The Evolution
Industry 4.0 is shaping the future of the Manufacturing Industry. The idea of manufacturing has evolved over the last couple of years. Earlier, the Manufacturing industry had 2 sides, one was the technical side consisting of making of products and the second was the non-technical side consisting of sales, design, after sales, etc. With the onset of Industry 4.0 revolution, both the sides of manufacturing have converged into a single aspect using digitization. Globally, each organization has become heavily dependent on Digital Transformation to yield better customer experience, real-time product quality & quantity monitoring, improving product efficiency & metrics tracking.
The need for innovative manufacturing strategies has bombarded the various aspects of using technology for manufacturing. In recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic has created waves of disruption across the Manufacturing and Supply Chain industry, stressing on the importance of digitization even more. The digitization that the pandemic period has brought about is making the industry more independent, customer focused and experience centric. The need for sustainability, standardization and integration within an organization cannot be stressed upon enough.
Unlocking the secrets and implementing the power of Industry 4.0 has become the Mantra for success within the Manufacturing Industry. The influence that the Manufacturing Industry has over the environment has also been a critical factor in shaping the future of the Industry. With such drastic changes, drastic measures are to be brought about. The influence of traditional manufacturing techniques has worn out, the industries still following the traditional methods have gradually waned. If you haven’t considered the digitization or adoption of Industry 4.0 techniques to implement within your Manufacturing Organization, this is the time to do so, to empower your Organization.
Key Technology Trends Influencing the Future of Manufacturing
Predictive Maintenance
The process of predictive maintenance refers to analyzing and computing the machine, the system and workflow functionality through the use of Artificial Intelligence embedded with Machine Learning algorithms. It is used to predict future disruptions, discrepancies and any other obstacles coming through the workflow.
It is necessary to implement these techniques to understand the working, manage and plan the disruptions without affecting the workflow. Most organizations have started implementing predictive techniques to mitigate the risk associated with the workflow and processes within an organization. There are several techniques like Alert Noise reduction and implementation, Log and Data analytics, Incident rooms and Asset & Log Intelligence.
Cloud & Edge Computing
The access to 5G internet connectivity has rendered many organizations to be independent. Cloud computing has brought about a revolution in access to real-time data across organizations irrespective of the geographical location. The combination of Cloud & Edge computing has brought a vast difference in the collection and analytics of real-time data. With access to real-time data, it has become easier for organization to plan, implement and execute strategies with any slightest change in actual data from the expected data.
Edge & Cloud computing has brought about immense standardization and integration not only across the organization but also cross functionally among various aspects of the organization.
Automation
The role of man in an organizational establishment has come to now be the role of a machine. The dependency on manual labor has drastically reduced. Most process flows within the organization are now automated and the chance for human error has also greatly come down. There are various intersections in an automated workflow that improve cross functional integration and standardization within the organization.
Integrating data across various sects of the organization collected at the edge, not only improves the accuracy of real-time data but also improves decision-making and collaboration across the organization.
Metaverse
Virtual reality is now being used everywhere. It has now crept even into Organizational management and implementation. In everyday language, Metaverse is the use of 3D virtual interconnectivity to establish a social network. In the manufacturing industry Metaverse has a great role. Metaverse uses Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR & VR), by enabling Data Visualizations & Service Integrations to create a brand awareness and presence and enhance production systems.
Metaverse offers several services like Projection into the Metaverse, enabling presence in the Virtual World with Digital Twins and Virtual Projections that has the capability of catapulting an organization into the depths of any enhanced customer experience. Metaverse is now the future of technology and has the capability to make or break an organization.
Industry Internet of Things (IIoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) has had its share of popularity in the market, the trend is now shifting to Industry Internet of Things (IIoT). The Industry Internet of Things connects various devices with connectivity to the Internet to get real-time data and has the capability to track machinery functionality, reduce machinery downtime, predict disruptions and optimize functionality.
This has revolutionized and enhanced the entire manufacturing process and has been delivering the best User Experience and Satisfaction, which in turn can boost the organization’s sales. The use of smart products is all the rage now, the use of Industry Internet of Things has brought about the change of the type of manufactured products, not just the quality or quantity. There is a shift of products from the normal products with luxuries to manufacturing Smart Products that have the ability to connect to the Internet of Things.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain has a range of uses in the Manufacturing Industry. Real-time supply chain & sales data can be exchanged seamlessly across Organizational and Global boundaries. The implementation of Blockchain can increase the transparency across the organization right from sourcing materials to delivery of finished goods. Blockchain technology can handle various pain points in an organization like Asset tracking, Supply-chain monitoring, Materials counterfeit detection, Regulatory Compliance & Quality check.
Block chain delivers the following functionalities to the organization if implemented perfectly,
Development & Implementation of Functional Business requirements.
Integration and management of any third party applications or software.
Proactive monitoring of the implemented activities and overall efforts
Robotics
The use of Robots in Manufacturing Industry has streamlined the repetitive process that takes place during the workflow. The robots are used to eliminate manual labor in the factory setup, to avoid delays, disruptions and human error. They are also used to speed up the manufacturing process. The use of robots has resulted in quicker, accurate and efficient processes.
The use of Robots in such industrial processes is called Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Robotic Data Automation (RDA). Robotic Process Automation and Robotic Data Automation use Artificial Intelligence Operations (AIOps) to automate the solutions with predictive insights to yield maximum ROI with the same tools, easier Data Integrations, Seamless integrations & analytics, lower cost & higher accuracy.
The Future
Competition has never been higher in the manufacturing industry. The above technology trends have been driving innovation and marketing in today’s world. Digital Transformation has become a necessity, not a luxury anymore. To cope up with the latest technological advancements it’s necessary to have people on the team that can drive the transformation.
It is a Herculean task to find people with the required technological experience and awareness to be onboard. Organizations have now taken a turn towards short bursts of outcomes-focused engagements with Independent Industry Consultants having expertise in Digital Transformation. It's extremely crucial to find the right fit into the organization.
nicheBrains is a digital transformation consulting platform that uses Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning algorithms to curate and suggest experts in the field of consulting. Start your Digital Transformation journey with nicheBrains today, sign up here.