Latin America. Undoubtedly, technology has become an indispensable tool in organizations, especially in those that work within the framework of industry 4.0 such as factories and production plants. With technology, companies increase their operational capacity, accelerate production times, minimize costs and provide better service to their customers.
The important thing for many organizations is to know what is coming in terms of advances and improvements in Industry 4.0 in order to implement it in their business processes. In this way, they will be able to adapt and know what is the way forward in order to be more productive and competitive. Below, we present the most important trends coming for Industry 4.0 in the coming years.
1. Internet of Things (loT)
Although the impact of Industry 4.0 technology has been reflected in the use of the Internet of Things (loT) as an essential resource, in recent times, its implementation has been evidenced by virtue of its adaptability and its potential for innovation.
The Internet of Things for Industry 4.0 comes in the form of industrial digitization and cyber-physical systems. For example, IoT networks allow supply chain managers to know things like where their products are, which suppliers have them, and how many are in stock, allowing them to adapt in real time to events and contingencies and thus have a greater competitive advantage. In the case of the agriculture industry that many of the businesses depend on climate and natural forces, any tool that helps reduce risk and vulnerability is a welcome addition. Forbes magazine notes that the modern agricultural sector is increasingly adopting IoT solutions and that "there are currently thousands of sensors deployed to improve water sustainability, image, production and ease in agriculture."
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence and automation are responsible for generating more effective responses to the demands of new products. Today we already see it with processes that guide the operation of the machines and that are in constant evolution, a fact that encourages the creation of new projects at much lower costs and with improvements in production levels.
This trend is reflected in automation technologies that use machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify data and analyze information, which are very useful solutions for the business sector. Going forward, experts believe that there is still enough room for this technology to continue growing.
3. Sustainable enterprises
For many years, the world has been talking about the urgency of closing existing social and economic gaps, as well as addressing environmental challenges. Therefore, one of the most relevant demands today on the part of society is evidenced by the demand for responsible production and consumption by companies. For the coming years, a great impulse is expected in this sense of companies of all sizes, with the aim of putting sustainability as the way forward.
In Colombia, for example, the company Ecopetrol already has a plan aimed at innovation and decarbonization. Thus, through technological platforms such as SAP Environmental Compliance, it has managed to manage its carbon dioxide levels to achieve its sustainability goal and comply with local and international standards.
4. Greater connection between workers and processes
Technology in the industry has pushed employees towards performance never before seen in the business world. According to the experience gained throughout 2020, with the pandemic, the trend is aimed at workers who are able to be productive doing tasks from home through teleworking.
The Colombian organization Grupo Éxito has understood this challenge and the importance of involving technology to connect remote workers and processes. By using solutions such as SAP SuccesFactors now receives requests from its collaborators, carries out virtual training processes and internal calls. Employees, through mobile applications, can be connected and work towards the same goal.
5. 3D Printing
Companies use 3D technology for prototype printing. These allow designers to test products and fix flaws before releasing them to the market. This is a trend that will undoubtedly increase among various companies.
This technique also makes it possible to create items to order, instead of producing them and keeping them stored on the shelves, which promotes a reduction in costs and products stopped in inventories.
