Find out what the term Industry 4.0 means, where it originated from, and the opportunities and challenges that could be faced by Manufacturers, in the dawning of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

1. Industry 4.0 FAQs for
Manufacturers

2. Industry 4.0 (sometimes referred to as the fourth industrial
revolution) is the move towards digitisation of the manufacturing
sector. Manufacturing technologies such as The Internet of Things
(IoT), cyber-physical systems, big data, advanced analytics,
human-machine interfaces, cloud computing, all communicate
with each other in real-time to form the fourth industrial
revolution.
What is Industry 4.0?
The data produced from such automated systems can be
exchanged easily and quickly acted upon. Many of these
technologies are already present in businesses, but in the coming
years will become more relevant.
1.

3. The term Industrie 4.0 was first used in March
2012 as a reference in a ‘future project’ listed
within the High-Tech Strategy 2020 Action Plan,
which was approved by the German
government. To remain at the forefront of this
technological race, the German government is
reportedly investing approximately €200 million
(£140 million) in Industry 4.0 research involving
academia, businesses and government.
Where did it
originate
from?
The rest of the world are now taking note such
as the US, who has formed a Smart
Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC),
comprising of manufacturers, suppliers,
technology firms, and government - with the
objective of advancing the thinking behind
Industry 4.0.
2.

4. It’s been evolving for some time now. You
can’t buy it, download it or subscribe to it.
When businesses start to connect existing
processes together, install digital
equipment and generate big data analytics
to improve data efficiency, then Industry
4.0 will be in full swing.
When does it start?3.

5. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is enabled
by technologies such as the Internet of
Things (IoT), big data and connectivity. The
connectivity of equipment, people,
processes and supply chains all make up
the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry
4.0.
The emergence of this new era of
embedded technology means that
information on how these things are
integrated together is available at your
fingertips.
Where does
the Internet of
Things fit in?
4.

6. The concept of each is very similar, such as connecting ‘things’ together so they can talk
to each other and the internet, without much need for human interaction. Although one
of the key differences is that the IoT is mostly focused on connecting everyday consumer
objects together such as the Fitbit fitness tracker and smart devices such as the Nest
Thermostat, both have numerous sensors which measure data, allow for home
automation and connect to the internet remotely. Industry 4.0 is more focused on
manufacturing processes and integrating IoT technologies to help create smart,
connected factories.

7. 5. What does it mean for
manufacturers?
The way products and services are consumed is
changing so much, as demands for customised
goods is ever increasing. Manufacturers have to
respond quickly to these changing market
conditions and in the most efficient way. Having a
smart, connected factory will be an enabler of this.

8. So with all the Industry 4.0 craze,
manufacturers will be wondering what
it will mean for their businesses. None
will want to be left behind, so to stay
ahead of the game some
manufacturers will change their
processes and equipment, and adapt
new strategies and business models to
embrace Industry 4.0.
Adopting key Industry 4.0 technologies
as soon as possible to become the
leading force in your industry will help
your business react quickly to market
changes, respond to current and new
competitors, and inevitably future
proof manufacturing operations, drive
sustainable growth and innovation.

9. What are the opportunities
for manufacturers?
6.
Being at the forefront of Industry 4.0 and taking advantage of technology will allow
manufacturers, big or small to achieve business outcomes that weren’t possible 10 years
ago, such as improving cost-effectiveness and product quality.
IoT enabled technologies will give manufacturers the chance to have full visibility of
operations and allow them to be responsive to information about raw materials,
inventory, quality, waste, output and customer demands, ensuring that opportunities for
improvement are highlighted and action is taken, saving money, time and improving
customer satisfaction and supplier relations.

10. Access to this meaningful
data means a better view of
operations, allowing for
better analytics and real-time
responsive decision making
to drive continuous
improvement and
operational excellence.
As digitalisation takes hold,
businesses should also be on
the lookout for a new pool of
talent, including highly skilled
digital experts to analyse the
data from the technology.
Industry 4.0 is predicted to
add trillions of pounds to the
global economy, so should
not be not be dismissed as
an industry fad.
‘A new pool of digital talent will
be required to analyse
the vast amounts of data
generated’

11. The workforce dynamics will change as employees
adapt to new technologies and processes.
Engineers are the facilitators, and management will
need to know what information is needed to be
collected to make the factory operate more
effectively. IoT is about integration and making
things talk which largely doesn’t happen
automatically, people are the key to making it
happen!
What challenges could
manufacturers face?
7.

12. Business Models will have to become more streamlined to cope
with new technologies and process, and as products evolve into
service revenue streams, production lines will be adapted to
make to order and engineer to order requirements. This will
also open up gaps in the market for new business opportunities.
Setting out an Industry 4.0 road map will help look at the
current status of the business and help map out where the
business wants to be in the future. Having a structured strategy
in place is key to the success of implementing Industry 4.0, but
remember to keep it simple.

13. Security is clearly a key concern, as we
live and work in a highly integrated
environment where machines talk to
one another. Protecting systems and
data against cyberattacks will certainly
be high priority for many manufacturers.
IoT may be seen as a disruptive
technology to many, but the
opportunities far out way the challenges.
Those who gain real benefits from it will
be those who see the possibilities, the
gains and make it happen for them,
instead of those who see the difficulties,
the pain, the problems and just letting it
happen.

14. Join our upcoming Webinar ‘An
introduction to Industry 4.0 and how it
could impact Your Manufacturing
Business’ on Weds 17th Aug at 3.00pm to
find out…
▪ The ins and outs of Industry 4.0, IoT and
Connected Manufacturing
▪ What impact they could have on your
manufacturing business
▪ The use of IoT enabled technology systems to
reach Industry 4.0 status
Want to learn more
about Industry 4.0?

15. Manufacturing Improvement Solutions
enquiries@cimlogic.co.uk
01274 599 955
@Cimlogic Cimlogic Cimlogic
If you’d like to discuss Industry 4.0 and our IoT enabled technology
systems further please call +44(0)1274 599955 or email
enquiries@cimlogic.co.uk