What Is the Core of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0?
Trend

What Is the Core of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0?

Industrial 4.0 revolution swept through the entire manufacturing industry. Various countries and regions are actively deploying Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. How does Taiwan respond? How to combine your own advantages to gain a competitive advantage in this global 4.0 manufacturing revolution? Industrial reform involves not only technology, but also the integration and breakthrough of ideas.
Published: Jun 03, 2020
What Is the Core of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0?

Nowadays, the manufacturing industry is facing very different conditions because the market is changing rapidly and competition is intensifying. Demand is beginning to be personalized and customized. However, the corresponding production conditions cannot be quickly and flexibly responding to. And now, the fourth industrial revolution of the entire manufacturing industry struck. How to combine your own advantages to gain a competitive advantage in this global 4.0 manufacturing revolution? But first, let us learn clearly about what is industry 4.0?

What is Industry 4.0? What is smart manufacturing?

Industry 4.0 refers to the "fourth industrial revolution", not just to create new industrial technology, but to focus on the integration of existing industry-related technologies, sales, and product experience, through the establishment of industrial artificial intelligence technology smart factory with adaptability, resource efficiency, ergonomics, and integrate customers and business partners in business processes and value processes to provide comprehensive after-sales service. Its technical foundation is the intelligent integrated sensory control system and the Internet of Things.

Although such a structure is still being explored, if it can be realized and applied one after another, it will eventually be able to construct a new intelligent industrial world with conscious awareness, and can directly generate a relevant solution that fully satisfies customers by analyzing various huge amounts of data Solution products (customized demand), can also use computer forecasting, such as weather forecasting, public transportation, market survey data, etc., timely accurate production or scheduling of existing resources, reducing excess costs and waste, etc. (optimization on the supply side) It should be noted that industry is only a component of this intelligent world, and it is necessary to understand “how the industry adapts to the future life under the intelligent network” in order not to confuse the various concepts of industry.

Wisdom Manufacturing (WM) is a new generation of advanced manufacturing technology that uses advanced manufacturing technology and the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and other new generations to make every link of the production process highly customized/intelligent Model to adapt to rapidly changing external market demands. In the past, manufacturing was the pursuit of automation, mass production of similar products, and smart manufacturing required the rapid customization of products according to customer needs. A core department of Industry 4.0 in smart manufacturing.

What is the plan for global smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0?

Various countries are vigorously developing smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, returning from the manufacturing industry in the United States, Industry 4.0 in Germany, Japan’s new robot plan, and China’s manufacturing in China 2025. Start early to maintain an advantageous position and start late to rise Pursuing, according to its own advantages, different countries have different implementation strategies, but they are all striving to maintain their advantages in the global manufacturing competition in the key technologies of Industry 4.0 such as the Internet of Things/Big Data/AI.

Global government strategy:
  • In 2006

    Germany (high-tech strategy):
    Increase national investment in scientific research, add an R&D budget of 6 billion euros, and identify key R&D areas and projects.

  • In 2008

    United Kingdom (High-Value Manufacturing Strategy):
    The five supporting measures encourage British companies to produce more world-class high-value-added products locally, ensure that high-value manufacturing (HVM) becomes the main driving force for the development of the British economy, and promote innovation in the entire process from concept to commercialization.

  • In 2010

    Germany (High-Tech Strategy 2020):
    Focus on the areas demanded by the five countries, including climate and energy, nutrition and health, logistics, safety, and communications, and identify future development projects in each area.

  • In 2011

    American AMP strategy (Advanced Manufacturing Partnership):
    Connect industry, academia, and federal government departments to jointly invest in emerging technologies to create high-quality American products and gain global competitive advantage.

  • In 2013

    United Kingdom (Strategy 2050):
    Manufacturing is not manufacturing first and then selling in the traditional sense, but service plus remanufacturing (production-centric value chain), the four major development trends of manufacturing in the future, and challenges to the British government.

    Germany (Industry 4.0 strategy):
    It is part of Germany's high-tech strategy 2020, which elaborates on the vision of Industry 4.0 and proposes specific measures in eight areas on how to implement the strategy.

