4 challenges that your smart factory will face with industry 4.0 technology
The world is ushering in Industry 4.0, the 4th industrial revolution. Technology such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Augmented Reality, Machine Vision etc. are widely been talked about as drivers of exponential change in the manufacturing industry.
But industry 4.0 will not be free of challenges, and most conversations usually shy away from talking about these challenges.
Below are 4 things about Industry 4.0 that no one talks ENOUGH about
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Summary
Security! Security! Security!
The $25 M/week hacker charge: Foolproof cyber-security will be a herculean task
From critical manufacturing systems to robotic arms, a smart plant will have more than 50,000 network access points. One tiny access point is all a hacker needs to shut down your entire factory for a week or longer!
A simple malware can enable attackers to take control of your entire manufacturing plant! The resulting data leakages, injuries to workers, dissatisfaction among customers etc. will result in financial losses of more than $25 Mn per week.
What problem are we solving?
Technology without people? Seniors don’t want to use it, while millennials are unclear on how to
One of the greatest challenges in digital adoption is resistance from the workforce. The seasoned industry veterans are skeptical about digitalization and machines taking over ‘human jobs’.
The growing millennial workforce, although enthusiastic about new technology, hasn’t been able to identify real problems that can be solved using digital technologies.
Electronics Shortage
Enhanced connectivity is demanding more from the semiconductor industry
Everyone wants a microchip these days. From smart phones to robots in assembly lines, you will find one in almost everything.
The demand for electronic components have increased by 5x times, but can the semiconductor industry meet this increasing demand?
There is an acute shortage of passive electronic components such as MLCCs
Various external factors are causing this significant shortage:
- Unavailability of raw materials like propylene
- Suppliers, especially Asian suppliers, prefer catering only to industries that offer higher margins
- Trade wars between major importers are resulting in higher tariffs on electronic components
How much further, can one of the world’s most advanced industries, push itself?
Customers are not only demanding numbers, but are also demanding lower costs, and higher quality.
The MLCC industry has reached the limit of their ability to stack ceramic layers. Customers demand 1000s of layers and manufacturers currently do not have a viable alternative that does not compromise on quality, profits, & time.
3D Printing, are we there yet?
Hyper-customization using 3D printing is still a distant reality
3D printing can reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. But first the 3D printer, much like today’s smart phones will have to be omnipresent.
We are a good few decades away from this, as today’s 3D printers are;
- Expensive
- Hazardous to the environment
- Slow
- Poor at printing metals