Industry 4.0 is a catchy name for next-level automation and data exchange for the manufacturing industry, leveraging technologies like cyber-physical systems, IoT, cloud and cognitive computing and AI to revolutionize manufacturing processes.
Hand in hand with Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing leverages the same technologies to connect machinery to the internet for increased automation and monitor the production process using data analytics to improve manufacturing performance
How have these technologies impacted manufacturing, you might ask? It seems the only thing they haven’t changed is the brick and mortar structure of the factory itself.
Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 have applied an unprecedented amount of intelligence on the factory floor by leveraging increased automation to reduce costs, improve quality and reliability, and diversify product production. Big data is used to collect information from sensors and equipment, catching defects, inefficiencies and any number of issues before they become issues at all. Factories equipped with the tools for self-optimization will automatically adapt and allow different equipment to work seamlessly to perform at the highest level of efficiency. Deployment of the IoT in manufacturing creates a symbiotic environment where people, systems and equipment communicate constantly to improve production, methods and quality.
Who is already using these methods? The creation of self-driving vehicles (SDVs) was made possible through the use of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. SDV’s move through the factory on the most efficient, automated routes, allowing technicians to safely focus on improving manufacturing processes and test and implement ground breaking elements like intuitive light signals, turning, stopping and parking – methods which are then shared immediately across the factory floor and between facilities, and allowing executives and engineers to see relevant data in real-time. Few doubt that SDVs are the future of transportation – and it tracks that they would employ the manufacturing processes of the future to create this product of the future.
Why Sangfor?
If you are interested in learning more about how smart infrastructure can provide speed, elasticity and security for the manufacturing industry, click HERE to register to join Sangfor experts on April 28th at 16:00 HK time in a discussion of major manufacturing IT pain points, and how you can use Sangfor HCIto stop them cold.
Sangfor Technologies is an APAC-based, global leading vendor of IT infrastructure solutions specializing in Network Security and Cloud Computing. Visit us at www.sangfor.com to learn more about Sangfor’s network security options, and let Sangfor make your IT simpler, more secure and more valuable.
