Industry 4.0 is particularly exciting within the manufacturing industry. It brings together Big Data, 3D printing, Industrial Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Smart Factory, BIM and more, into a single concept. This offers an impressive amount of potential for manufacturing operations of all shapes and sizes.

Industry 4.0’s basic principal is that interconnected machines and systems will form an intelligent network spanning the entire value chain. Below are several examples of applying these principles across the manufacturing value chain. Each element of this process can enjoy the benefits that Industry 4.0 offers.

Design Engineering

One of the most important elements of the manufacturing value chain rests in research and development. Design engineers can take full advantage of the catalog of information and related data available to them.

During their preliminary product research, this data can reveal a more specific scope of a product’s potential. And it can help designers to focus on efficiency throughout the production process for a better overall product, which will reduce the amount of time it takes to get to market.

Planning & Logistics

From an operational standpoint, the overall function of the middle stage in the value chain will also benefit from Industry 4.0. These technologies offer insight within the nuts-and-bolts of a production process. This data can come together to help manufacturers identify bottlenecks or pain points. From there, they can integrate new and improved solutions to keep their operations well-supported for efficient production and realistic growth.

Predictive Maintenance & Service

Typically, problems within the manufacturing process are addressed reactively – or as they occur. While routine maintenance is a part of the process, Industry 4.0 makes this even easier. Ongoing data reporting can indicate failure rates and notify technicians on where they should prioritize preventative maintenance. This type of predictive reporting ensures fewer interruptions and delays in production.

Business Expansion

When a business focuses on expansion into greater operational capacity or a broader scope of products, data collected through Industry 4.0 serves as an invaluable asset. As the physical-digital-physical cycle presses onward, better or newer products and services can be identified from the data. And this information will give a manufacturing firm more relevant insight on how to remain competitive in their specific market.

Connecting to Customers

Beyond the process itself, Industry 4.0 products and services can also facilitate a better connection with customers. This type of customer information can yield a robust set of data that can be used for learning more about customers’ needs, wants, and preferences. And this can allow a manufacturer to produce more marketable products that better address these consumer needs.

Industry 4.0: Making Manufacturing Even Better

As you can see, Industry 4.0 provides manufacturers with a paradigm shift in how their businesses operate. As technology continues to push forward, the integration between physical manufacturing and smart digital technology is poised for even more transformative growth. Industry 4.0 will continue to promote the increased computerization and integration of industrial systems.

A CMMS like Eagle’s Proteus MMX can be an integral component to take full advantage of this new dynamic. Eagle Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of CMMS and EAM solutions for manufacturing facilities worldwide. Proteus MMX provides the backbone for a digital factory to connect devices to keep factories operating in top condition.

We hope that you found this article useful. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact one of our team members. Call us at +1 (262) 241-3845 or 1-800-388-3268 (Toll Free US and Canada) or email us at sales@eaglecmms.com.