Nowadays the whole world is facing the fourth industrial revolution, which is called Industry 4.0. The latest revolution revolves around data input from machines, IoT and data analytics. Together, these technologies can improve business processes and product quality in a digital environment. This article will explain what steps you should take to prepare your company to implement industry 4.0.
Industry 4.0 Technologies
Industry 4.0 manufacturing is based on a few themes, technologies and processes. These include:
- Sensors and data collection
Data is the important key of Industry 4.0. The data required to be Industry 4.0-ready is collected through sensors. These sensors may be integrated as part of newer equipment, or installed as aftermarket additions for older equipment and infrastructure.
- Communication and connectivity
A key requirement of data sensors is that they are able to record in real-time and communicate data to a central repository and data analysis method. This connectivity is part of the “smart factory” or “smart machinery” that you are probably aware of. More advanced Industry 4.0 practices also entail smart machines and sensors that communicate directly with each other.
- Analysis and Implementation
Data is only as useful as what we can learn from analysis, and is only as effective as the actions, processes and implementations that occur based on that analysis. All too often, analysis is the missing component of an Industry 4.0-ready facility, meaning that much of the potential of the investment is lost.
There is no doubt that Industry 4.0 brings a lot of benefits that will help your business grow in the long run. However, introducing new technologies into existing business practices always comes with some challenges you have to overcome. Here are some preparations you’ll have to complete to be able to get the most out of this technologies.
- Integration with Existing Infrastructure
The best thing in transition to Industry 4.0 is that you don’t have to replace existing machinery and legacy IT systems. What you need to do is only to make sure your each IoT equipment is suitable with every single machine you have. - ROI Calculation
Implementation of this technologies really will help you increase productivity while lowering overall costs. However, making the transition to industry 4.0 will still cost you. The challenge here is to figure out if the investment will pay off over time. Of course, design for you system to meet requierment is also important as money as cost you. - Human Resource Training
Some processes will become fully automated, so you won’t need as many employees as before. With that said, the employees that stay will have to develop new skills for everything to work.
You might find a few employees that can pick things up quickly, but everyone else will have to develop new skills to use these modern technologies. - Customer Benefits
Once the system is set up, you can improve delivery times, automate shipping, and improve products according to your customer’s needs. Also system can help you reduce downtimes with practices such as predictive maintenance and inventory optimization, which will allow you to complete more orders and satisfy more customers. The bottom line is – industry 4.0 offers benefits to everyone involved with your business, including the customer.
Final Words
It is clear that Industry 4.0 in manufacturing is ready to provide you with more effective maintenance, increased productivity, less downtime and improved inventory practices. System comprehensive plant maintenance solutions incorporate IoT technology, as well as the right personnel to yield effective installation, analysis, implementation — and results. To learn more, contact us today.