Industry 4.0: The smart factory of the future

Industry 4.0 is transforming the sector by introducing automation and data exchange in the manufacturing technologies. It includes advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, sophisticated sensors, cloud-based computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). This technological innovation is still in its early stage of development but it has already started changing the face of the sector.

 

The main focus of Industry 4.0 is the end-to-end digitisation of all physical assets and their transformation into the digital world. In theory, the cyber-physical systems are designed to help monitor the physical processes and introduce a virtual copy of the physical world, which will help in the central decision-making process.

 

So you might wonder where the Internet of Things comes in. Well, the cyber-physical systems are designed to communicate with the corporate and “human” departments in real time via the Internet so that they can make sure both internal and external parties in the production process are kept up to date. This helps develop a more advanced level of cross – organisational services offered and used by all players involved in the value chain process.

 

Mainly the automation of the manufacturing sector will help businesses optimise productivity and develop a better understanding of how digital technologies can help create many much-anticipated solutions for their factories.

 

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Ginni Cooper, Corporate Services Director, at Moore and Smalley adds:

 

“Recent technological advances have altered consumers expectations – technically competent customers now expect to be able to research, download and obtain what they want, when they want it. Sustainability is an important factor and if a product is personalised to the individual, even better. All this means that manufacturing and engineering companies have to differentiate themselves and work smarter. Industry 4.0 is not necessarily just about mass automation but a step towards more flexible, collaborative working throughout the production process, with feedback at all stages resulting in improved knowledge and products.”            

                                                                                                                                

Many manufacturers are still confused as to what Industry 4.0 is and what exactly it can bring to the table. Some, who are aware of the new trend in the industry, are still sceptical of what they might see as marketing build-up. We encourage businesses to monitor the coming changes and introduce new plans to help make the most of the new opportunities which will become available.

 

The highlights of Industry 4.0 include better transparency and agility integration for businesses, together with the way it allows industrial manufacturers to be more responsive to customer needs and reach the end customer more directly. Finally, you have the option for self-monitoring products and services, which enables a better analysis of the data generated in the business. For example, companies will be able to gain a better understanding of how well their products and services are functioning and how well they are used, by getting this information directly from their customers.

 

Industry 4.0 is the future for the manufacturing sector, so if you would like more information on anything mentioned in the blog or on how our services can help your manufacturing business, please contact me on 01772 821021 or email me on ginni.cooper@mooreandsmalley.co.uk.

 

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