In more specific terms, we are speaking of Industry 4.0. A range of future-state technologies emerging today that includes advanced robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) amongst other innovations. While visualizing all of this technology under one roof is difficult, it is the goal for manufacturers to incorporate these advances into their operations.
Outside of “cool” technology, what makes Industry 4.0 so earth shattering? The primary factor to consider, is that it’s truly transformational — much like the concept of assembly lines and mass production were in the second industrial revolution. However, this next phase of industrialization takes it a step further.
Rise of Connected Manufacturing
For the first time in history, humanity has human-machine interfaces backed by rich data that drives artificial intelligence and machine learning. The outcome? The ability for a “smarter” factory that can continually becoming leaner. While these facilities are still operated by humans, the depth of data available assists them in making intelligent, real-time decisions, removing archaic formulas or, in some cases, educated guessing.
This revolution has also brought about the innovation known as the Internet of Things (IoT), which allows devices to be seamlessly connected, resulting in easy transfer of data from one machine to another. Through this connectivity, manufacturers can gain a greater understanding of how the same or similar equipment is being used in other environments. This intelligent data can also be used to better manage and optimize their own performance.
Another key advantage of Industry 4.0 is the creation of interconnected supply chains. What differentiates this “revolution” from its predecessors, is the ability to react on a moment’s notice to changing conditions whether geopolitical, meteorological, market demands or new regulations. The linchpin to this method is visibility into the manufacturing process and connectivity back to the end manufacturer or customer.
This advantage extends even further to benefit advanced manufacturing execution systems (MES) with integrated sequencing capabilities. With the existence of interconnected supply chains, advanced MES sequencing systems can receive orders and changes seamlessly when required. This provides suppliers the flexibility to accommodate real-time scheduling and delivery adjustments. Plus, they have the ability to collect manufacturing data per component, to adjust control requirements in an instant, and set conditional needs based on historical trends.
Future of Industry 4.0
What we think will be the manufacturing environment of the future is actually the manufacturing environment of the present. Industry 4.0 is happening right now. It is not so much about the brick and mortar, tools, conveyors, equipment and delivery trucks, but it’s about the intelligence behind these that keep the integrated technology-centered workforce operating in flexible, but predictable situations. These “smart factories” are more intelligent, efficient and cost effective than ever before.
Industry 4.0 is still continuing to evolve and progress. It’s about adoption and adaptation of new technologies. It’s also about preparing a workforce for these changes by expanding skills and talent. And it’s about optimizing data for leaner operations and continuous improvement in manufacturing.
About Insequence Corporation
Insequence is a leading provider of sequencing and manufacturing software solutions. Easily tailored to individual facilities, their software’s modular design can fulfill requirements no matter the size or complexity of the system. This results in a standard sequencing system, SPD Pro that is more complete and capable than any other solution. In addition to just-in-sequence (JIS), Insequence provides MES, Inventory Management, and SCADA solutions.
With experience throughout the Americans and Europe, plus over 20 standard automotive OEM interfaces and 24 x 7 x 365 customer support, Insequence is at the forefront of supply chain software solution providers. As a result, they still work with their original customer from 1996.
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