What is industry 4.0 and what are its applications?

Industry 4.0 is bringing about a true transformation in the manufacturing sector.

Nothing will ever be the same, and those who do not adapt will undoubtedly be left behind in the face of realities such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence, or the Internet of Things (IoT).

At this point, you've likely heard about the need to embrace technological change to prepare for an increasingly close future.

The combination of techniques enabled by new technologies offers a transformation of the industry from its very roots: production processes, operations management, and even the management and training of people can benefit from this revolution to gain productivity and automation.

Would you like to clearly understand what Industry 4.0 is and what applications it could have in your company?

Keep reading to learn more! 👇

What is Industry 4.0?

In very brief terms, it is a transformation of the industry brought about by the incorporation of technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, the Cloud, Industrial Robotics, Digital Twins, Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things, among other significant advancements.

Industry 4.0 has allowed industries to evolve from a model based on manual management to a model of intelligent industrial management.

In this model, everything is interconnected, and data can be collected, stored, and used to improve, analyze, and automate production processes.

What are the phases that have led us to Industry 4.0?

Many refer to Industry 4.0 as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

To give you some context, there have been four industrial revolutions so far:

• First Industrial Revolution. In the 18th century, based on coal and the steam engine, it enabled the development of the first factories with machinery and shifted the economy from agriculture to industry.
• Second Industrial Revolution. In the late 19th century, electricity, gas, and oil marked a turning point in industrial processes. These fuels led to the invention of new machines and the development of the first communication technologies, such as the telegraph and telephone. Later came motor vehicles and assembly line production.
• Third Industrial Revolution. In the latter half of the 20th century, it saw the rise of nuclear technology and electronics.
• Fourth Industrial Revolution. The current era, born with the Internet, cloud technology, and the development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. It is an environment where people and machines are continuously generating data. These data are processed and handled through Big Data and data analytics. The data enables the development of algorithms to train machine learning systems and detect patterns or make predictions. Factories have become smarter, with increased automation and numerous manual processes replaced by industrial robotics systems.

What impact is Industry 4.0 having?

Industry 4.0, based on the mentioned technologies, represents a turning point, a disruptive change after which nothing will be the same as before.

For industries to be competitive today, they must leverage existing technology to achieve better results.

Industry 4.0 is helping to:

• ✅Improve the productivity of machines and operators.
• ✅Reduce manual tasks.
• ✅Better forecast demand.
• ✅Facilitate the design of industrial prototypes with intelligent solutions.
• ✅Enhance customer service levels.
• ✅Increase knowledge about our business.
• ✅Improve operational and strategic decision-making.

What are the applications of Industry 4.0?

The difference between a traditional industrial model and a smart factory adapted to the Fourth Industrial Revolution is defined by the use of data, knowledge, and automation.

Demand Forecasting

Previously, demand forecasting could not have the precision and effectiveness that current AI models allow, as they are based on analyzing massive amounts of data that can only be processed through Big Data.

Information is power, and data analysis enables industries to have a better understanding of reality to optimize their processes and improve their key performance indicators (KPIs).

Team Training

Previously, industries could not have intelligent control over all the processes carried out by operators.

Manual processes have a higher risk of workplace accidents, and there is also a significant learning curve for people to be prepared to perform a specific role on a production line.

Today, people hold positions with less routine and more creative tasks.

Their mission is more focused on using and supervising technology rather than repeating manual tasks.

Training has also changed. By capitalizing on knowledge through IoT technologies, real-time smart assistance devices can be used to help operators know what to do at all times.

This helps reduce errors and minimize risks, as well as train new professionals.

Automation

Industrial robotics also plays a crucial role in Industry 4.0.

Machines and robots are connected and record data on all the tasks they perform.

This real-time control of all the variables influencing a factory allows, on one hand, increasing the speed at which production centers operate, and on the other, improving quality and minimizing errors in production processes.

Technologies also play a key role in safety, helping prevent workplace risks.

Through the use of drones or industrial robots, preventive maintenance tasks can be developed without people having to take unnecessary risks.

Adapting to Industry 4.0: an essential question for the future of companies

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here to stay.

Industries can embrace technological change and leverage its benefits to improve productivity, decision-making, and, ultimately, the profitability of the entire company.

To harness these technologies, digitalization and data collection and recording is one of the keys that allows industries to adapt and improve their processes.

Is your industry taking advantage of the benefits of Industry 4.0?