This solution focuses on the identification, definition, analysis and assessment of opportunities for the implementation of I4.0 technologies for process optimization, product design or development of new business models.
Within what has been called Industry 4.0 considers the application of a series of key technologies or enabling technologies from which significant transformations can be achieved in industrial plants and processes (IoT, machine learning, robotics, 3D printing, simulation, blockchain, simulation, etc). From them, the following can be conceived new ways of managing production plants in a more efficient way. The company will also improve worker safety and efficiency, optimize resources and reduce operating costs, and create new services and means of supervision and control associated with industrial facilities and processes.
In short, it will give rise to new paradigms centered on flexibility, modularity, decentralization and interoperability, which are the defining attributes of this new industrial ‘revolution’ that we are approaching.
In relation to its application by the industrial SMEsIn virtually all forums and reports on digitization and Industry 4.0, the idea is stressed of urgency and the need to address the path to Industry 4.0 and digital transformation in SMEs if they do not want to lose competitiveness and, above all, the opportunities for new business that these processes may entail.
The benefits and value generated by the implementation of these technologies can originate from different aspects depending on the application. There is therefore no single value but different ‘values’ that all contribute to the total benefit provided. Among these values, I would like to highlight several of them:
Thus, it is important to consider these potential advantages in a comprehensive manner, taking into account that in many cases they will be obtained from the combination of different technologies and new applications that will appear in the future based on the information gathered.
In any case, and even taking into account these possible benefits, a series of aspects will have to be considered in the analysis of the possibilities of a specific implementation, such as the following:
Managing all these variables can be complicated for an SME focused on its day-to-day business. Being aware of this, from ITAINNOVA we have developed an approach to support and accompany SMEs on the road to Industry 4.0 that aims to help the company to identify and prioritize projects for the implementation of these technologies.
The objective of this solution is to first identify improvement opportunities from the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies that have a direct impact on productivity, quality and efficiency of manufacturing or its control. In a second phase, the possible impacts will be specified and assessed so that the company can make informed decisions regarding their possible implementation.
The result will be a series of opportunity sheets that will define for each of them:
