Industry 4.0 is a theory by Klaus Schwab, a German engineer and economist, (Ref: https://www.weforum.org/about/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-by-klaus-schwab/) to bring to light the transformations arising from new technologies for automation and data exchange. The fourth industrial revolution is all about changing the way machines and humans communicate and use the available data to generate impactful information.
By connecting advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics, and Big Data with machines, systems and people, intelligent networks are created throughout the chain. This allows to potentially predict, adapt and to avoid failures to react quickly to emergencies.
According to World Economic Forum, 70% of the companies are still stuck in “pilot purgatory” levels. (Ref: https://initiatives.weforum.org/global-lighthouse-network/home)
A Lighthouse Network is a group of manufacturing sites that have shown the leadership how to adopt and integrate Industry 4.0 technologies. These sites are showing the world and setting examples on how digital tools can be used to achieve efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Lighthouse networks help other companies see the important benefits of digital transformation and help them in achieving better outcomes.
Companies trying to nominate to the lighthouse network facility must follow few specific steps in order to become a Lighthouse. The requirements include showing impactful transformation in operational models, usage of integrated technology at scale and adaptation of efficient processes with industrial internet of things (IIoT) and increased workforce engagement.
Steps to build a lighthouse network:
- Planning: Strategic planning and start by setting clear goals and identifying the key technologies needed for your Lighthouse Network. Before starting with the planning, companies have to define success metrics to measure progress. This visibility helps the team identify defect rates and other equipment performance metrics.
- Collaboration and partnerships: Efficient data collection is the most important aspect noted in Industry 4.0, enabling organizations to act on real-time insights and establish historical patterns. A company’s operational model has to rely on cross-functional teams. So, companies have to work with technology providers, industry experts and academic institutions to access the latest advancements and best practices, and adopt it to achieve the best results.
- Skill Development: Smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, robotics and automation, cybersecurity, augmented reality and virtual reality and supply chain management etc. are at the forefront of the rapidly changing technology. For today’s leaders, the result is in business transformation. So, investing in training your workforce to handle new technologies and processes is a must. Identify current and future skills that are needed, and gaps that occur. Based on this map, skills to work on tasks, and also create skills based roadmaps for development. These are all crucial for organizations aiming to successfully implement industry 4.0 initiatives. A well-trained team is essential for successful implementation.
- Continuous Improvement: This is the basic principle of industry 4.0 concept by regularly monitoring and evaluating the systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and adaptability in organizations. With data-driven insights, organizations can make informed decisions that improve longstanding enhancements and keep them prepared for emerging challenges and opportunities.
Building a lighthouse network is a strategic step that has to be taken by organisations to significantly enhance efficiency, productivity and innovation in manufacturing operations. With the help of integration and data-driven insights, companies can lead the way in digital transformation and become the number one in the industry.
CRG solutions can partner with you on building a lighthouse network and provide additional expertise and support throughout. Connect with us today!
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