You might have heard the term Industry 4.0 before. But what does it mean, and what implications does it have for your business?
Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth significant industrial revolution. The first industrial revolution resulted in dramatic changes to human life and commerce, and resulted from mechanizing steam and water power. The second industrial revolution refers to the use of assembly lines and electricity in manufacturing. After that, the invention of the internet ushered in Industry 3.0.
Which brings us to Industry 4.0 in 2019. Now, computers can be enhanced by machine learning and autonomous systems.
While still in its infancy, Industry 4.0 predicts that the leap forward will eventually change how humans work and what they can create.
Industry 4.0 Applications for Your Business
So, how can your business harness the benefits of Industry 4.0?
According to Automation World, you may have already adopted some of the technological advances of Industry 4.0.
IoT: The Internet of Things allows physical machines, devices, and assembly lines to use the internet to provide real-time information on the manufacturing or warehousing process. Since the physical components of the IoT can provide ongoing information and provide insights about how to do business more efficiently, it’s considered a key part of IoT.
Smart Warehouses: Another collection of smart machines, smart warehouses combine many elements of Industry 4.0, including IoT, real-time automated reporting, and automated production insights. Business owners who have implemented smart warehouses can improve their bottom line and run more efficiently, saving extra costs.
Autonomous Machines: One of the biggest breakthroughs in warehousing has been autonomous machines. These machines pick products, load them into themselves, and drive them to a loading dock. Doing so improves accuracy and removes much of the need for human intervention. As robotics continues to evolve, they’ll become more sophisticated — and likely to eliminate the need for human labor.
The Bottom Line
Some people criticize 4.0, stating that it’s removing humans from the workforce at an alarming rate. Others praise Industry 4.0 for its increased efficiency and improved returns.
Regardless of where you stand, it can be difficult to stay on top of new technological advances. As they happen at an alarming rate, each new invention or improvement has the potential to change the face of your business.
If you need help finding or implementing the right solutions for your business, reach out to a trusted information technology service provider.
Vodigy Software is a trusted custom software provider to the St. Paul and Minneapolis area. We specialize in providing expert guidance and assistance to businesses. If you need help integrating software with your business, contact us today!
