Industry 4.0 And The Adoption Of Technologies

Industry 4.0 And The Adoption Of Technologies

The term Industry 4.0 encapsulates a promise of a new industrial revolution. It amalgamates advanced manufacturing techniques with IoT or the Internet of Things to build manufacturing frameworks that are not only interconnected but can also communicate, analyze, and utilize information to drive further smart and intelligent actions back in the physical world. 

Of course, the backbone of Industry 4.0 relates to product development, the phenomenon is largely affecting global sectors and has implications for all types of businesses. In simple terms, it can be described as “the application of cloud computing, IoT, cognitive computing, and cyber-physical systems (CPS) for the manufacturing and service environments. 

Seamless connectivity and automation with the manufacturing domain are not new. Physical to digital (using physical actions and morphing them to digital records) as well as digital to digital (sharing insights leveraging Artificial Intelligence or AI) has also been an integral part of manufacturing for several years now. However, with the introduction and implementation of the aforementioned enablers, along with robotics, the manufacturing segment can now step into a flexible and fully connected level to garner value both within the factory itself and across a range of supply chains. It is primarily the shift from digital to physical (integrating algorithms to convert digital world decisions and change the physical world) and it is the most crucial aspect of Industry 4.0.


Key Areas For The Industry 4.0 Applications
 

• Predictive maintenance
• OEE & factory productivity
• Manufacturing operations
• Real-time process and equipment monitoring
• Real-time quality monitoring
• Process optimization
• Enhanced reliability
• Root cause analysis & product yield 

Industry 4.0 Technology Enablers

IT has become an integral part of the manufacturing process. In the past years, IT had the role to support the operational process, however, it has drastically evolved in the existing era. It is not only supporting but also plays a pervasive and primary role in the entire manufacturing process. Here are some of the main features of Industry 4.0 tech enablers and smart operational strategies:
 

• Virtualization
• Interoperability
• Decentralization
• Service orientation
• Real-time capability
• Modularization

The Dominant Use Cases of Industry 4.0

Machine Learning

Advancements in machine learning have altogether resulted in increased adoption of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices. Machine learning techniques enable automatic reconstruction of models for solving complex problems. These developments have predominantly resulted in product quality improvements and reduced product rework or waste.

Industrial Internet of Things or IIoT

IIoT is the collaboration and interconnectivity of machines, data, and people in the world of manufacturing. Subsequently, it employs IoT- devices, sensors, and data all seamlessly connected and interfacing. Every aspect of manufacturing operations can be networked and connected in the IIoT, and the data it produces can be used to optimize efficiency across the manufacturing operations.

Artificial Intelligence

AI and its subset machine learning are practically a crucial requisite for an Industry 4.0-enabled smart factory. This basic principle around this new industrial revolution is to truncate manual processing, and artificial intelligence is the primary tool to fill its place. AI can leverage the data generated from smart connected factories to reprogram workflows, optimize machinery, and identify overall improvements that can be implemented to drive revenue and efficiency.

Automation

The ultimate goal of connected manufacturing systems is to maximize productivity and efficacy, thereby, increasing profit margins. To achieve this, automation must be adopted into various operational segments or in all of the manufacturing processes. Automation via AI or robotics is made possible by the communication and interconnectivity that takes place in an Industry 4.0 optimized facility.

Also Read: How Businesses Should Power Their SaaS Product Development Process
Cloud computing

Manufacturers do not have or wish to use the massive amount of space needed to physically store huge volumes of data created in the operations of Industry 4.0. This is what necessitates cloud computing and storage as it is the key hog in a connected factory. It allows for remote access and monitoring of all machine operating systems and data, furnishing great visibility into efficiencies and operations. 

Cybersecurity

Since every touchpoint in the manufacturing operation is digitized and connected in industry 4.0, there is an extra requirement for tight and robust cybersecurity. Computer systems, manufacturing machinery, the cloud, data analytics, and other IoT-connected systems should be thoroughly protected. 

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

This technology has tremendously improved in the last decade and has transfigured from primarily being utilized for prototyping to actual production. Additive manufacturing has opened a lot of doors in the manufacturing sector.  

Summing Up

The root of Industry 4.0 is smart, connected devices, and tech-enabled systems, all powered by robust and fail-safe technology and data analytics solutions. For companies looking to embark upon their journey to digital transformation, avail our full suite of custom product development services. From IoT-enabled apps to AI-powered bots, SaaS products to cloud computing, we provide end-to-end technology solutions that can empower your business operations and workflows. For more information, connect with our experts.