Industry 4.0
No doubt you are familiar with the saying “Stagnation is decline. If there is anything that does not stand still, it is technological development, and related industrial development. We are currently at the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution, also known as “SMART Industry,” or “Industry 4.0,” as it is called in Germany.
The classic value strategies Product Leadership, Operational Excellence and Customer Intimacy merge into one common value strategy. Product Life Cycles are becoming shorter and shorter, and products are becoming more customer-specific. Companies will need to design their product development, manufacturing and service processes accordingly. The SMART Industry Framework below was developed by SMART Industry Network (smartindustrynetwork.co.uk). Our Smart Industry master class also discusses this framework and how you can make SMART industry concrete and operational within your organization.
We will briefly explain the elements in the SMART Industry framework:
1. Co-Creation / SMART Product Development:
In the development process of new products, the design process and manufacturing process will take place in parallel rather than sequentially. The digital design of a new product will develop simultaneously with the production of the physical product. Co-creation, through partnerships, will also become increasingly important.
2. Prosumer/Mass Customization:
Consumers are turning into “Prosumers. By linking the Internet and production in SMART Factories, the Prosumer can directly influence the production process. Orders from Prosumers are incorporated directly into the design process and production planning.
3. Internet of Things / Digital Factory:
Machines, goods and parts communicate among themselves about scheduling, processing and raw materials needed. The exponential development of “Big Data” generates such a vast amount of operational information that is beyond human comprehension. Attention is therefore shifting to Data analytics, including algorithms that allow machines to make autonomous decisions.
4. Cyber Physical Systems / Factory Flexibility:
The factory of the future consists of intelligent self-learning robots. These so-called “Cyber Physical Systems” are Lego bricks that all fit together and communicate with each other. Machines are themselves “customers” and call in raw materials and maintenance as needed. The factory of the future offers maximum flexibility. Each product is uniquely identified, making it clear at each processing site which operation the product must undergo. Different types of products are on the same production line and may undergo different operations.
5. Operational Excellence / Variation reduction:
Organizations will need to perform at the highest level of Operational Excellence and continuously improve processes. Applying Lean, data analytics and Six Sigma help reduce variation and increase process capability and predictable maintenance. This helps prevent unplanned downtime and zero defects.
6. Enterprise Agility / Competent Workforce:
To remain successful in the future, the speed with which the organization can adapt plays a crucial role. Organizations need to become more Agile. Adaptability depends not only on technological innovation, but more importantly on the adaptability of employees. To keep up with the pace of change, employees will need to constantly evolve.
7. ECO production / Made different:
Sustainable production within SMART Industry means that products in the production process, use and in the waste phase do not harm the environment. In both the design phase and in production, elements such as CO2 neutral and 100% reusability must be taken into account. The application of new technologies such as 3D printers, as well as new raw materials and materials such as Nano technology, offer new opportunities.
SMART Industry offers many opportunities for Dutch companies. The Netherlands is innovative, has a high-quality industry and has a unique position in Europe when it comes to logistics. This puts the Netherlands in a good position to lead the way in the new Industrial Revolution SMART Industry.
Interested?
Symbol organizes interesting Smart Industry master classes especially for those who are involved in product development, engineering or manufacturing and want to know what SMART Industry can mean for their organization. Check here for information and the next start date!
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