Digitization has found its way into daily life and has heralded a new era in manufacturing. It has created opportunities for improved efficiency, higher revenues and increased innovation.
Often referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or “Industry 4.0,” this shift is transforming U.S. manufacturing by allowing manufacturers to design, model and validate products in a virtual world.
Nine technology trends form the building blocks of Industry 4.0. They include:
BENEFITS OF INDUSTRY 4.0
Industry 4.0 has the power to positively impact manufacturers by:
- Enhancing computational power and connectivity
- Promoting human-machine interaction
- Focusing on analytics and intelligence
- Encouraging advanced production methods
LISTEN TO YOUR BUSINESS
It is easy to become overwhelmed when considering adopting new technologies. The first step to implementing technology is to understand the voices of both the business and the customer to identify how the organization could benefit from innovations. Proper prioritization using a needs-based assessment can result in an adoption that is both strategically sound and capable of generating savings to support further investments going forward.
BEGIN THE PROCESS WITH A TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT
Drawing from knowledge and experience with the many disciplines of Industry 4.0, The Center’s experts help manufacturers understand how technology could aid in their business growth and assist with implementation. Using our Technology Opportunity Assessment, we work with you in a hands-on, personalized capacity to enable your company to identify technologies that will provide maximum improvements and return on investment.
The Center’s two-hour Technology Opportunity Assessment involves answering 40 quantitative and qualitative questions. Questions are related to the Voice of Business/Voice of Customer, Systems such as documented processes or standard work procedures, and Technology including any existing applications of automation in your facility. Using data and information provided by your company, The Center assigns rankings to each response according to how strong your current practices are for each category, effectively highlighting the main opportunities for improvement.
Based on the findings from the questionnaire and observations made during the assessment, we generate a summary report outlining opportunities for business improvement and increased efficiency. The Center is then able to create a unique and personalized plan for technology implementation within your facility. Suggestions are based on identified opportunities for improvement and areas that could most benefit from technology adoption, complete with projected returns on investment.
With expertise in project management, The Center can help establish an adoption strategy, scope the project, align suppliers with vetted resources and manage implementations to ensure business and customer needs are met.
SEE INDUSTRY 4.0 IN ACTION AT THE CENTER
To demonstrate some of the applications, The Center has implemented various Industry 4.0 technologies to create our "Real Factory 4.0". This technology-driven environment provides clients with the opportunity to not only observe and learn about technology, but to gain a truly hands-on experience with it as well. This simulated factory involves examples of sensors and IIoT, data and analysis, assistive reality, cobotics, 3D design, simulation and additive manufacturing, all in a cyber-secure environment.
VIEW OUR REAL FACTORY 4.0 HERE.
DOWNLOAD ‘INDUSTRY 4.0 AT THE CENTER’ PRESENTATION HERE
RECENT INDUSTRY 4.0 ARTICLES
How AI and Machine Learning are Changing the Game for Small Business Cybersecurity Programs (10/7/2024)
Leveraging Lean Methodologies to Define Objectives and Scope for AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance (9/23/2024)
Why AI? Application & Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Quality (9/9/2024)
Benefits of AR/VR For Employee Training & Development (8/26/2024)
Connecting the Factory to the Field: A Big Data and Six Sigma Case Study (8/12/2024)
Can Artificial Intelligence Help Lead People? (7/22/2024)
Be Clear About What You Plan to Solve With Automation (7/8/2024)
Overcoming Workforce Challenges in Manufacturing (6/24/2024)
Streamlining Manufacturing Jobs and Operations with Automation (5/28/2024)
Revolutionizing Efficiency: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management (3/25/2024)
Does Additive Equal Innovation for your Company? (2/26/2024)
The Future of Manufacturing in Michigan (1/29/2024)
Food Manufacturing with an Industry 4.0 Twist (12/21/2023)
How Can AI Help My Company? (8/11/2023)
Information Systems 101 (7/7/2023)
Attracting a Younger Workforce with Industry 4.0 (6/23/2023)
A Look Inside the Smart Manufacturing Zone (5/12/2023)
Can You Find the Gaps in Your Operating System? (4/14/2023)
Custom Designs With 3D Printing (3/24/2023)
Is Your Business at Risk? (2/23/2023)
Your New Coworker: The Collaborative Robot (1/27/2023)
To learn more about how The Center can assist in your technological implementations, contact us at inquiry@the-center.org or 888.414.6682.