PTC Releases ThingWorx 8.5

PTC announces the upcoming release of its ThingWorx Industrial IoT (IIoT) platform from the show floor of the LiveWorx digital transformation event. ThingWorx 8.5 combines new capabilities with domain-specific solutions to address the digital transformation needs of industrial enterprises worldwide, the company says.

Customers will be able to configure applications faster and deploy them across multiple sites and geographies. For those who want more ready-made solutions, ThingWorx also offers pre-built, pre-configured capabilities for engineering, manufacturing, and service. This latest version of ThingWorx brings enhanced integration with Microsoft Azure IoT and includes additional tools for rolling out solutions at an enterprise scale.

Engineering

For the digital needs of designers and engineers, the new ThingWorx Navigate Digital Change Management Application, the first in what will be a series, enables internal and external users to actively participate in change management. The new series of ThingWorx Navigate Contribute Apps will expand on PTC’s NavigateView suite, which facilitates collaboration across the enterprise. Powered by the digital thread, engineers will now have real-time access to connected product data in ThingWorx.

Manufacturing

During LiveWorx this week, PTC and Rockwell Automation are showcasing how their solutions—technologies such as IIoT, augmented reality, analytics, and MES—can improve enterprise operational intelligence, digital workforce productivity, intelligent asset optimization, and scalable production management. ThingWorx 8.5 is now compatible with Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk Analytics. Additionally, PTC will be releasing ThingWorx Kepware Edge to provide flexible deployment ofconnectivity for dispersed equipment. 

“We continue to evolve ThingWorx and our IoT solutions to further the success of our customers and their digital transformation goals,” says Kathleen Mitford, executive vice president, products, PTC. “We are committed to exceeding the expectations of the marketplace through continued innovation, customer centricity, and our strategic alliances with Microsoft and Rockwell Automation.”

ThingWorx 8.5 is expected to be commercially available in late summer 2019. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.