18 Jun
2019

Becoming a Digital Champion in Industry 4.0

Are you ready to implement 4.0 technologies in your factory? Explore what it implies to become a digital champion and turn into one in no time!

Industry 4.0
Technology
IIoT
Becoming a Digital Champion in Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0
Technology
Technology
IIoT
IIoT
Food & Beverages Processing
Text Link
Consumer Product Goods
Text Link
Material Building & Construction
Text Link
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Text Link
Pharmaceuticals & Supplements
Text Link
Packaging & Co-manufacturing
Text Link
Text Link

Industry 4.0 is here and its derived innovations are only multiplying. In full effervescence, we will continue to witness a rapid evolution of technology as it keeps expanding to cover more intricate tasks. Contrary to some belief, these 4.0 advancements are not only reserved to manufacturing giants. Canadian manufacturers are, in fact, in a prime position to take full advantage of this digital transformation as Canada is home to various industries.


Switching to 4.0 manufacturing is part of the plan some organizations, but only a few have taken the leap as it remains worrisome for many. Manufacturers see the benefits associated with Industry 4.0 but are unsure of how to begin and are concerned about the return on investment. PwC states the following: "Globally, only 10% of companies in key sectors like auto manufacturing, consumer goods, electronics and industrial equipment, have been able to master the cultural, strategic and operational changes needed to support Industry 4.0." These organizations are labelled as digital champions. By integrating 4.0 technologies across their organizations, such as end-to-end digital platforms like IoT sensors and cloud-based software programs, they are able to better manage their processes as well as collect immediate insights.

 

 

A look into 4.0 ecosystems

For the digitization to be successful, champions must opt for a holistic approach and view their operations as a set of ecosystems in interaction with one another.

  • Customer solutions ecosystem: Digital solutions for customers permit the collection of insights, such as patterns in consumer behaviour, and real-time information.
  • Operations ecosystem: This ecosystem is the most significant to manufacturers, allowing them to reach greater efficiencies through every step of the value chain. Production data and insights are obtained with smart sensors while trends are explored and inconsistencies are identified with dashboards. Having access to real-time data is essential for 4.0 organizations as it serves as a better basis for decision making.
  • Technology ecosystem: Under this ecosystem falls all technology within an organization, from CRM to cybersecurity solutions and entreprise applications. Technology is used to drive changes and choices, all while potentially enhancing daily activities. A company's business and digital strategy go hand in hand as technology powers strategy. Partners or strategic alliances often help leverage digital opportunities.
  • People ecosystem: Any transformation one tries to implement will not be successful if it is not embraced by employees. They are the ones at the heart of change, driving it across the company. To foster the right people ecosystem, it'll require training, ups killing, performance management, recruitment, and more. Again according to PwC, more than 90% highly digitized companies have a person responsible of the employee experience.

 

 

How to get started

Transitioning to 4.0 can seem tedious and frightening given the risk and costs involved but it does not have to be. If approached in a methodical way that goes alongside the digital strategy of the organization, your shift can be executed without too many hurdles. Get started with these five steps:

  1. Identify a digital strategy champion
  2. Upskill your team
  3. Create a plan that builds momentum
  4. Develop an integrated operations model
  5. Take advantage of the new value chain

 

To read more on PwC's approach to digital champions, click here.

Related articles

Back to the blog
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
9
Jan 2024

Manufacturing Trends to Lookout for in 2024

As we look at manufacturing trends for 2024, pressure to stay on top of current trends and maintain competitiveness are at an all-time high

English
3
Aug 2023

Adopter l'IIoT: la voie intelligente pour permettre aux fabricants d’équipement d’origine de prospérer grâce à un partenaire expert en technologies d’usine intelligente IIoT

En s'associant à un fournisseur de solutions IIoT de premier plan, les fabricants d’équipement d’origine peuvent améliorer l'expérience client, stimuler la compétitivité et augmenter leurs sources de revenus.

French
3
Aug 2023

Embracing IIoT: The Smart Path for OEMs to Thrive with a Leading IIoT Smart Manufacturing Partner

By partnering with an expert IIoT solution provider, OEMs can elevate customer experience, boost competitiveness, and grow their revenue streams.

English

Related articles

Back to the blog
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
13
Mar 2024

Moteurs d’efficacité manufacturière : Monitoring des machines et du TRG

Le monitoring des machines et du TRG (taux de rendement global) sont efficaces pour améliorer l'efficacité globale, mais quelle est la différence entre eux et qu'est-ce qui est le mieux adapté à vos opérations?

French
13
Mar 2024

Engines of Manufacturing Efficiency: Machine Monitoring and OEE

Machine Monitoring and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) are effective at boosting overall efficiency, but what is the difference between them and what is best for your operations?

English
20
Feb 2024

Comment les entreprises ont mis en oeuvre les 14 points de Deming dans le secteur manufacturier

Les 14 points de gestion de Deming ainsi que la suite d'outils de performance de Worximity stimulent l'amélioration et l'innovation dans le secteur manufacturier.

French
16
Feb 2024

Principales différences entre la fabrication discrète et la production par processus

Découvrez le rôle essentiel que joue votre logiciel dans la fabrication discrète et dans la production par processus.

French