Digitization
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Industry 4.0 – The fourth industrial revolution
The manufacturing industry today is entering a new era known as Industry 4.0. This new trend is mainly driven by the use of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics in manufacturing.
It enable manufacturers to improve efficiency, automate processes, and even create new innovative products and services.
Industry 4.0 is not merely the integration of advanced technology, but rather a paradigm shift that fundamentally alters the way to plan and execute manufacturing processes.
As manufacturers race to stay in the competition in this new era, adopting new Industry 4.0 best practices becomes a necessity, and this page is to review such practices, how the communications and networking technologies products (hardware/software) can improve the operational efficiency, reduce downtime, improve quality control, and ultimately increase the chance of success in the Industry 4.0 era of manufacturing.
What is Industry 4.0
The core of Industry 4.0 is about the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and big data analytics into manufacturing to improve efficiency and automate processes, and there are 4 major principles:
1. Interconnectivity
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the ability of machines, sensors, systems, and even processes to communicate with each other in real time, and allow real-time data exchange, enabling seamless synchronization and collaboration across the manufacturing processes.
2. Information transparency
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transparency is a foundational principle in Industry 4.0. The availability of real-time-, relevant, and accurate data across the entire manufacturing enterprise is critical for informed and even automated decision-making at every level.
3. Technical assistance
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Within Industry 4.0, smart machines and devices become partners in the production process. AI-driven analytics, augmented interfaces, and other technologies can now assist workers in achieving higher levels of productivity and precision, including providing the ability to remotely monitor equipment and machinery.
4. Decentralized decision-making
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An integral aspect of Industry 4.0 is for machines and devices to be able to make decisions on their own (i.e., through AI) without human intervention. Decentralization also applies to frontline workers, who are now empowered with data-driven insights to facilitate faster and more agile decision-making.
Key Challenges
While adapting Industry 4.0, there are quite a few challenges from
1. Workforce Skill Gap
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The drastic evolution of Industry 4.0 requires a workforce with new skills and capabilities, such as how to
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Technologies adoption -what latest technologies hardware and software be meeting the applications
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Get Connected – connected various different legacy and advanced industrial protocols asset to control systems network & SCADA
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Network Complexity – from various network media selection, to different production cell locations network planning, layout, implementation
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Visualization – how to improve visibility about Asset Performance Management besides SCADA software tool
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2. Cybersecurity concerns
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Since Industry 4.0 is the collection and exchange of vast amounts of data thru network or internet, the risk of data breaches will be increase respectively. The choice of the communication & network equipment would feature with any Cybersecurity protection functions
3. Budget, Maintenance, ROI
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While adopting Industry 4.0 can promise considerable returns, the initial investment can be costly. There are few areas to be aware when considering what communications & network technology products:
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Reliability
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Industrial-grade
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Environment proven
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Safety Certified
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Long MTBF
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Scalability
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Interoperability
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ToC (Total Cost of Ownership)
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Ease-of-Use & Maintenance
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Time Saving
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Cybersecurity ready
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Key Technologies to Enable Industry 4.0
Below are the host of cutting-edge technologies, including:
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
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IoT is the main foundation forming Industry 4.0’s interconnectivity. It refers to a network of interconnected devices and sensors embedded with software and network connectivity which enable them to collect and exchange data.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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AI can facilitate automation for efficiency and predictive analytics to enhance decision-making – the smart AI software is able to automatically process data, learn, reason, generate insights, and act autonomously.
3. Big data analytics
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The collection and analysis of large amounts of data to enable informed decision-making.
4. Automation
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The use of robots and automated machines to perform tasks with minimal to no human intervention. Automation allows faster and more precise execution of tasks, free from human errors.
5. Additive manufacturing
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3D printing is a major game-changer in Industry 4.0, enabling rapid prototyping and customization.
6. Augmented Reality (AR)
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AR overlays digital information into real-world objects and environments. It can act as a bridge between the digital and physical worlds, aiding personnel in maintenance, troubleshooting, and training.
Industrial Communications & Networking Best Practice
2RL Communications Industry Expert Team will assist Clients to overcome the communications and networking challenges and deliver below:
1. Project/Applications discussion
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Listen, learning applications’ challenge, requirement, goal to achieve.
2. Solution products offering from
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Legacy/Advanced industrial protocol support, such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, DNP3, etc.
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Industrial Ethernet Switches from unmanaged to managed Layer 2 or 3, Wireless IEEE802.11 (WiFi-4,5,6)
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Network Management Suite to increase visualization, remote management and cybersecurity audit
3. Communications and Networking Technology and products Walk Thru
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Assist Clients to understanding what best & reliable solution products with cost effective recommendation.
4. Free Pre-Sales & Post-Sales Technical support
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Pre-sales consultation, free 30 day loan sample to support proof of concept
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Post-sales support, team up with Technical Support Engineer team with original equipment manufacturers for any technical or troubleshooting support
