1. Benefits of 4.0 Principles in Post Covid Pandemic for Better Growth of
Manufacturers
Pre-Covid (Novel Coronavirus), During and Post-Covid has changed everything from thinking
to doing. “Smart Factory” is the basic principle of Industry 4.0 wherein new technology
allowing the fusion of physical world and the digital world. Industry 4.0 encompasses the
various transformations we’re experiencing in modern manufacturing process and industry
landscape as a whole. Artificial Intelligent, Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality, Internet of
Things (IoTs), Cloud Computing and Cognitive Computing have created one system to
coordinate, communicate and connect Man, Machine and Method remotely.
Here, Industry 4.0 or Manufacturing 4.0 is the amalgamation of IT, ICT and Manufacturing
operations. Data is a valuable asset in digital revolution and this has inspired a vision to the
manufacturing industry to create a data space as a trusted field for the exchange of information
across company boundaries that helps to ease the overall manufacturing and business
operations.
The priorities for most manufacturers today
This global health pandemic has lost both health and wealth, disrupted industrial production
badly. White and blue collar intellectuals have juggling between saving employment and life
both, in such a situation man and machine needs to be digital sounds so that inter-operatabily
process can be smoothen.
During the crisis, production plans have changed on a much higher frequency as a result of
changing demands and availability of raw materials, key staff and assets. Manufacturing has a
much higher volume and frequency of ‘transaction’ than the supply chain. Manufacturing is
real-time, not near real-time. Even. Industries can lease space from government if they cannot
buy which gives ample opportunities for new start-ups.
Industry 4.0 is enabled by technology as a tools that integrate the digital and real world –
 The Internet of Things (IoTs) – During lockdown, people have done maximum things
using system, devices, sensors, assets and people through wireless and other networks.
Capacity building and capacity utilization virtually, we have seen across the globe in
this health crisis where consulting & counselling are happening using technology.
Remote monitoring is being executed at all level including in manufacturing industry.
 Digital Devices – smart phones, tablets, wearable sensors and smart glasses have made
human communication stay connected 24x7. It’s being treated like mobile computer
these days.
 Cloud Computing – is the next generation storage facility where low-cost processing
and data storage solutions become very easy retrieve and process.
 Cyber-physical systems (CPS) – monitoring, controlling physical processes using
sensors, actuators and processors, based on digital models of physical world.
 Data Mining, Big Data Analytics and Business Intelligence - Data is everything today,
turning data into actionable insights, which include early notifying algorithms,
predictive models, decision support, creative workflows and preparing master
dashboard.
 Advanced manufacturing technologies – like robotics, 3D & 4D printing, automation
helping ease of manufacturing planning and process.

2. Industry 4.0 – the best business benefits after Covid Pandemic era
A technology enabled, digitally integrated and intelligent supply chain provides an
unprecedented level of automated coordination and collaboration and real-time monitoring
at every steps that an industry to follow to smoothen their process.
Chemical industry, mechanical engineering, electrical equipment, automobiles & parts,
agriculture, forestry and fishing and information & communication are going to get
benefited immensely in coming times.
Let’s take a supply chain example where real time monitoring of a raw material, supplier,
transport, manufacturer, distributor and retailer and reaching to the customer where in every
movement are monitored digitally.
Industry Take:
1. Big Data Decision making at Bosch Automotive Factory in China
The company connects its machinery to monitor the overall production process at core
of its plant. This is achieved by embedding sensors into the factory’s machines which
are then used to collect data about the machines’ condition and cycle time. Once
collected, advanced data analytics tools process the data in real time and alert workers
when any bottlenecks in the production operations have identified.
2. Volkswagen creates Automotive Cloud
Connected cars are a big new trend in the automotive industry, having emerged as an
opportunity to offer digital added-value services for customers. One of the first
automakers to jump on this trend is Volkswagen, which joined forces with Microsoft to
develop a cloud network, the “Volkswagen Automotive Cloud”.
3. Fetch Robotics help DHL improve warehouse operations
California-based Fetch Robotics has developed collaborative Autonomous Mobile
Robots (AMRs) for locating, tracking, and moving inventory in warehouse and logistics
facilities. As robots become more autonomous, flexible and cooperative, they will be
able to tackle even more complex assignments, relieving the workers from monotonous
tasks and increasing productivity on the factory floor.
4. AR increases productivity at General Electric (GE)
General Electric offers a offers a glimpse at how AR technology can empower
manufacturing. The company is currently piloting the use of AR glasses at its jet engine
manufacturing facility in Cincinnati. Before using this smart glasses, jet engine makers
often had to stop what they were doing in often had to stop what they were doing in
order to check their manuals and ensure tasks were being performed correctly.
Take away and future ahead
The industry 4.0 is meant the digitalization of the horizontal & vertical value chain,
innovation in products & services and for the creation of new business models. Machine to
machine communication, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mixed reality and
automation are ready to help the business and manufacturing process post covid era at a
greater extent. Future looks in the brighter side for next generation industrial revolution.
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