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What They Are
Today, one of the biggest trends in industrial manufacturing is digitization. In this context, digitization is related to the way that manufacturers organize, the way that manufacturers get and receive critical data, and the way that manufacturers use technology. The digitization of industrial manufacturing is best described as Industry 4.0, or the fourth wave of the industrial revolution.
Contained within Industry 4.0 are concepts and practices including: cloud computing, additive manufacturing and The Internet of Things (IoT).
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is a movement of industrialization that moves beyond Industry 3.0. Industry 3.0 was all about automation of processes and machines, while Industry 4.0 is all about value chain data integration and end to end digitization. Using Industry 4.0, industrial manufacturers more efficiently connect with potential and current customers, keep track of their inventory and assets, and run a profitable business.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is an IT model designed to allow people all around the world to access and configure shared data, resources and services. If companies pay in for access to the cloud, they can save money that they would otherwise put towards research, computer design and computer maintenance. Using cloud computing is like paying a company for your water every month, rather than trying to create access to and maintain a water source all by yourself.
Using digital technology like cloud computing, industrial manufacturers can also communicate in real time with connected machinery and remote computer networks. In turn, those machines with which they communicate can be “smart,” equipped with technology like sensors and machine vision.
Additive Manufacturing
Another catching trend is additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is the umbrella process under which fall both rapid prototyping and 3D printing. Like 3D printing, additive manufacturing uses 3D object scanners or CAD software to instruct machinery to create parts. To do so, the machinery adds material in shaped layers.
Additive manufacturing eliminates the need for a variety of traditional machining processes, like milling and shaping. By eliminating processes like these, manufacturers produce less waste, require less space for equipment storage, require less time between product runs, and can produce products more rapidly in general. With additive manufacturing, industrial manufacturers can do so much more with so much less.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
The term “the Internet of Things,” or IoT, refers to highly connected networks of things that give and receive data to one another, communicate perform tasks, etc. Those in these networks can communicate is these ways because they are built with connectivity features, electronics, actuators, sensors and software.
Using the Internet of Things offers industrial manufacturers a myriad of advantages. With it they can, for example, automate machining, automate control functions like temperature monitoring. Manufacturers can also use the Internet of Things to create intelligent maintenance systems that can catch issues before their human counterparts, and then fix them. They can also sense when a machine part is wearing down, and send out an alert. With technology like this, businesses stand to significantly reduce maintenance costs, including those caused by productivity loss after unexpected downtimes.
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How to Approach Them
Many industrial manufacturers are jumping on the digitization and Industry 4.0 bandwagon, but they do not do so without challenges. One of the challenges of this new frontier is its lack of established standards. Manufacturers and computer engineers are still exploring and creating new ways of using digital technology to support industrial manufacturing, so it is possible to make mistakes or to run into confusion with a partner or customer. This can make it appealing to retreat to the familiarity and relative safety of traditional manufacturing modes of communication and processes. This, however, would be a mistake; these trends will go on, with or without a few participants.
The best course of action for any manufacturing company is to forge ahead. You should invest in and learn new technologies, but to do so strategically. The best investments are the ones you make based on their company’s culture, goals, strengths. You have to focus on digital networks and Industry 4.0 strategies that will best benefit your company. If you do this, even if you make have a few missteps along the way, you’ll be better equipped to participate in this ever-changing industry.
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