The first industrial revolution saw the advent of mechanization and steam and water to power technology. The second industrial revolution concerned mass production and electricity-powered assembly lines. The third industrial revolution saw a wave of electronics, IT systems and automation, which gave rise to the cyber-physical fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0.
INDUSTRY 4.0 IN GENERAL
Industry 4.0 describes the growing trend towards automation and data exchange in technology and processes within the manufacturing industry.
This includes:
- The internet of things (IoT)
- The industrial internet of things (IIoT)
- Cyber-physical systems (CPS)
- Smart manufacturing
- Smart factories
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Cloud computing
- Cognitive computing
- Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
These are automated processes that create a manufacturing system whereby machines can be augmented with wireless connectivity and sensors that monitor and visualize the entire production process and make autonomous decisions.
5G COMES INTO PLAY
Full rollout of 5G will greatly advance wireless connectivity and machine augmentation, providing faster response times for near real-time communications between systems.
A TIME FOR TWINNING
Digital twinning is also part of Industry 4.0. This technology can create virtual clones of real-world installations, processes and applications. These can be vigorously tested to make cost-effective decentralized decisions.
The virtual clones can then be made in the real world and linked, using IoT, helping to create cyber-physical systems that communicate and cooperate with each other and human staff. This leads to joined-up, real-time data exchange and automation for manufacturing.
AUTOMATION FOR INTERCONNECTIVITY
This automation encompasses interconnectivity between processes, information transparency and technical assistance for decentralized decision-making.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
Simply, this process should permit digital transformation, allowing for automated and autonomous manufacturing, including joined-up systems that cooperate with one another. The technology can solve problems and track processes while increasing productivity.
EVEN TALK OF INDUSTRY 5.0
There is already talk of Industry 5.0, involving robots and smart machines to help people work better and smarter.
Esben Østergaard, Universal Robots’ co-founder and CTO, says: “Industry 5.0 will make the factory a place where creative people can work to create a more personalized and human experience for workers and their customers.”
The European Economic Social Committee adds: “The proliferation of robotic automation is inevitable.”
HOW WE CAN HELP
There is no escaping the pace of technology and its evolution. With a deep knowledge of processes, experts in many disciplines and laboratory testing capabilities, coupled with a history spanning 150 years and over 25 years of sustainability experience, we understand each sector’s pain points and ensure realistic transformation.
As an industry leader, we can help your:
- Growth
- Productivity
- Digitization
- Sustainability
- Cybersecurity and information security risk management
Whatever your maturity level, industry focus or need, our comprehensive consulting, training, transformation and support services can help you to adopt our engaging methodology for a visible and lasting impact.
FOCUS SMART PRODUCTIVITY
Our new Focus Smart Productivity solution allows you to digitize all processes, focusing on business enhancement and involving all staff while building on SGS Productivity’s continuous improvement methodology.
Key focal points:
- Full staff involvement
- Information integration and access
- Enhancing and refining processes
- Strategy deployment
Organizations must digitize and adopt the right technologies to be more competitive. With experience of more than 2,000 continuous improvement projects and the latest technology, Focus Smart Productivity can support your digital transformation.
A single piece of software, Focus Smart Productivity connects people, data and actions in real-time.
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
