It seems that all of the popular prognosticators of the business press are foretelling a future of limitless potential and boundless upward trajectories, as far as Industry 4.0 is concerned.
Industry 4.0, which needs no explanation, but here goes anyway, refers to the coming of a mass exchange of data and automation that spreads across the industrial production economy like an enormous weather system packed with cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing and cognitive computing. Essentially its about digitally connecting machines and systems and even parts so large quantities of data can be analyzed and current status is more readily available. It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that Industry 4.0 is an epic revolution in manufacturing equivalent to the invention of the assembly line.
But like any new revolutionary technology onset, Industry 4.0 has its share of detractors too. As Edgar Allen Poe once said, “There are two sides to every situation.” Let’s consider the potential roadblocks.
The Challenges
- Talent—It’s always the toughest nut to crack in manufacturing. It’s hard enough to find people in any circumstances but even harder to find new people with the necessary digital skills to run new systems and adapt them to future technologies.
- Disparate Systems—The ability of smart systems to communicate across factories and with suppliers and customers that have different systems also emerged as a concern. It would help if companies would use one industry standardized interface for all their customers and suppliers.
- Security—There are big issues of cybersecurity. A June 2016 report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP found that 73% of engineers surveyed believed investing in smart factories increased the risk of security breaches – that’s hackers accessing IT systems through an Internet of Things (IoT) asset. Only 48% felt their companies had the IT system to counter a hack, but 35% said they would be okay with a few breaches, as long as IT upgrades were available.
- Capital Investments—Upgrading factory systems to handle Industry 4.0 requires a lot of investment which could be seen as a potential roadblock for widespread acceptance.
- Change—Like any major changes in a given workplace environment, a significant portion of the shop floor will be resistant to change of any kind. Something this big requires all levels of management to buy-in to the change and be evangelical leaders in embracing the change. George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is not possible without change.”
In order for a business to compete, they will need to adopt and openly accept Industry 4.0. All of the above challenges will have to be addressed and dealt with. Don’t wait. Get out and see what’s available.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”—Lao Tzu