    Japan (Industry Revitalization Project):
    Use equipment and R&D to promote investment to revitalize manufacturing

    France (Industrial New France):
    Pushing France back on the road to industrialization and making France’s industrial genes stronger Use digital technology to promote industrial transformation and upgrading, and propose nine industrial solutions.

  • In 2014

    United States (AMP2.0)
    The AMP 1.0 strategy is more a description of the US manufacturing blueprint, and 2.0 emphasizes more specific implementation measures.

    Korea (Manufacturing Innovation 3.0 Strategy)
    The focus is on the integration of IT, software, services, and manufacturing to create higher added value in the manufacturing industry, and then nurture new industries. Adopt the method that large enterprises drive small enterprises to move towards 4.0, and vigorously develop 13 emerging power industries such as drones, smart cars, robots, smart wearable devices, and smart medical treatment.

    India (Made in India plan):
    Aiming to strengthen India's position as a global design and manufacturing center, the first batch of key industries including 25 industries including automotive, aerospace, chemical, defense military, electronic equipment, and pharmaceuticals, aims to attract investment, boost manufacturing growth, and create jobs.

  • In 2015

    Japan (new robot strategy plan):
    The five-year plan and the six major initiatives have reached three strategic goals, implemented the robot revolution, and responded to the increasingly prominent issues of aging, a reduction in the labor force, and frequent natural disasters.

    Japan (Industry 4.1J)
    The Japanese manufacturing industry, VEC, and NTT cooperate to start an Industry 4.0, and the purpose of the experiment is to confirm the technical requirements of Industry 4.1J.

    Japan (dominant industry value chain):
    The Industrial Value Chain Dominance Alliance (IVI) composed of Japanese companies. The main topics of the alliance are factory-to-factory, equipment-to-device communication technology, and safety technology standardization.

    China (Made in China 2025)
    China's first ten-year program to implement the strategy of manufacturing power. According to the plan, by 2025, China will develop from a manufacturing power to a manufacturing power.

  • In 2016

    Japan (Social 5.0)
    The Japanese government hopes to combine the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robots and other technologies in a continuously innovative and changing economic society based on a highly advanced science and technology to merge the online world (virtual world) and the physical world ( Real world), creating a richer super-smart society.

Taiwan's manufacturing industry once supported the glory of a generation, especially good at mass production and OEM manufacturing. In the face of such a global manufacturing revolution, the Taiwanese Executive Yuan’s production 4.0 development plan was also released on time, aimed at accelerating the vertical and horizontal digitalization and intelligence of the industrial chain, introducing key independent technologies for network integration and human-machine collaboration, and leveraging on Strength and collective efforts to accelerate the cultivation of the soft and hard power of the industrial network real system, and gave specific plans and goals in terms of capital investment/talent training/professional guidance. Manufacturers in the manufacturing industry are also actively responding, hoping to ride the tide of 4.0 to create a miracle.

But there is a big problem now that many manufacturers think that Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are unmanned factories for technological innovation, automation, and the use of robots. This misunderstanding has caused many companies to become more and more skewed towards Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. They have invested a lot of money but have not received corresponding improvements inefficiency.

Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are the integration of the entire product life cycle

Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 is the management and service of the entire life cycle of products and is the integration of the entire link from the market to R&D and production to sales services.

For example. An automobile manufacturing company has achieved the production of a car every minute through industrial technology innovation and automated robot production. The flow of information from the R&D department to the procurement department to the production department to the logistics department, and stopped in the hands of users, then the parking lot wants to Obtain the user's usage status unless the car is driven back for maintenance. At present, this interrupted information flow has caused the parking yard to fail to provide timely customized services on the one hand but also caused the parking yard to not understand user needs and the status of its own products. In the development of new cars and the improvement of old cars No way to start. If it happens that a competing garage integrates the entire process, or if a manufacturer develops service products on the car side and can contract all user services without going through the garage, the fate of this garage will not be optimistic.

The market changes rapidly, and direction is the key to success

The fall of the giant, but a few years, Nokia, Kodak, Sony are examples. In the case of rapid market changes, the speed of business response and direction of action often become turning points for success or failure. At this time, the analysis of market data is particularly important. For example, this kind of market analysis captures real-time sales data of various regions, and displays the sales of products in various dimensions through products, regions, and customers, and obtains the sales fluctuations and development trends of each product, region, and customer within a specified time. This rich dimension and real-time data analysis provide a timely and accurate basis for what products are produced in the rear, what the direction of research and development is, how many raw materials are purchased, and how many products are produced.

