The industrial sector is constantly evolving thanks to the arrival of different technologies and the development of digital solutions that make the traditional factory a smart factory . But what are these concepts about?
What is Industry 4.0?
The introduction of digital technologies in the industry homeowner database has led us to Industry 4.0, in which they allow devices and systems to collaborate with each other and with third parties, allowing products, processes and business models to be modified with the aim of automating industrial processes.
Industry 4.0 allows for the interconnection of technologies to optimize a company's business processes. But it not only seeks to connect machines and systems to make decisions much more quickly and effectively, but also to connect people.
According to a Gartner report, digital convergence between industrial and business components and between internal business models and processes is essential. The international consultancy highlights, among other things, the combination of data from external and internal sources to improve decision-making ; the development of digital skills to better integrate resources within the organization, including security, cybersecurity and risk control; understanding and comprehending how Industry 4.0 technologies can affect localized manufacturing; and finally, simultaneous work on the development of smart products and manufacturing processes.
Today, factories have gone a step further and are in Industry 5.0 , which is characterized by collaboration between humans and machines based on artificial intelligence (AI), allowing machines to adapt to the needs of workers and learn from the functions performed by humans, to provide them with greater efficiency and safety.
What are smart factories and how do they work?
The use of technology in industry is not something new and we might think that there were already smart factories, but when we talk about smart factories we are referring to those that are highly digitalized and whose machines and technologies are connected to each other to improve production and plant times.
Thanks to the incorporation of disruptive technologies such as IoT, big data, digital twins or virtual reality in production processes, it is possible to minimize manufacturing times, analyze a huge amount of data in real time and reduce production costs. All this translates into more versatile, efficient and autonomous manufacturing .
The main characteristics of smart factories are autonomy, visibility and connectivity. By using modern technologies, smart systems can learn and adapt in real time to the latest market trends to be constantly updated, making today's factories much more flexible than those of the past.
What is the structure of a smart factory?
Although the structure of a smart factory will depend on the characteristics, sector and activity of each company, there are a series of steps that all companies should follow when starting their digital factory.
Data collection: Modern database-centric technologies store information generated by machines based on their performance, logistics, operating methods or market trends.
Data analysis: Once the data has been collected, it moves to the second level where it is analysed to detect machine failures or correct problems in production or logistics processes. Data analysis enables companies to optimise their performance and detect improvements in favour of the digital factory.
Automation of smart factories: finally, and based on this data, new action strategies are modified or established to configure the factory and to be able to make the most of the data obtained in the first phase.
What benefits will I get from becoming a smart factory?
This type of smart factory brings with it a series of benefits such as:
Task automation thanks to AI learning.
Optimization of resources.
Speed and flexibility in the face of unforeseen events.
Greater communication between departments.
Increased process speed, productivity and efficiency.
Reduced downtime and cost savings.
Join the digital transformation
Discover the latest trends in the industrial revolution and the benefits of implementing industrial software solutions for your company. Take control of all business processes, from optimal supply chain management to attracting and retaining professionals.
More information
New ways of working in smart factories
Data, automation and Artificial Intelligence enable new levels of efficiency. Therefore, knowing how to take full advantage of the potential of AI and IoT represents a strategic advantage and a way to strengthen a factory's competitive position in the global market. The development and implementation of these new digital solutions have led to the creation of new jobs:
3D Product Designers: IoT data makes it possible to perform 3D digital simulations that allow designers to effectively model the real world and spend more time innovating.
Frontline workers: With IoT-connected augmented reality devices like Microsoft HoloLens, workers are able to work and learn in a realistic 3D environment, guiding them through certain repairs or plant operations, helping them to be more productive in less time and improving their safety and the quality of their work.
Plant workers: Augmented reality, smart apps and cobots are increasing efficiency. In addition, the ability to perform tasks remotely translates into improved safety, especially in potentially hazardous environments such as mines or chemical plants.
Field Service: IoT data enables field workers to identify when to perform repairs and maintenance before problems occur, as well as truly understand what is happening and take action to fix it.
As you can see, thanks to modern manufacturing , employees can work faster and concentrate better on the task at hand, while the company ensures that proper quality processes have been followed.
Technology is therefore not an enemy that threatens to take away jobs, but rather, if applied correctly, it can bring numerous benefits to organisations.
Digital transition: the step towards becoming a smart factory
There is no doubt that we are in a new process of change in which more is less . More technology will mean less time, less waste and, above all, less expenses, that is, what we at ARBENTIA have long called digital transformation. A phenomenon that is necessary for the integration of ICTs in companies, promoting their continued growth.
This phenomenon, so widespread in recent years, is necessary for the integration of ICTs in companies , promoting their continuous growth since the objectives of digital transformation are modified and advance as the priorities of companies and their smart factories evolve to seek the highest performance.