The collaboration enables Ennoconn to refine the design process for customers.
Recently, Ennoconn Corporation and Google Cloud formed a relationship that will enable the development of new cloud-based AI products, services and solutions. The change allows Ennoconn to better monitor and maintain devices for partners and customers.
“By delivering innovative access to content and services in new combinations across multiple platforms, we believe we will disrupt the original design manufacturing (ODM) industry. (This will) create value that differentiates us to our partners and customers worldwide,” said Steve Chu, CEO and chairman of Ennoconn.
ODM involves offering expertise to design and manufacture products for a client.
Ennoconn’s use of new technology, including the global 5G network, will also help the company make smarter decisions and maximize efficiency, said Joe Fijak, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing and COO for Ennoconn.
As the relationship deepens, Ennoconn will become better positioned to navigate supply chain disruptions and shortages.
“Our collaboration is meant to eliminate the need for multiple suppliers. We want to develop a more focused relationship with our customers,” said Fijak.
Fijak said the use of Google Cloud will help Ennoconn reduce error rates in the design process. The software will also enable customers to gather critical information about the development of their products. In addition, it will provide more security for data, communications and product designs. Ennoconn plans to gather and analyze pertinent information from customers during the manufacturing and design process using Google Cloud’s powerful cloud-based data analytics technology.
“Another benefit is the use of Google Cloud allows Ennoconn to manufacture products in a more sustainable way. Eliminating on-premises IT reduces energy consumption,” said Fijak.
How Ennoconn is Changing
Ennoconn Group, which is based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, produces industrial computers, computers intended for industrial purposes. For example, a computer that runs manufacturing equipment in a factory.
Industrial computers are designed to function in harsher conditions than consumer electronics. For example, an industrial computer is typically more resistant to dust and water than a consumer computer. Since industrial computers are built to be tough and extremely productive, they are usually expensive to design and build.
Ennoconn also makes devices that relate to edge computing, computers that offer computing and storage resources on sites where data are produced, embedded technology, computer systems that have a dedicated function within a larger system, high performance computing, computers that aggregate their computing power to process large volumes of data at high speeds, and system integration services, solutions to integrate physical and virtual components of an organization’s system.
“Over the course of the last two to three years, the emergence of machine learning (ML) has helped us integrate hardware and software. Then we can effectively bundle platforms for devices,” said Fijak.
In 2007, Ennoconn became a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, which is also headquartered in New Taipei City.
“The rising adoption of using the cloud as a base for the Internet of Things boils down to sharing information and giving customers more products and services through one relationship. Customers do not have to access multiple platforms. With Ennoconn, customers can log in and discuss all aspects of the device they want to build, from hardware and software to data management and visualization,” said Fijak.
Three Steps of Collaboration
Ennoconn and Google Cloud’s partnership involves three steps.
The first involves Ennoconn migrating its sales, marketing and operations systems from its on-premise infrastructure to Google Cloud. Ennoconn will also use Google Cloud to power digital management production tools to allow customers more visibility along its design chain and supply chain. These will help Ennoconn to reduce operating costs and speed up design timelines.
Next, Ennoconn will connect its manufacturing products and services to Google Cloud. This step will better enable Ennoconn to digitally control manufacturing equipment and processes. The change will help Ennoconn’s customers accomplish this task as well. The third step involves Ennoconn and Google Cloud working together in different areas to improve Ennoconn’s collaboration and communication.
“Ennoconn signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Google. The relationship we’re building means customers can rely on us for long-term support. The two companies are committed to one another,” said Fijak.
Ennoconn’s Growth into Specific Markets
Google Cloud sought to partner with Ennoconn partly because Ennoconn has strength in five significant sectors:
- Smart Cities
- Smart Manufacturing
- Smart Retail
- Financial Services
- Media and Entertainment
All of these areas involve the collection and analysis of manufacturing and design data to understand changing needs and potential solutions to problems. Fijak said this partnership is an opportunity for Google Cloud to expand its customer base in sectors in which Ennoconn has earned a good reputation.
“Ennoconn offers very powerful engineering support, IT services support, logistics and software and mobile app support. The partnership can mean a fire station in a municipality receiving access to pertinent data to prevent fires in at-risk spots. It can also mean a manufacturer sharing more tips about how to design a product better. The manufacturer can see renderings as the product is being optimized,” said Fijak.
Fijak said the analytics that Google Cloud offers should allow a semiconductor component to take shape in hours rather than months or weeks.
Ennoconn’s Goals for Pandemic Recovery
Ennoconn plans to assist Google with enhancing and supporting products that help Google’s customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these are Google Glass, a wearable Android device that looks like a pair of eyeglasses, and Google Workspace apps, which include Docs, Drive, Gmail and Meet.
“Google Glass is essentially a hands-free computer that allows a worker to accomplish a great deal in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. Google Meet is a video app that allows customers to communicate during the pandemic. These products maximize productivity, interaction, and safety during the pandemic,” said Fijak.
Fijak said the creation of a more powerful supply chain means designers, manufacturers, and software developers will be collecting more accurate and accessible data about products.
“Right now, it is a major challenge for every company around the world to understand its needs. They want to build enough products for their customers. Our collaboration with Google addresses that challenge. It also prepares manufacturers to look ahead,” said Fijak.
