The Smart Factory and the Future of Manufacturing

Traditional automation is ingrained within manufacturing, but the future is smarter. A Smart factory is connected in every sense and this enables real time communication between systems and operators. Industry 4.0 is upon us and it is revolutionising manufacturing. In this post, we will explore how and why you need to be smart. The lines between the digital and real world are becoming more and more blurred, both in our everyday lives and in industry. A modernised smart factory has the capability to integrate all the constant streams of data available and learn from itself, adapting to improve efficiency and to manage new demands. Most manufacturing companies that embrace this technology are doing so piece by piece, using elements of smart factory technology for specific tasks such as advanced planning, inventory or AR maintenance. Although these leaps are significant to the individual business, they are far from utilising the full potential of Industry 4.0. As the revolution unfolds and fully integrated smart factories are more common, people will begin to see their holistic nature. A smart factory is fully connected and this even extends beyond the shop floor, integrating the entire process from build to delivery. To many in the industry, this shift seems too big but as technology develops and becomes more accessible, it is becoming more mainstream and the benefits are becoming clearer.

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