The industrial world is facing rapidly changing challenges.

Our
resources are finite, and we all need to do more with less.
Digitalization and automation are the game changers to meet these
challenges on the way to Industry 4.0. It is essential to collect,
understand and use the massive amount of data created in the
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The Digital Enterprise is doing
exactly this by combining the real and the digital worlds. As a result,
the infinite amount of data allows us to use our finite resources
efficiently and with that make the industry more sustainable.
“The industrial wearables market is projected to grow from $1.1
billion in 2019 to $8.6 billion by 2024.” –

AI Driven Intelligence For Digital Transformation

Displaying IIoT data alongside data from the connected worker

gives it deep context. Harnessing the power
of MākuSmart artificial intelligence and machine learning
analytics allows for insights never before possible. Correlations
and emerging trends, leading indicator data and KPI’s from people
and facilities create opportunities for competitive advantage. Talk
with us about the potential to use data to transform safety
programs and productivity.
It is no secret that digital transformation is revolutionizing many
industries, including manufacturing. The excitement surrounding the
digitizing of manufacturing is that old workforce management
processes can now be made more transparent with data and that
data can guide practically every decision, large or small.

In Industry 4.0, the prescribed data guidance happens through a

variety of advanced technologies, the Industrial Internet of Things
(IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML); and
augmented reality (AR) are just a few — all of which work together
to deliver a smart factory. These technologies also positively impact
one of every factory’s most vital assets: its employees. Through
rugged and mobile devices on the plant floor,
workers can access insights from various technologies, illuminating
the results.

Here’s what Industry 4.0 can do for your talent:

What is Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is a broad term used to describe modern development
of manufacturing processes through technology. These changes and
developments work to build smoother manufacturing processes than
ever before.

Improved Efficiency
Industry 4.0’s digitization of processes can improve workforce
management procedures. Workers on the plant floor who can access
their company’s ERP and EAM software on rugged mobile devices
need not waste time trekking to a desktop computer to schedule
manufacturing tasks or request time off.
Pen-and-paper solutions can also get misplaced or damaged on the
plant floor. Industry 4.0 helps bring the work to the employees
instead of the employees to work. This can significantly improve
efficiency and uptime. Easy scheduling of tasks and insight into
order and workflow management through on-floor access to your
ERP makes employees invested in your processes and outcomes.
Improved Productivity
Transparency is another one of the many benefits of Industry 4.0.
Entire companies can use that transparency to facilitate easier data
access, improving productivity. It also helps that today’s workers are
already familiar with mobile devices for personal use, so adoption at
work is extremely manageable for a large amount of Industry 4.0
solutions.

Greater Access to Experts On-Site

Industry 4.0 AI and ML can help with predictive maintenance,
reducing the amount of downtime on the plant floor. But when
machines do fail or look suspicious, you might need to rely on
expertise from original equipment manufacturers or even in-house
personnel. Unfortunately, frequently relying on experts can
negatively impact the bottom line.

Augmented reality (AR) functionality on mobile devices cuts down

travel time and makes wiser use of expertise. AR imposes a digital
layer of a part over an actual scenario. Through shared video calls
and AR on the tablet on the plant floor, the expert and machine
operator can communicate counsel and troubleshoot live as the
asset is in operation.

Such AR solutions are beneficial when a bank of experts has to

service multiple locations in multiple geographies. Instead of
traveling to each location and increasing downtime, AR solutions can
efficiently facilitate remote dial-ins and expertise sharing. While AR
technology is still in the early stages of development within Industry
4.0, the manufacturing industry, especially the automotive sector, is
already taking it for a test drive. Grand View Research predicts the
global market for AR across all market segments will grow at an
astounding 74.9% compound annual rate to reach USD 100.2 billion
by 2024.
More Efficient Training
Imagine reading a paper manual offsite and then figuring out how to
work a machine on the plant floor. While shadowing current workers
helps new employees ramp up to work, the process is inefficient,
with many stops and starts. Safety regulations in manufacturing also
mandate that employees pass through various mandatory training
protocols before operating related equipment.

With Industry 4.0 interactive digital AR manuals loaded on mobile

tablets next to each machine can do the task more efficiently. The
worker can pull up the appropriate documentation and run through
the training program at the station. Live AR views can give a much
better visual representation of troubleshooting and workforce
management operating procedures.

Facilitate Quality Control and Inspection

With Industry 4.0 systems, workers can train ML algorithms to spot
defects in finished products. Such anomaly detection programs use
mobile devices on the plant floor to identify where errors have
occurred. In this way, employees can catch problems early before
they snowball into more significant headaches. Digitized processes
built for Industry 4.0 also enable workers to record information
related to the problem. They can document the instance with
pictures, making for a more thorough assessment of the situation.
Saving reports digitally this way is also helpful to address additional
issues on workforce management and facilities.
Help Workers Share Knowledge
Too often, manufacturing companies have “machine whisperers”.
These are experienced workers who can listen to the sound of a
machine or even smell it to detect that something is wrong. They
understand when and how to work with a device they have worked
with for decades. Such worker expertise is invaluable. However,
both discrete and process manufacturers risk losing that expertise
when the employee retires or leaves the company. Industry 4.0 uses
quantifiable and measurable data from machines to make data-
based decisions. The data is also centrally stored and accessed. This
means all workers, no matter how experienced, can access a single
source of truth.

