After several industrial revolutions, we currently find ourselves in the middle of the development of Industry 4.0. But what exactly is Industry 4.0? And in what ways does Industry 4.0 lead to higher productivity and efficiency? In this blog, we will discuss all the benefits and provide some examples of Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing process.
What is Industry 4.0?
The term Industry 4.0 indicates that three phases occurred before Industry 4.0, which we are currently experiencing. The progression of all industrial revolutions toward Industry 4.0 is as follows:
Industry 1.0
The first industrial revolution began in the 18th century: the emergence and implementation of mechanization, steam power and the loom. This allowed machines to be used on a larger scale for production, significantly increasing labor productivity. Thanks to this first industrial revolution, the optimization of production processes could begin.
Industry 2.0
At the end of the 19th century, the second industrial revolution commenced: Industry 2.0. Industry 2.0 has been highly characteristic of today’s manufacturing industry. During this period, electricity, assembly lines and conveyor belts were first utilized. This led to the transformation of large-scale production into mass production, resulting in a more streamlined production process and a faster production line. Productivity soared significantly!
Industry 3.0
Between 1970 and 2000, the third industrial revolution took place. Industry 3.0 is also known as the digital revolution due to the rise of computer usage and IT technology. Developing and deploying robotics and automated systems in the industry accelerated production processes once again and further automated them. Productivity increased yet again due to Industry 3.0.
Industry 4.0
Even now, the world continues to evolve regarding industrial developments. Industry 4.0 is a leading force in the manufacturing industry and goes beyond mere digitization. The meaning of Industry 4.0 can be described as the connection and communication between different systems and machines. This enables smart factories to operate faster, more efficiently, and (largely) in an automated manner. Industry 4.0 involves various emerging technologies that promote this revolution, such as the Internet of Things, AI, big data, and Cloud Computing. Thanks to all these technologies, it’s possible to further automate, digitize and optimize production processes. This is essential in our modern economy, which increasingly demands a flexible and responsive production environment. Globally, we are moving towards smart industry, where smart solutions and technology form the basis for production lines in the manufacturing industry. Industry 4.0 technology truly takes a significant step forward!
The technology pillars of the fourth industry
The digital world moves incredibly fast. To keep in mind which developments truly belong to the essence of Industry 4.0, you can consider four technology pillars. These Industry 4.0 pillars encompass the various technologies supporting the current revolution.
Industry 4.0 Pillar 1: Connecting / System integration
Industry 4.0 can only be implemented when there’s a complete focus on connection. All digital systems developed during Industry 3.0 are interconnected during Industry 4.0. For instance, the order system has a direct connection with inventory management and the distribution centre. This integration is also known as system integration. Industry 4.0 achieves this system integration using technological advancements like the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing, connecting all data and systems online.
Industry 4.0 Pillar 2: Communication
If connected systems and machines lack mutual communication, the Industry 4.0 process will still face hindrances. Only when systems can communicate with each other the production process can be further optimized. Similar to system integration, the application of the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing is crucial here as well.
Industry 4.0 Pillar 3: Continuous improvement
Industry 4.0 technology becomes valuable when data can be collected to continuously improve the production process. AI and Big Data gather this data from the communication of integrated systems and display an automatic learning curve that demonstrates how production processes can be improved. This rapid learning from AI and Big Data is a significant part of smart industry and contributes to a shift from necessary repairs to preventive maintenance.
Industry 4.0 Pillar 4: Control
Collecting all data online demands extra robust online security: cybersecurity. A well-secured Cloud, proper application of AI and taking cybersecurity seriously are considered essential parts of Industry 4.0. Regularly check if all connections and collected data are still secure against potential hackers.
The benefits of Industry 4.0
The benefits of Industry 4.0 are endless. In the long term, you will benefit from lower costs due to automation and increased efficiency in the production process. Higher quality, improved safety and greater flexibility are also advantages of Industry 4.0. As an organization, thanks to Industry 4.0, you gain more insight into production processes and quickly experience all the benefits of the more efficient production you can achieve. Looking towards the future, Industry 4.0 can also have benefits regarding sustainability. For example, reduce the factory’s ecological footprint using technologies in energy and sustainability. Who would not want their company known as environmentally conscious and sustainable?
Various examples of Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing industry can manifest in various ways. Examples of Industry 4.0 include implementing Augmented Reality in Industry 4.0. Organizations can assist their staff in solving problems that arise suddenly in the production process. Providing the right operator software is also a fundamental part of Industry 4.0 that not everyone immediately considers. Operators will always be necessary, even after digitization and automation. By offering operators the correct software and knowledge, work can be done more efficiently and safely during and after the fourth industrial revolution. For instance, let them use digital checklists with visual steps to support the correct execution of a maintenance task. By providing everything digitally, via tablets, the right information is always at hand, operators can work quickly and safely and deviations or good performances can be perfectly traced during audits. EZ-GO is specifically designed for operators, allowing them to keep pace with the rapidly developing technologies of Industry 4.0 through the online platform.