Over the last three centuries, manufacturing industries have undergone major changes. Firstly, beginning with manual production to machines, and then moving on from machines to mass production.
It is vital to remember that the First Industrial Revolution happened in the 18th century, with the introduction of sectors such as energy and transportation through the use of steam engines and steamboats. During this time the first manufacturing factories made their appearance.
The second industrial revolution began in the 19th century, and with it came the emergence of electricity. This contributed to the development of many new industries including automotive, oil, and agriculture. It was the beginning of mass production.
In the early 2000s we were introduced to computers and the internet and with it came the Third Industrial Revolution. Technology has continued to develop ever since, leading us to the Fourth Industrial Revolution also known as Industry 4.0. This current transformation of the manufacturing industry is aiming towards digitisation.
What is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 also referred to as Smart Manufacturing encompasses three technological trends: connectivity, intelligence and flexible automation.
The new Industrial Revolution focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data that connects with physical production and operations.
Automation
The automation for electronic manufacturing services and PCB Assembly company processes is vital in order to maintain competitiveness and improve the overall production process. It is the use of equipment to automate system or production processes. The end goal is to drive greater efficiency by either increasing production capacity or reducing costs, or often both.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence printed circuit board designs and engineering processes bring further flexibility to create a new generation of products. These new products include smart home devices, smart building IoT devices and more. New PCBs have been redesigned to fit artificial intelligence technology aspects. In recent years, EMS companies have invented their own AI systems for supply chains, combining machine learning and big data to become more efficient.
Cloud Computing
Having a cloud computing system within your company ranks will allow you to store all retrieved data, transmit specific instructions and standardize electronic manufacturing processes as well as smart supply chain management. Cloud Computing tools not only help store documentation, but allow production and engineering departments to ensure that the latest revision levels are being used to make sure that the manufacturing process is robust.
3D Printing
3D Printing is a new way of creating three-dimensional solid objects and is one of the main key features of Industry 4.0. It enables companies to open more doors for customisation and new product innovations. PCB Prototyping is now easier to produce than ever before.
Internet of Things Platform
Internet of Things also known as IoT enables data collection from different devices that are communicating with each other through the use of Internet. This technique offers the opportunity to create new business models and lets manufacturing companies act and take rapid decisions that are strictly based on data. It also strengthens the relationship with customers who have access to these data in full transparency.
Data Analysis & Algorithms
The recent technology innovations have enabled computers to analyse data sets, identify similarities, and predict upcoming trends. The machines are now able to draw precise diagrams to answer and anticipate the needs of each individual.
Securing Infrastructures
A physical security systems infrastructure is a network of electronic security systems and devices that are configured. They are operated and maintained to provide security functions and services. Cybersecurity is becoming an integral part of this new industrial revolution as companies want to prevent data from being misused by third parties for fraud. Protecting data and products is an essential value for the client’s success. It is now a must rather than just a need when it comes to EMS providers.
The Importance of Industry 4.0
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is extremely relevant and increasingly important in electronic manufacturing for a multitude of reasons. It represents the next wave of technology driving efficiency across all operations.
Failing to adopt the new technology of Industry 4.0 will cause organisations to fall behind, as their operations will not be digitised enough to match competitors.
At Elite, we have recently introduced a new Industry 4.0 Smart Line within our company ranks enabling us to perform fully automated manufacturing processes. This has not only improved our productivity but also our efficiency while reducing our costs and allowing us to stay ahead of our competitors.
By Timmy Bubak | 13/08/21