Industry 4.0 enables the collection of essential machine data

through IIoT, enabling analysis through ML programs. Workers can
get notified in case of problems through wearables or their mobile
devices on the plant floor. Data is a vital currency in manufacturing.
Making it readily available to all is one of the many advantages that
Industry 4.0 confers.

Making the most efficient use of in-house talent is always vital in

manufacturing. This is especially so in countries that are registering
a shortage of labor to fill industry jobs. A 2018 Deloitte report, for
example, found that 2.4 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in
the United States by 2028. While such shortages are not universal, it
is worth noting that worker productivity and satisfaction are tied to
higher-order skills, the kind that smart manufacturing delivers.
Much is riding on the promise of Industry 4.0. The digital
transformation that accompanies it can make workforce
management much more efficient. It can also make for productive
manufacturing companies of all sizes.

Getac’s rugged tablets and laptops are designed to meet the

processing demands of Industry 4.0 while staying fully mobile and
tough enough to handle extreme environments. Explore
Getac rugged solutions

What is the connected worker?

The Connected Worker embraces changes, solves problems, and improves
continuously by engaging the full potential of the connection to the Digital Twins.
AVEVA’s solutions addresses the needs and expectations of the human behind
the working asset when learning, preparing and executing work. AVEVA provides
the connected worker with seamless collaboration, access to timely information,
and enhanced visualization and insights.
Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth phase in the Industrial Revolution that
focuses on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time
data.

Intelligent networking of machines and processes for the industry with the
help of information and communication technology is changing how
manufacturers do business. Simply said, it is the digital
transformation of manufacturing. It gives you access to the real-time
data and insights you need to make smarter, faster decisions about your
business, which can ultimately boost the efficiency and profitability of
your entire operation.

What are examples of Industry 4.0 technologies?

Examples of Industry 4.0 related technologies that are becoming more

prominent on factory floors include:

 The Internet of Things (IoT)

 The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
 Smart Manufacturing
 Connected Manufacturing
 Smart Factories
 Cloud Computing
 Cognitive Computing
 Artificial Intelligence
 Cyber-physical Systems (CPS)
Businesses and supply chains already use some of these advanced
technologies, but the full potential of Industry 4.0 comes to life when used
together.

The Evolution of Industry from 1.0 to 4.0

To understand the impact of the concept of Industry 4.0 on manufacturing
processes, it’s important to understand the evolution of the industry from
1.0 to 4.0.
Industries Affected by Industry 4.0
All manufacturers, suppliers, and other parties in the supply chain have
been affected by Industry 4.0. It has opened up new possibilities and
opportunities for custom manufacturers to create, design, and
manufacture custom products while maintaining efficiency and
profitability.

How is Industry 4.0 used in manufacturing?

Supply chain management
Smart manufacturing operates on Internet-connected machinery to
monitor the production process. It identifies opportunities for automating
operations and uses data analytics to improve manufacturing
performance.

Preventive Maintenance
Industry 4.0 solutions and a connected factory floor can forecast
downtime in machinery before it occurs. In addition, industry 4.0 systems
detect problems before they arise and can provide insight on how to solve
issues before they become a problem.

Tracking and Optimization

Industry 4.0 technology makes it easier for businesses to track inventory,
quality, and optimization opportunities related to logistics. Connected
manufacturing and the IoT provide employees with an overview and
visibility over company assets worldwide. As a result, adjustments can be
streamlined and managed centrally and in real-time.

What are the benefits of Industry 4.0?

The benefits of Industry 4.0 include improved productivity and efficiency,
better flexibility and agility, and increased profitability. Some key benefits
of Industry 4.0 companies experiencing are:

 Improved Productivity and Efficiency: Businesses are making data-

driven decisions across their operations, improving forecast accuracy,
supporting on-time delivery, and building profit-optimized plans.
 Flexibility and Agility: It’s easier to scale production up or down in a
Smart Factory as well as introducing new products to the production
line.
 Better Customer Experience: The customer experience will enhance
with automated track and trace capabilities.
 Innovation opportunities: Better knowledge of the manufacturing
process leads to opportunities to innovate.
 Green and Sustainable Solutions: Less resources, material, and
product waste will both lead to an increased probability and a more
sustainable solution.

How can Industry 4.0 benefit from an ERP system?

Using Industry 4.0 technologies in ERP systems will allow organizations to
gain better visibility into manufacturing processes and supply chain
activities. They can optimize their logistics operations, improve inventory
tracking, and efficiently manage their workforce with automated resource
planning.

Conclusion
The main objectives of Industry 4.0 are to make manufacturing and
related industries faster, more efficient, and more customer-centric while
using automation and optimization to detect new business opportunities
and models.

An Industry 4.0-ready ERP platform like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply

Chain Management will help you benefit your supply chain by improving
planning and processes to reduce waste, move more efficiently and
improve margins. Manufacturers can integrate any manufacturing
execution system (MES) in real-time and leverage AI and machine learning
to develop competitive advantages.