Industry 4.0 FAQs for Manufacturers
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Industry 4.0 is the transition towards digitization in manufacturing, utilizing technologies like IoT and big data for real-time communication and efficiency. It originated from a 2012 German government initiative, leading to investments and collaborations to remain competitive globally. Manufacturers must adapt their processes and business models to leverage these technologies, as they offer opportunities for improved operational excellence, cost-effectiveness, and responsiveness to market demands.
Industry 4.0 FAQs for Manufacturers
- 1. Industry 4.0 FAQs for Manufacturers
- 2. Industry 4.0 (sometimes referred to as the fourth industrial revolution) is the move towards digitisation of the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing technologies such as The Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-physical systems, big data, advanced analytics, human-machine interfaces, cloud computing, all communicate with each other in real-time to form the fourth industrial revolution. What is Industry 4.0? The data produced from such automated systems can be exchanged easily and quickly acted upon. Many of these technologies are already present in businesses, but in the coming years will become more relevant. 1.
- 3. The term Industrie 4.0 was first used in March 2012 as a reference in a ‘future project’ listed within the High-Tech Strategy 2020 Action Plan, which was approved by the German government. To remain at the forefront of this technological race, the German government is reportedly investing approximately €200 million (£140 million) in Industry 4.0 research involving academia, businesses and government. Where did it originate from? The rest of the world are now taking note such as the US, who has formed a Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC), comprising of manufacturers, suppliers, technology firms, and government - with the objective of advancing the thinking behind Industry 4.0. 2.
- 4. It’s been evolving for some time now. You can’t buy it, download it or subscribe to it. When businesses start to connect existing processes together, install digital equipment and generate big data analytics to improve data efficiency, then Industry 4.0 will be in full swing. When does it start?3.
- 5. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is enabled by technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and connectivity. The connectivity of equipment, people, processes and supply chains all make up the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. The emergence of this new era of embedded technology means that information on how these things are integrated together is available at your fingertips. Where does the Internet of Things fit in? 4.
- 6. The concept of each is very similar, such as connecting ‘things’ together so they can talk to each other and the internet, without much need for human interaction. Although one of the key differences is that the IoT is mostly focused on connecting everyday consumer objects together such as the Fitbit fitness tracker and smart devices such as the Nest Thermostat, both have numerous sensors which measure data, allow for home automation and connect to the internet remotely. Industry 4.0 is more focused on manufacturing processes and integrating IoT technologies to help create smart, connected factories.
- 7. 5. What does it mean for manufacturers? The way products and services are consumed is changing so much, as demands for customised goods is ever increasing. Manufacturers have to respond quickly to these changing market conditions and in the most efficient way. Having a smart, connected factory will be an enabler of this.
- 8. So with all the Industry 4.0 craze, manufacturers will be wondering what it will mean for their businesses. None will want to be left behind, so to stay ahead of the game some manufacturers will change their processes and equipment, and adapt new strategies and business models to embrace Industry 4.0. Adopting key Industry 4.0 technologies as soon as possible to become the leading force in your industry will help your business react quickly to market changes, respond to current and new competitors, and inevitably future proof manufacturing operations, drive sustainable growth and innovation.
- 9. What are the opportunities for manufacturers? 6. Being at the forefront of Industry 4.0 and taking advantage of technology will allow manufacturers, big or small to achieve business outcomes that weren’t possible 10 years ago, such as improving cost-effectiveness and product quality. IoT enabled technologies will give manufacturers the chance to have full visibility of operations and allow them to be responsive to information about raw materials, inventory, quality, waste, output and customer demands, ensuring that opportunities for improvement are highlighted and action is taken, saving money, time and improving customer satisfaction and supplier relations.
- 10. Access to this meaningful data means a better view of operations, allowing for better analytics and real-time responsive decision making to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. As digitalisation takes hold, businesses should also be on the lookout for a new pool of talent, including highly skilled digital experts to analyse the data from the technology. Industry 4.0 is predicted to add trillions of pounds to the global economy, so should not be not be dismissed as an industry fad. ‘A new pool of digital talent will be required to analyse the vast amounts of data generated’
- 11. The workforce dynamics will change as employees adapt to new technologies and processes. Engineers are the facilitators, and management will need to know what information is needed to be collected to make the factory operate more effectively. IoT is about integration and making things talk which largely doesn’t happen automatically, people are the key to making it happen! What challenges could manufacturers face? 7.
- 12. Business Models will have to become more streamlined to cope with new technologies and process, and as products evolve into service revenue streams, production lines will be adapted to make to order and engineer to order requirements. This will also open up gaps in the market for new business opportunities. Setting out an Industry 4.0 road map will help look at the current status of the business and help map out where the business wants to be in the future. Having a structured strategy in place is key to the success of implementing Industry 4.0, but remember to keep it simple.
- 13. Security is clearly a key concern, as we live and work in a highly integrated environment where machines talk to one another. Protecting systems and data against cyberattacks will certainly be high priority for many manufacturers. IoT may be seen as a disruptive technology to many, but the opportunities far out way the challenges. Those who gain real benefits from it will be those who see the possibilities, the gains and make it happen for them, instead of those who see the difficulties, the pain, the problems and just letting it happen.
- 14. Join our upcoming Webinar ‘An introduction to Industry 4.0 and how it could impact Your Manufacturing Business’ on Weds 17th Aug at 3.00pm to find out… ▪ The ins and outs of Industry 4.0, IoT and Connected Manufacturing ▪ What impact they could have on your manufacturing business ▪ The use of IoT enabled technology systems to reach Industry 4.0 status Want to learn more about Industry 4.0?
- 15. Manufacturing Improvement Solutions [email protected] 01274 599 955 @Cimlogic Cimlogic Cimlogic If you’d like to discuss Industry 4.0 and our IoT enabled technology systems further please call +44(0)1274 599955 or email [email protected]