One of the latest buzzwords to come out of the manufacturing industry is “Industry 4.0”. Industry 4.0, as the name implies, is widely considered to be the 4th industrial revolution of the US. It is the successful culmination of data, automation, cloud computing, and connected machines. Each of these components is a great resource on it’s own, but it is when they all collide that makes this 4th revolution so exciting. Like with most transformations, it won’t happen overnight. As we’ve heard before, Rome wasn’t built in 1 day.
Most manufacturers should move into this new era in smaller steps using thoroughly vetted technologies. We are already seeing this with some of the more complex manufacturers. Industry 4.0 is displayed in the ability to connect machines to the Internet of Things (IoT), each other, and to larger systems. Sensors can be added to monitor almost any aspect of production operations today. The modern equipment is more cost effective, more reliable, and can report cycle times, units, temperature, pressure, and any other imaginable data point. They report production in real time and can be integrated into an ERP system. Shops will have a new wealth of information they can improve upon. You can not improve what you can not measure. (https://wepcoplastics.com/resources/data-driven-decisions/)
Industry 4.0 helps maintenance software recognize the conditions that result in failure and become more predictive, which can prevent expensive breakdowns and repairs. It can also help systems run smoothly, adjusting individual machines to ensure inputs and outputs are kept in sync. Optics and cameras can perform in process quality checks in real time on each part produced. Sensors can also improve safety by informing operators or technicians when a machine is running too fast or is too hot. Another aspect of Industry 4.0 is an ever-increasing focus on experience and customer expectations. There is room for improving customer experience and customer service even in complex industrial manufacturing.
Industry 4.0 will see the manufacturing community move from simply producers, to becoming data & information driven, and ultimately, to trusted partners for their customers.