What is Industry 4.0 & How Could it Benefit Automotive OEMs?

For over 200 years, we’ve defined eras of technology advancement by which industry stage they fall under. The invention of things like the spinning jenny and power looms allowed for faster, more efficient production of materials during the Industrial Revolution, also called Industry 1.0.

The mainstream usage of electricity allowed for the development of mass production techniques not possible before the Second Industrial Revolution (Industry 2.0). With a final push from analogue to digital from the 1970s through to the 2010s, Industry 3.0 was complete, and Industry 4.0 was made way for.

In this blog, we’re going to explore what Industry 4.0 is, which technologies are driving it, and how these technologies can help automotive OEMs hit targets and support their growth into the future.

What is Industry 4.0?

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, broadly speaking, refers to the rapid advancement of technology in the 21^st century that is being adopted by governments and corporations alike.

Since the turn of the millennium, technology has advanced at a rate we haven’t seen since the Industrial Revolution, with the average smartphone outperforming a supercomputer from the 60s.

Although increased computing power is the most significant leap forward in technology, it’s not the only jump forward. This increase in computing power has allowed for technology such as 3D printing, industrial-scale cyber security, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) that allows for internet-connected devices and sensors to continuously monitor processes. These technologies ensure increased productivity, reduced downtime, and efficient processes.

What technologies drive Industry 4.0?

As previously mentioned, Industry 4.0 is driven by the rapid advancement of computing power, which could be seen as a less tangible advancement than the technologies that drove Industries 1.0 and 2.0.

AI & machine learning

Increased computing power has seen the rise of AI and machine learning, tools that have almost unlimited potential in industrial applications. Some of these benefits include more efficient operations, reduced costs, and improved customer experience, amongst many others.

Cloud computing

Where machine learning focuses on improving existing processes, cloud computing can improve a business’s bottom line by giving them access to powerful computing capabilities without needing to invest in expensive infrastructure.

Internet of Things

Internet of Things might sound like quite an abstract term, but it’s defined quite simply as everyday devices connected to the internet, allowing them to receive and send data. In the home, this could be something like a smart bulb. In industry, this could allow sensors, robots, or other machines to communicate with each other, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Big data & analytics

Thanks to other technologies like machine learning and cloud computing, big data has never been more important. Computers can crunch numbers like never before, identifying patterns so that machine learning or human intervention can work towards a solution.

Cybersecurity

An ever-increasing reliance on computers means it’s not just burglars you need to protect your business from. Industry 4.0 has also helped cybersecurity to make huge leaps forward, implementing all of the above to keep your digital infrastructure safe.

How Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing

One of the primary advantages of Industry 4.0 is the ability to quickly adjust based on market trends and customer needs; this process is referred to as agile manufacturing. This is made possible by constantly analysing the market and being able to quickly implement new manufacturing techniques through internet-connected manufacturing tools that are present in smart factories.

Like a smartphone or a smart home, a smart factory relies on devices within the factory being connected to the internet in order to collect data and communicate with each other. The benefits of this are numerous, including enhanced efficiency, predictive maintenance, and higher production output.

Industry 4.0 & Automotive OEMs

Now that you’ve heard all about Industry 4.0, you might be wondering how this applies to automotive OEMs.

The benefits of implanting Industry 4.0 techniques into a business are vast, and this extends to the automotive manufacturing industry. Here are just a few of the advantages that Industry 4.0 can bring to automotive OEMs.

Benefits for OEMs

The technological advancements of Industry 4.0 can greatly improve efficiency by using data to reduce downtime, optimise workflows, and speed up production cycles. Over time, this can reduce costs by a significant amount, allowing for higher revenue and the ability to invest further in different areas of the business.

The end customer can also benefit massively from the perks of Industry 4.0. Constant analysis by smart devices leads to enhanced quality control and greater flexibility to adapt to changing customer needs, as well as integration into the wider supply chain to ensure that products are delivered on time.

There’s the environment to factor in, also. Industry 4.0 advancements can easily be tailored to support the implementation of circular economies and monitor real-time data on energy consumption.

Challenges for OEMs

It’s not all positive, though, like with most new technologies, there are some drawbacks. The most obvious one is the high initial investment commanded by a new influx of digital infrastructure that must be kept up-to-date.

It’s not just the machines that will pack a financial punch, there’s also the cost of filling the skill gap that’s opened by Industry 4.0 technologies. As well as this, you must make sure that your cyber security is up to date and able to cope with the increased reliance on digital applications, potentially leading to further costs.

That concludes our exploration of Industry 4.0 and how automotive OEMs can benefit from and contribute to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

By implementing some of the strategies mentioned above alongside JTAPE’s range of masking solutions ideal for OEM, you can save time and increase productivity while still maintaining the same high standards that set your business apart.

Check out our product page where you will find quality supplies that meet the high expectations automotive OEMs are renowned for.