5 tips before applying Industry 4.0 in your company

In this blog we propose 5 tips before applying Industry 4.0 in your company that we hope will be useful for you when implementing an Industry 4.0 project in a company.
Digitization and Industry 4.0 are a fact in the new manufacturing models. Implementing technologies related to Industry 4.0 in an organization is a key factor to increase competitiveness. However, entering the world of Industry 4.0 from scratch is not an easy task.

Know the technologies of Industry 4.0, digitization and its possibilities

Among the 5 tips before applying Industry 4.0, is to know the technologies that form it and that allow improving production processes. Through technologies such as computer vision, machine learning, augmented reality or robotics, tasks that until now had not been possible can be automated. These technologies also allow you to have more information about the process and, in this way, make better decisions and anticipate possible problems. As a result, a more efficient way of manufacturing is achieved by improving the production process and the working conditions of the people involved in it.
Digitization is part of Industry 4.0 and is related to the information and data that can be obtained from processes. For example, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables communication between systems and with the cloud. Therefore, digitization generates improvements in energy savings, cost savings and planning, among others.
These technologies evolve very fast, so being aware of these changes is important. In addition, these technologies are very transversal and can be applied in different ways and to a wide number of cases or applications.

Define possible action points and objectives

It is important to analyze where in the process it is possible to apply Industry 4.0. For this, as we have commented in the previous point, it is necessary to know the possibilities offered by these technologies.
In fact, it is necessary to identify what improvements these technologies can bring to the production process and establish objectives that allow these improvements to be quantified. Set parameters such as:

• Return of investment
• Cycle time improvement
• Reduction of rejections
• Quality costs
  Productivity
• OEE
• Competitiveness
• Differentiation

Finally, it will be necessary to establish a global strategy, introduce these changes in the general objectives and consider how they can contribute to the company as a differentiating point.

Initiate pilot projects related to Industry 4.0 technologies

Establishing a pilot project is a good start to apply Industry 4.0 and digitization. This pilot project should be small in scope, but should incorporate a start-to-finish strategy with clear objectives.
A pilot project can help establish a proof of concept that demonstrates the value these technologies bring. From the pilot projects you can learn to establish the necessary focus to complete the projects successfully.
These projects can be implemented both at the customer site and in a test environment (such as the ATRIA pilot space) to make changes and optimizations to the system more convenient.

Define the capabilities that the company needs to carry out an Industry 4.0 project

When introducing new technologies in the productive processes of a company, it is necessary to adapt to them and to new ways of working.
In the first place, it will be necessary to review and modify the IT infrastructure if necessary to be able to take on the new additions and be able to make use of all the data acquired. Likewise, it will be necessary to include the interactions between human and machine.
Workers in Industry 4.0 will have to adapt to the new way of working and the company must train staff appropriately to make the most of the available resources and all the advantages that Industry 4.0 offers.

Consult experts and specialized companies that can contribute their knowledge in Industry 4.0 throughout the entire process

In order to get the most out of the technologies and apply Industry 4.0, it is important to acquire knowledge at the internal level of the company, but it is also necessary to have experts to accompany you throughout the process.
Companies with experience in the implementation of Industry 4.0 projects can analyze the process to identify the points where it would be possible to apply these technologies. In the same way, they can design and implement these types of projects and act as a guide from start to finish. At ATRIA we can help you implement and develop the Industry 4.0 projects that you need in your factory with experience, confidence and specialized knowledge. In addition, we are enablers of Industry 4.0 recognized by the Government of Aragon.What do you think of the 5 tips before applying Industry 4.0? Do you want to apply it in any of your Projects? Contact us!