You have certainly heard the term somewhere. Just check out technology-focused news to realize that trends and information related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (or Industry 4.0) are on the rise.
But do you know what this concept means and how it impacts your business?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution began in Germany in the early 2000s. This moment highlights, in particular, a general change in the way companies work, combining processes, machinery, and management systems—all leveraging the internet and web-based solutions.
Unlike other revolutions in the sector, when manufacturing gave way to machinery to increase production, here the main shift is the use of technology in processes. More than just a machine to streamline the routine, the highlights are now solutions, studies, and projects linked to the fields of science and technology.
The potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
In Germany alone, according to the Boston Consulting Group, the changes brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to have a major impact on the economy:
- The increase in manufacturing productivity could reach between €90 billion and €150 billion, depending on the industrial sector.
- Revenue growth of €30 billion per year, equivalent to 1% of the country’s GDP.
- Greater need for skilled labor. German industrial growth will create around 390,000 jobs over the next 10 years, mainly in the mechanical engineering, software development, and IT sectors.
- Investments of approximately €250 billion over the next 10 years to adapt production processes.
In this context, it is important to consider how your company is preparing to remain competitive in a market that increasingly invests in technology. Below, you can check out some issues that are also present in Brazilian industries across various operational segments.
New technologies in practice
Check out two highly relevant technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how to use them in your business:
Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things (IoT) refers precisely to what the name suggests: the use of web connectivity applied to various equipment for data collection.
An example of this would be a sensor integrated into machinery that indicates the degree of production effectiveness. Or a system that records structural and equipment downtime, besides reporting its performance, vulnerability, and potential maintenance needs.
Especially in large companies, the data collected through IoT provides a real and reliable overview of the production process. They are a great ally, for example, in improving the production flow and even in structurally redesigning the workspace, products, and machinery.
At Teclógica, this technology is present in IT infrastructure processes. Through them, companies from different fields apply integrated systems that operate from the shop floor to the highest management levels.
To develop a project, our teams perform a deep analysis of the client’s working methods. Technology combined with an understanding of business realities enables the implementation of improvements with short-, medium-, and long-term results.
Cloud Computing
The concept of cloud computing is essentially foregoing heavy investments in IT infrastructure and hosting your information in the cloud. It can be accessed via the web, from any location or device—even mobile ones—using a login and password.
In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this is perhaps the first and most fundamental functionality for process transformation. Those who invest in cloud computing have the ability to better control information without having to concentrate maintenance, storage, and system control services within their own operations.
With the help of qualified partners, it is possible to ensure the operation of the IT environment with information integration, ease of access, security, and availability. Global brands, such as Google, for example, offer cloud hosting services through partnerships with technology companies.
Benefits provided by Industry 4.0
Operational optimization
Fewer people will work in operational areas, and those connected to the sector will experience a better quality of life. More efficient machinery and control systems will support the routine.
Companies will benefit from an effective workflow and more qualified teams. They will focus on strategic processes, leaving the operational side to the machines.
Efficiency indicators
Technology applied to production processes enables company management to rely on data that will be essential for implementing metrics.
Production efficiency rates, safety indices, cost per specific task, among others, will aid in decision-making to improve operations.
A change ranging from culture to processes
More than just a new management system, Industry 4.0 triggers a true revolution in the modus operandi of companies. It impacts people’s culture, work processes, and even strategic vision.
Teams begin to understand that qualification is a differentiator for their growth in the job market and that efficiency is more closely tied to strategies than to operational production volume.
Compliance
Technology is a strong ally in ensuring that all company processes comply with standards—in other words, practicing compliance. To achieve this, it is necessary to rely on up-to-date and reliable information, which integrated management systems guarantee businesses.
When technology is applied correctly, management has an effective tool at hand to modify non-compliant work formats, bringing higher quality to processes and ensuring effective performance.
Want to know how technology can bring more productivity and security to your company? Discover our solutions!
Written by: Aloisio Arbegaus — Commercial Director at Teclógica
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