With the new advances in technology, businesses need to adapt to them and to a new way of working in order not to become obsolete. It is for this reason that the industry has transformed and produced incredible changes through digital transformation. What we now call: Industry 4.0.
When we talk about Industry 4.0, we’re talking about a revolution. Why? Because that’s what happens when digital tools and different economic actors come together to form new markets in various industries.
Today, this term is part of the major global trends in digitization, and several countries have policies that encourage the development of industries aligned with this new paradigm.
It’s already a proven reality that digitization facilitates the integration of processes across the entire value chain. This is why it becomes crucial to implement it in all companies, especially if they want to remain competitive and meet customer demands.
Often, getting started with these processes is the most complicated part. We don’t have a clear understanding of where we should be heading, and this confusion leads us to frustration and to leaving behind vital advancements for our organization.
Having a professional to assist us at this stage can make the difference between a successful decision or not. One of the most reliable options is Houston CPA, a global network of committed CPAs and accountants that focuses on providing customer service strategies and resolving industry challenges.
Why it’s called Industry 4.0
That’s what this system aims for, to make a company as intelligent as possible through automation, to achieve faster and more efficient results, all while improving manufacturing quality.
Industry 4.0 is responsible for digitizing everything related to industry and any type of service within a company. In this way, you won’t only have a physical company, but also a virtual, intelligent, and fully automated one.
To make this concept a bit easier to understand, Industry 4.0 uses the best of IoT (Internet of Things) technology to streamline company processes and adapt to market requirements, achieving positive results quickly and entirely remotely.
Industry 4.0 digitally combines various disciplines, ensuring customer satisfaction and personalized services. One of the goals of this revolution is the integration of digital technologies that enable the creation of unprecedented markets and interaction among economic actors.
The pace at which it evolves is rapid and often exceeds the inherent capacity we humans have to assimilate all these changes in a relatively short period.
This is why it’s important to know firsthand what the main characteristics of this new industry are:
Industrial Automation
Consumers are becoming increasingly demanding. Immediacy is the order of the day and this directly affects the time between placing an order and reaching its destination. How can we be more efficient within this new demand cycle? Through industrial automation, which simplifies processes, enhances efficiency, improves product quality, and speeds up delivery times.
Mobility Systems
Prioritizing alternatives to existing traditional mobility systems is essential. Pollution is a real issue that affects not only people’s quality of life but also the environment. These problems, often resulting from the unconscious actions of industries, require urgent actions from organizations and local governments.
Data Analytics
Another feature of Industry 4.0 is the increasing handling of larger data volumes. This requires intelligent and responsible management by companies. Achieving this contributes to further optimizing this new industrial era. This is what we call Big Data.
Energy Efficiency
It’s part of one of the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations. Improving energy efficiency involves changes in the production system of each company, enables optimization in the use of key resources, and implies taking a step further in terms of sustainability through the use of green technologies such as wind power and reduction in waste emissions.
Aging Workforce
Population aging is becoming more visible. This directly affects the development of tasks that require certain skills, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find in this professional segment.
Pillars of Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 consists of nine pillars that make its construction and evolution possible. These are:
Big Data Big
Data allows for safeguarding, analyzing, and managing enormous amounts of information in real-time, to save energy, achieve higher performance, and promote process productivity.
Robotics
The advantage of robotics is that, in addition to process automation, there is significant productivity growth in the company, all without the need for human monitoring of the processes.
Simulation
Simulation is an essential element because it is used to analyze all kinds of data in real time and use the information needed at the right time.
Vertical and Horizontal Integration Systems
Industry 4.0 facilitates both internal and external access to workers who are part of the industry in automation systems.
Internet of Things (IoT)
In Industry 4.0, IoT intervenes in the ability to network various devices regardless of their location, enabling more centralized communication.
Cybersecurity
It’s a necessary pillar to protect company information and processes, preventing the possibility of threats or failures that could disrupt production.
Cloud Computing
With cloud and merged computing, the use of applications, information distribution, and reduction of costs and time are facilitated, increasing production efficiency.
Additive Manufacturing
Better known as 3D printers, they are extremely useful for creating complex plans and drawings, among other elements.
Augmented Reality
Industry 4.0 is also functional in the digitization of information from various applications, also utilizing augmented reality.
As mentioned before, being part of the Industry 4.0 era is essential if we want our company to be competitive and endure over time.
In this regard, working closely with a consultancy that advises companies on how to structure this strategy will be crucial for its success. Some of them, like Evans Sternau, offer comprehensive services that allow you to take the next step with confidence and with the least possible risks.
