Industry 4.0 is a subject that is increasingly being discussed at the top of factories around the world. In essence, it means a new Industrial Revolution, this time representing a dive into technology. All processes, from industrial maintenance to Supply Chain, are digitally integrated; each execution produces valuable data so that improvement actions can be applied cyclically. At the center of this, the Internet of Things (IoT), is an enabler of this constant communication. In theory, it seems like an unthinkable advance in current parameters, but the truth is that the industry is already moving to accommodate these changes. And will your company be left behind in the race against the competition?
According to IBM, Industry 4.0 is about increased connectivity and increasingly smaller components. It is based on data collection through products, sensors, and components (internal and external to the production line machines), which serve as input to improve manufacturing. In other words, the greater and more in-depth the information collected, the more polished the production process.
In this new scenario, IoT devices occupy the space of sensors and intelligent components that will be responsible for collecting data. Here, it is worth mentioning the potential of Artificial Intelligence applied to industry.
For Bernd Heuchemer, VP of Motion Control at Siemens in Germany, Industry 4.0 means a leap in the production capacity of small and large players in the market.
The fact is that, increasingly, Industry 4.0 has forced companies in the industry to reposition themselves in front of the consumer. After all, one of the drivers of this revolution is precisely him: the customer. As time progresses, your behavior and level of demand change. The market needs to adapt as quickly as possible.
After all, this is a crucial decision for the future of your company.
By anticipating the market and investing in innovation now, your organization places itself on the crest of the wave of change, being a pioneer in Industry 4.0. And that is precisely what we want to show in this article.
The main points you need to know about Industry 4.0 and its impacts on industrial businesses. Ready? So keep reading with us!
Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT): 6 predictions for the future of the industry
Every market movement requires attention from companies. Changes are constant, but what about revolutions? These happen every generation and have a profound impact on all productive logic.
If you intend to put your company at the top of the race against the competition, ensuring its survival and success soon, you need to be prepared. Check out 6 predictions about Industry 4.0!
1. Standardized codes are already paving the way to an automated future
Adding value in Industry 4.0 depends on the connective potential between devices, sensors, and machines on the production line. Everyone must be turned into a Web network, thus enabling the exchange of information in real-time.
To achieve this, of course, compliance and standardization are required.
Although still embryonic, the Industry is already beginning to test language standards that enable the existence of this complex network. One of the main examples is MTConnect.
It is a technical manufacturing standard used to retrieve data from processes involving numerically controlled machine tools — CNC machines.
These standards represent the foundation of this information ecosystem, ensuring interoperability capable of promoting the general connection of devices on any factory floor.
2. Better and more agile decisions on the factory floor
In a way, the main benefit of Industry 4.0 will be the company's ability to make more agile and assertive decisions. With IoT, qualified data is generated in real-time and transmitted to advanced management software, with high analytical capacity.
From there, it is possible to extract enough intelligence to adapt the production process according to the needs of the moment, optimizing executions.
In practice, it means that factory floor management will not be holistic — based on the experience of a professional, but scientific — based on in-depth data.
This way, companies will reduce errors and promote great savings!
3. Concern about cybersecurity will naturally increase
Of course, in a more connected environment, the most important gaps will naturally occur in the digital environment. Therefore, an immediate reflection of Industry 4.0 will be the constant concern with the cybersecurity of its ecosystem of machines and devices.
Initiatives such as the LGPD serve as a basis for adapting to this new moment. So keep an eye out!
4. Machines will have cyber-physical sensors
The integration expected in Industry 4.0 is also known as a “cyber-physical system”, where sensors collect data that feed automatic machine tools, giving total autonomy to work.
The trend for the future is that in addition to new machines having this technology, old systems (but new today, such as pneumatic systems, chip conveyors, and industrial lubrication systems) will be equipped with these new sensors.
Thus, the entire factory floor will be gradually integrated into the company's connectivity ecosystem, optimizing productivity.
5. Cloud computing and Big Data will be essential
Increasingly emerging technologies, companies that want to dive into Industry 4.0 must be aligned with new developments such as Cloud Computing and Big Data.
The first serves as an alternative to digital data storage, but also as a hosting environment for all the software you need for your daily life. It represents more security, stability, and scalability for the business.
The second innovation, Big Data, is precisely the theory behind structured and unstructured data that will guide your business in the future. The key here is to choose software that is already capable of collecting, storing, and processing them efficiently.
6. Maintenance will play an even more vital role in the production chain
Industrial maintenance will be an even more important topic in everyday industrial life. With automation, the production flow will have a greater and more demanding pace. Specializing in methodologies, such as predictive maintenance, is essential!
Therefore, in addition to maintenance involving technological issues, a watchful eye from specialists will be needed at various stages, such as an industrial lubricator that guarantees the best lubrication of autonomous systems.
The use of products produced by companies certified to international quality standards will also be a requirement. After all, it will be necessary to ensure the total continuity of the production chain.
What is the strategy for Industry 4.0 in your organization? We hope the content is helping you lead the process with more assertiveness and that the changes are already happening!