It’s an exciting time for manufacturing as the rise of Industry 4.0 gathers pace. However, there are also valid concerns about how automation will affect jobs, the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, and the cost of implementing the technologies needed to connect an entire factory floor. Nevertheless, Industry 4.0 remains the most important development for manufacturing industry this century and businesses must adapt, or fail.

Industry-wide inertia

A recent report by ERIKS UK: Is the UK ready for Industry 4.0? Industrial maintenance in a connected world of Big Data, reveals that many manufacturers have yet to implement any aspects of Industry 4.0, despite seeing it as a potentially positive asset to production.

Over 80% of the managers interviewed stated that it would be an advantage, particularly in the field of predictive maintenance. Despite this, 61% had yet to implement any form of Industry 4.0 initiatives in their own business. According to the report, industry is experiencing several barriers to implementation.

Cyber crime

Industry 4.0 relies on open collaboration and data sharing, but 79% of those interviewed would offer limited or no disclosure of information to a third party or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Although this is understandable, there seems to be some conflict between what manufacturers say they need, and what they put into practice. More than 56% said that they needed support from an OEM to analyse their data and perform necessary repairs because they did not have the skills in-house.

Without the knowledge to predict faults before they occur, manufacturers will rely on reactive maintenance, thus increasing downtime and incurring the costs that they had hoped to avoid by keeping their data under lock and key.

Generation gap

Another interesting aspect is attitude.  According to the report, the younger generation of 25-33-year-olds are more comfortable with sharing data.  

In contrast, more than half of current senior managers admitted to a poor knowledge of Industry 4.0. This age group is also more likely to be suspicious of data sharing.  The latter is particularly concerning when you consider that it is often those in senior positions who will dictate how the UK adapts to Industry 4.0 over the next few years.

Changing mentalities

For many managers, making the most of Industry 4.0 may feel like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. The challenge lies in changing attitudes towards connected, collaborative workplaces. Granted, security of data is a concern, and will remain a key consideration for everyone, but this shouldn’t be at the detriment of industry progression.

What is clear to see is that there are many challenges ahead and no simple overarching solution. Yes, Industry 4.0 will require significant investment, but it will also require a cultural change within businesses.  We must embrace data sharing and collaboration.  We should remember that UK manufacturing produces some of the most remarkable innovations in the world.  We cannot let it falter. Industry 4.0 must be embraced, and the time to do so is now.

Is the UK ready for Industry 4.0? Industrial maintenance in a connected world of Big Data can be downloaded from http://knowhow.eriks.co.uk/download-industry-4.0-research-paper-landing-page-0 .