Road Map for Industry 4.0
Adoption of Industry 4.0 offers extra ordinary possibilities in manufacturing. Drafting a blue print is first step, few guidelines are discussed here.
Industry 4.0 will require new business models to implement in Supply Chain Management. Innovation in improving operating processes will bring many benefits across each operation.
Following technologies must be adopting while upgrading to Industry 4.0
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Cloud Technology
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Internet of Things
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Big data & Analytics
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Robotics & Automation
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Blockchain
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Robotic Process Automation & Chatbot
Following points must be considered, while implementing Industry 4.0
1. Draw a Clear Vision for Industry 4.0
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What is present level of digital maturity, draw business priorities i.e., which operation areas to be targeted, what level of sophistication is expected in phases along with expenses budget.
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Write targets to be achieved with time plan & how achievements will be measured.
2. Build Team of Innovators
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Industry 4.0 will be achieved only by guidance of team of visionaries & innovators. This team will consist of experts from all business functions. This team will draw business challenges, complex problems; identify solutions & possible changes required in processes & technologies.
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Execution team will draw detail holistic plan for people, processes & technology adoption. The team will process changes required in Standard Operation Processes to match with technology requirements. The digital transformation will be monitored & configured based on implementation challenges.
3. Business Models
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Industry 4.0 is based on Innovation & Collaboration across the company and all partners, with common business goals. As at present most companies have independent functional goals, new business models design is must. This is a continuous long term process & is evolved based on digitization implementation.
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Synergy must be developed with customers, suppliers, all manufacturing operations & other stakeholders.
4. Start Small & Go Big
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Always start with one or two small projects to identify challenges, people & process issues, up-front investment requirement & learn lessons.
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Based on achievements, redesign future project to expedite project & reduce failures to achieve desired results.
5. Big data & Analytics
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During the process of development of Industry 4.0, solution will compile massive data; use this to draw digital strategy to use analytics & decision making algorithms. This will help in data integration & eliminate information silos. The seamless data exchange across all systems will help in better decision making.