9 technological pillars of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Some of these advanced technologies are already being adopted by businesses and supply chains, but the full potential of Industry 4.0 is only realized when they are used in combination with each other.

1. Big Data Analytics

Big data is a term that refers to huge, diverse and complex data sets generated from many different sources, affecting strategic decision making of businesses.

In Industry 4.0, big data is collected from a variety of sources, including factory equipment and IoT devices; enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems; and weather and traffic applications.

Meanwhile, big data analytics is the process of analyzing large data sets, providing information about customer preferences, algorithms about correlation, trends, and other information. The analysis of this big data source can be used in many different areas, such as error prediction to minimize the probability of errors and big data-based forecasting algorithms to minimize damages before they occur.

2. Horizontal and vertical system integration

In Industry 4.0, system integration is an important aspect to achieve optimal production efficiency. Horizontal integration is the process of connecting systems and devices at the same functional level within a factory or between different factories. In other words, it focuses on connecting peer systems so that they can communicate and exchange data with each other seamlessly.

Vertical Integration is the process of connecting systems and functions at different levels within a business. In other words, it focuses on connecting systems vertically, from product design, manufacturing, quality control, sales and customer service.

Horizontal and vertical system integration are two complementary strategies that help businesses in the Industry 4.0 sector achieve optimal production efficiency, improve flexibility and competitiveness.

3. Cloud computing

Cloud Computing is considered the “key” to successfully implementing Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. Today, cloud technology not only brings advantages in speed, scalability, storage and cost savings, but also plays a role in the foundation for the most advanced technologies, from AI and Machine Learning to IoT, helping businesses innovate.

4. Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality is defined as an interactive technology that allows the virtual world to blend with the user, while the virtual world is used as part of the real environment. This technology enhances human-machine interaction, remote control of maintenance tasks, and visual inspection.

In Industry 4.0, AR technology allows employees to use smart glasses or mobile devices to visualize real-time IoT data, digitized parts, repair instructions or equipment assembly, etc.

Although still young in the 4.0 industrial revolution, AR has demonstrated great potential in improving efficiency and quality of work.

5. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) plays a central role in Industry 4.0. Most physical objects in Industry 4.0, including equipment, robots, machines, devices, and products, are equipped with sensors and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to provide real-time data about their condition, performance, or location.

This technology enables businesses to operate supply chains more efficiently, design and modify products more quickly, prevent equipment downtime, track customer trends, track products and inventory, and much more.

6. Autonomous Robots

Along with Industry 4.0 comes a new generation of autonomous robots. Autonomous robots, programmed to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, range in size and functionality from small, professional drones that scan inventory to giant mobile robots that operate in smart factories.

These robots, equipped with advanced software, artificial intelligence, sensors and computer vision, are capable of performing difficult and delicate tasks, as well as recognizing, analyzing and acting on information they receive from their surroundings.

7. Cyber ​​Security

Cybersecurity is another important issue that can have a major impact on the business environment due to the malicious intent of cybercriminal organizations. Therefore, preventive solutions and defense systems are needed to counter the negative impacts of cybercriminal organizations.

As you embark on the digital transformation to Industry 4.0, it is critical to consider a cybersecurity strategy that encompasses both IT and field equipment.

8. Simulation/Digital Twin Tools

Simulation is becoming an indispensable tool in optimizing manufacturing processes and promoting sustainable development. By creating a virtual copy of a manufacturing system, it allows managers and engineers to simulate, analyze, and predict the performance of the system before actual deployment. This helps reduce risks, save time and costs, and increase the flexibility and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

9. Edge computing

To meet the demands of fast and flexible manufacturing, data analysis at the source, i.e. at the endpoint, is becoming increasingly important. Instead of uploading all data to the cloud for processing, modern manufacturing systems have integrated data analysis capabilities right at the sensors and control devices. This significantly reduces the time lag between data collection and decision making, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing process.

In addition to speeding up data processing, analyzing data at the endpoint also helps improve security. By minimizing the amount of data transmitted, businesses can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect sensitive information.