Busting Industry 4.0 Myths

Manufacturers today face numerous challenges and the pressure to innovate constantly. With complex demands, manufacturers cannot afford to carry on as usual and must adopt a digital transformation strategy.

However, manufacturing leaders often encounter roadblocks and feel dissuaded by the sheer complexity of digital transformation. This article debunks four common myths about Industry 4.0 and helps you dispel any hesitation toward digital transformation.

Myth #1: Industry 4.0 is Costly and Involves 100% Sensorization

When one encounters terms like sensorization and automation, the immediate reaction would be that it is expensive and may not deliver sufficient ROI.

Reality:

There are two parts to digitization:

1) Roll-up of data into relevant and meaningful formats

2) Sensorization of machines and processes

People tend only to consider the second part and assume that everything needs to be digitized. But that is far from the truth. At ConnectFacts, we use digital forms to collect data and focus on selective sensorization, thus driving down costs and increasing productivity.

Myth #2: Industry 4.0 Automation is Only About Artificial Intelligence

The general assumption is that business automation and artificial intelligence are practically the same, and manufacturing companies need world-class modeling systems in place.

Reality:

Analytics, AI/ML, and modeling are needed only for certain advanced functions. On the other hand, business automation is about identifying major productivity drivers and digitizing workflows with simple checklists to increase the speed and efficiency of actions. There is no need for large-scale data collection or complex models.

Myth #3: Manufacturers Are Not Ready to Embrace Industry 4.0

Manufacturers assume that Industry 4.0 is hi-tech and that the shop floor organization is not ready or qualified enough for digital transformation.

Reality:

Most individuals today use some form of digital application (such as messaging, payment, or delivery apps). That is all the knowledge that’s needed for the shop floor organization. ConnectFacts applications have role-defined log-ins with intuitive dashboards that only provide relevant information to the user.

Myth #4: Industry 4.0 Deployment at Scale is Risky

Studies show that 94% of industrial equipment manufacturing (IEM) leaders feel that their marketing, ERP, and CRM systems are no longer suitable for their organizations. This makes them reluctant to bring in Industry 4.0 tools.

Reality:

Industry 4.0 tools can be used for complex infrastructures and workflows. The trick is to break them down into tiers and connect only relevant users. ConnectFacts has multiple applications – each of which is customized to facilitate specific objectives for specific users. This systemized approach makes scaling up digital transformation easy.

Don’t Let Uncertainty Stop You from Exploiting Industry 4.0

Automation and digital transformation can be difficult without a thorough understanding of what business goals need to be accomplished. ConnectFacts sifts through the glut of your data and workflows and integrates only what is vital.