovative automation or machine learning technologies that provide improved operational efficiency, safety, or security of the network or electrical infrastructure within the connected enterprise (including factory) or industrial construction environment.
e. Smart Construction: Innovative technologies that streamline material flow and installation of the network or electrical infrastructure within the connected enterprise (including factory) or industrial construction environment.