Smart Industry 2019: Hype or Reality?

The term Industry 4.0 seemed to come out of the blue in 2014. This was when the German government introduced their vision for the future of production at Hannover Messe. ‘Smart Industry’ is a term that means the same, but suits the industrial landscape better in the UK and Ireland. Everything is now connected to each other in the industrial sector, which has resulted in the ‘Industrial Internet of Things’ (IIoT). 

What is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?

In IIoT, machines or parts of machines use sensors to collect data that they exchange with each other via networks. This is closely linked to another development: Big Data. We have access to a huge amount of data through sensors and connections. This is interesting but it can also be an overkill of information. So how can you use this information in practice?

Example

Imagine a machine that instantly produces a soft drink that the person standing before the machines likes. This automated ‘customisation’ production happens more often than you might think. For example, you can create your ideal car in just a few clicks on a car manufacturer’s website.

Machine Configuration

What does Smart Industry look like in practice? Making mass customisation possible through intelligent, connected machines. For example, you can order semi-finished products that are produced completely automatically and can be delivered just in time the next day from some steel companies. So, Smart Industry isn’t a dream but a reality.

Smart Industry goes beyond the type of machines we produce. It also changes the way we do it, because these intelligent machines are often more custom-made than standard. It doesn’t make sense commercially to design from scratch for every machine.

This requires a new direction in your work process. Why do machine manufacturers not allow their customers to configure their machines online to their own requirements? Smart machine manufacturers can initiate engineering, 3D design, purchasing, logistics and production automatically with just a few clicks.

You must respond to this development if you want to be future-proof. Machine configuration also offers you numerous opportunities, including a completely new way of providing your services.

Innovative Services and Business Models

Accessibility and service are becoming more important. Data plays a key role in these. For example, components can show when they need to be replaced, making predictive maintenance possible.

Smart Industry opens the door to a completely new business model, in which accessibility is the leading factor rather than the machine or system. Think of baggage transport system where you charge per suitcase rather than per machine.

This requires you to be flexible when you react to all customer requirements and that you work at least as ‘smart’ as the customer does. Such innovative business models are gaining more and more momentum. Those who make sure they are ready for Smart Industry will soon have the competitive edge.

Do you have questions about Smart Industry? Would you like to know how EPLAN can help you to make Smart Industry tangible? Don’t worry! We’re holding a webinar on 22nd March 2019 where we will answer all of your questions!