What is Industry 4.0?

After the first industrial revolution, which discovered the use of steam power for machines, by applying electricity to mass production in the second industrial revolution, the fourth industrial revolution continued what began with the third revolution with computers, IT and automation: Industry 4.0 now complements computer systems with: artificial Intelligence it refers to the intelligent interconnection of industrial machinery and processes through information and communication technology. The need to accelerate business decision-making and adaptation is the main economic lever of Industry 4.0. This applies both to efficiency improvement processes in development, production, service, marketing and distribution, as well as to the targeting of entire business areas or adjustments to the business model.

Benefits and conditions for SMEs:

This development is driven by ever-increasing customer requirements, in particular in terms of individualisation, service quality and speed of reaction. For example, in production, Industry 4.0 allows not only the decentralised control of individual parts and microseries (‘lot 1’), but also the documentation and control of resource use, i.e. materials and energy used for each piece of work.

Industry 4.0 is thus based on the following basic principles:

1. Interoperability: Machines, devices, sensors can interact with each other and also communicate with people.
2. Transparency. With the help of sensors, digital copies of real-life objects are created, enabling them to investigate what happens to the physical object using appropriate digital models. In this respect, all information on all processes is also available in digital form.
3. Decision Support: Based on the data collected and processed, systems can support people to make decisions. Automation will be as complete as possible and useful.

A corresponding study on shaping the digital transformation in companies, to which Professor Antonio Krüger, CEO and scientific director of the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) GmbH, has contributed significantly, includes: Industry 4.0 Maturity Index good Guideline available to initiate and implement the necessary digital transformation process.

The digitisation and implementation of Industry 4.0 is also financially feasible for SMEs, such as Professor Antonio Krüger, CEO and scientific director of the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) GmbH in a Interview declare that: “The good news for every medium-sized trader who discovers its own digitalisation gaps is that the cost of retrofitting, i.e. digital processing of existing facilities, has fallen sharply, making it possible to finance catching-up needs. But more importantly, the news is that participation in Industry 4.0 does not require new greenfield construction.”

Possible scope for SMEs:

There are tailor-made ways for businesses to implement and use Industry 4.0. For example, by digitally connecting the different suppliers throughout the supply chain, the different production steps can be better coordinated, the utilisation of machinery can be more accurately planned, and Overall production more flexible and responsive to needs be designed. Algorithms calculate ideal delivery routes, machines report independently when they need new material – smart connectivity allows for sustainable flow of goods. Consumers and producers will also come closer together to: customer-centric solutions and products to create: Customers can co-design products themselves according to their wishes, e.g. elements can be designed on gym shoes themselves or shoes can be adapted to their individual foot shape. Under Industry 4.0: Production roads modular set up so that you can quickly adapt to different tasks. Productivity and economic efficiency are improved and individualised products can also be produced in small numbers at affordable prices.

Industry 4.0 is by no means applicable only in the context of production. Relevant success stories can also be found in the areas of: Logistics, consultancy, crafts, education and training, etc.

We are here for you!

If you are also interested in the digital transformation of your company and are interested in entering Industry 4.0 for your company, we, EDIH Saarland, are at your disposal at any time. On our portal, we offer you: extensive services (such as individual Feasibility Studies, Business Process Evaluations, but also prototyping). Please do not hesitate to contact us via: info@edih-saarland.de, under +49 (0) 681 85787 – 300 or via the button below, and still today agree on a free speaking time, to: Answers to your questions on the topic of digitalisation and Industry 4.0.