Area partners are excited to launch the Automation Accelerator pilot program to create a responsive, industry-driven solution that provides regional manufacturers with training and knowledge to implement Industry 4.0 solutions. The pilot project is supported by the County of Simcoe, member municipalities, the Cities of Barrie and Orillia, Georgian College, Lakehead University and the Government of Ontario.

“This exciting program will help businesses to access training and much needed support to overcome learning curves often associated with adopting new technology,” said Warden George Cornell. “We’re pleased to launch this initiative and execute on feedback that we’ve heard from our industry partners around their needs and requirements to adapt and recover from this pandemic.”

About the program:
Knowledge sharing and training will focus on the following topics:

• Understanding the fundamentals of Industry 4.0
• Assessing opportunities for enhancements to products and processes
• Sensors and Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Industry 4.0 and manufacturing processes (logistics, enterprise resource planning, augmented reality, machine learning, predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence)
• Automation through robotics ​

In addition to increasing awareness in supports and funding opportunities, this program will provide connections to research and innovation projects at Georgian College and Lakehead University. Participating businesses will build and leave the program with an action plan, based on their own assessment of priorities and capabilities. The program will also create an environment for business-to-business (B2B) learning and best practice sharing.

Structure:
The virtual 12-hour pilot program begins on March 9, 2021, occurring on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m. for three weeks.

The program is for manufacturing businesses only and registration is free of charge. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today at https://automationaccelerator.eventbrite.ca

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.