The first revolution came about with water power and the steam engine, giving people access to a wide range of goods for the first time. The next step included electric power, which led to mass production. In the third phase, computerization brought immense advances in product quality. Using robots in manufacturing processes required networks and engaged further changes. Industry 4.0 will facilitate extensive individualization, radically changing how products will be manufactured and sold. Information is now a matter of course, accessible to everyone and no longer a privilege.

Digitalization has changed our world. The internet and modern technology increasingly shape the manufacturing industry. We are facing a significant change – the threshold of Industry 4.0.

 

Industry 4.0 – A Networked Factory

The forth industrial revolution does not only include the development of the transportation belt in the factory, but changes the world outside of the factory gates as well. The entire logic of production is changing. Intelligent machines and products, storage systems and resources are consequently interlinked via IT along the entire value chain, starting from logistics to production and marketing, ending with service.

 

             Five advantages of Industry 4.0

The vision of Industry 4.0 shows that new requirements on production systems and machines are needed. They must be flexible in terms of manufactured products, which are continuously changing. That means: Production will be more individual, flexible and faster.

The forth industrial revolution offers the potential to master current economic and social challenges.

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