Round Table Manufacturing 4.0: Are you ready for the fourth industrial revolution?
On hearing terms such as ‘Round Table’ and ‘Chemelot’, you might begin to think of mediaeval times. However, during this event on July 13, we looked at the future. The world of Industry is preparing for its fourth major revolution: Industry 4.0. After water and steam power, electricity and IT, technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, blockchain, Smart Energy Management, robotics and Cloud Computing are introducing a new paradigm shift. Manufacturing industries are getting ready for a positive change, focusing on optimising efficiencies throughout the chain – from commodities to end users – with respect for humans, animals and the environment. In three hours’ time, 35 participants were fully updated and do know now exactly which steps to take.
More and more manufacturing companies and chemical firms are embracing the concept of utilising Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing technologies, such as Industrial Internet of Things and big data analytics. A logical development: these innovations are key to becoming the most sustainable and competitive materials and chemicals companies in Western-Europa.
Possibilities offered by Industry 4.0
At the Round Table hosted by Sitech and CGI participants could discover the possibilities offered by Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing.
- Paul Cobben (KPN) and Hans van Veen (CGI) provided a stimulating introduction to Industry 4.0 /Smart Manufacturing. Both speakers have worked as ‘smart industry’ ambassadors. Our guests were introduced to current key trends, partially based on CGI’s Global 1000 and the global MES Product Survey. Industry 4.0 can be disruptive and offer a wealth of new opportunities, but there are challenges, too. Reason enough to place his topic high on the management agenda.
- Geerten Peek’s (CGI) presentation zoomed in on Smart Energy Management. He outlined a formidable challenge to our world in general and industry in particular: the energy transition. Peek guided through the world of smart factories, smart buildings and smart grids and shared insights into reducing energy consumption though implementing best practices (and saving up to 25% on your energy expenditure!).
- One of the most noteworthy Industry 4.0 topics is predictive maintenance: the precise predicting of asset behaviour. Richard Schouten (Sitech) discussed developments in the field of Asset Health at Sitech. Research indicated it is possible to save up to 40% on maintenance costs and increase the efficiency of factories and installations: thanks to The Internet of Things and predictive scenarios provided by big data analytics, maintenance only needs to be carried out when genuinely necessary.
- When introducing Internet of Things into production environments, a well-thought approach to cybersecurity is essential. John Verberkmoes (CGI) explained how IoT may be safely introduced into industrial environments.
One of the participants told us: ‘Human risk factor needs to be given more attention. Your resilience against cybercrime may be well organized but the behaviour of people is the weakest link.’
Explore subjects further
The event offered even more inspiration: in small groups speakers and participants discovered which industry-based Enterprise initiatives might help the business become more competitive and sustainable. Subjects discussed throughout the day were explored further.
Mr Richard Schouten, Sitech services, hosted one of the smaller discussion groups.
Feedback of one of the participants: ‘There is so much to learn from each other. We should organise these discussions more often and – honestly spoken – take more time for it.’
Whitepaper Industry 4.0
Following the Round Table, the participants received a copy of the whitepaper speaker Van Veen has authored about Industry 4.0 and the related digital transformation. If you would like to receive a copy, please send an email to marion.de.regt@cgi.com.
10 takeaways from attendees
- Business partners and collaborating companies need to support clients by working closely together as an ecosystem and sharing the necessary knowledge.
- To foster cooperation and collaboration, companies must meet a number of standard requirements (such as ISO 9001 certification), but there must also be plenty of room for creativity.
- Harnessing the power of data is key, but so is the need to clearly define the objective of sharing and collecting data in the context of energy savings and a circular economy.
- Cybersecurity needs to be part of the C-level agenda as it is becoming a growing challenge in an increasingly digital world.
- It is important to pay attention to the cultural differences between factory automation (OT) and office automation (IT).
- The ability to access the right information at the right time offers a world of opportunity in the field of energy saving.
- Embracing a culture of change is critical. While some people are already change agents, the big challenge is getting everyone (managers, employees) involved.
- To make a compelling case for the transformation, the timeframe for the return on investment must be clearly defined.
- Increasingly, for many companies, sustainability (cradle to cradle, circular economy) is an important business driver.
- Machines are progressively being enhanced with sensors and a connection to the Internet. This is driving the creation of new smart products and services in the manufacturing industry.