Integrate pre- and post-manufacturing links to achieve coordination of mass production and customization

Production depends on the data provided by the market to determine what and how much to produce; the actual production volume restricted by purchasing inventory; the service after-sales data also determines how to improve the product function and quality-production is the link between all links in the factory And data integration users. Today, the market is changing and customized production is the general trend. How to improve production efficiency and shorten product production cycles to quickly respond to market changes, and how to achieve flexible decision-making and intelligent production to achieve "mass production" and "customization" Coordination between the two has become the key to the production process. Smart manufacturing and the hot technologies in Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, AI, robots, and big data analysis are playing a role here. The visual factory uses a large number of built-in sensors to intensively capture specific information of specific areas or objects. You can always understand the operation of the entire plant on a PC or mobile phone; The resilience of its production line has reached the level that allows customers to change the design and equipment six days before the car enters the production line. No one is exactly the same. These implementations all depend on the implementation of the technology and the integration of the entire process data behind the technology.

The sensor extracts data from the production devices of each production institution every 5 minutes and displays them on the large data screen. The Group can understand the load of each production device and can find and solve problems in time to ensure production efficiency.

Service is the touchstone of all links

Understanding customers and products in service is feedback on the correctness of the market, as well as feedback on product quality and product development.

This report analyzes the product problems reported by customers and pays attention to the maintenance rate and failure rate, which is conducive to helping product development and improvement and production process optimization.

Each link in these business processes needs the support of data from other links. The effect of integration greatly improves the efficiency and scientificity of the entire process. But it is not a simple matter to get through the whole process. Each different link will encounter different systems. The database, data definition, and statistical standards of each system may be different. This forms a system The islands cannot be connected to each other. There are still some links that have not yet done the Internet of Things, and software applications and data collection need to be strengthened. But in order not to lag behind in Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, these problems must be slowly supplemented one by one. Just like a bucket, one of the pieces of wood becomes shorter, which determines the capacity of the entire bucket.

Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 should start from the pain point, not from technology!

The road to smart manufacturing and industry 4.0 should start from the company's pain points, not just at the technical level. Seeing that everyone is laying outsmart manufacturing and industry 4.0, your own company must also import a set of data visualization factory equipment, not First analyze what problems exist in the enterprise to be solved, the result is often a lot of investment but no obvious effect of cost reduction and efficiency increase.

Before conducting Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, you should ask yourself these questions:
What are the pain points of the enterprise? What smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies can be used to improve?
Ready to invest at a low cost, and how to measure the effect after the introduction? Will the improved results be better than other methods? If your answer is yes, it is not too late to start smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are a process, not completed

We have talked about enterprise electronization for many years, from the beginning to import CRM systems, to the subsequent introduction of MES, MIS, ERP, finance, logistics, and want to laugh systems. There are more systems and data is mixed, and then import a data integration tool: Report software or BI system tool. These are all processes of enterprise electronation. It has not been completed and has been in progress. No enterprise has said that its electronation is completed, and it is not necessary to do any more E-restoration in the future. The same is true of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. The sensing devices in hardware, network devices, robots, wearable devices, 3D printing, smartphones, cloud platforms in software, big data applications, artificial intelligence AI, Reality VR/Augmented Reality AR are all stages, and new technologies may emerge with development. Only by making preparations once and for all and constantly optimizing at any time according to the status of the enterprise and the development of technology can we remain invincible in the fierce competition.

Published by Jun 03, 2020 Source :finereport

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Trend
Modern Scaffolding: A Guide to Revolutionizing Construction Safety & Efficiency
From the construction of the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the rise of modern skyscrapers, one crucial temporary structure has always played the role of an unsung hero: scaffolding. This support system not only provides a safe foothold for workers but has also continuously evolved from a simple framework into a highly efficient, precise, and intelligent engineering system.
Headline
Trend
The Connection Between Medical Device Manufacturing and Machine Tools
The medical industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by an aging population, rising chronic diseases, and technological advancements. The demand for high-precision medical devices is increasing, requiring manufacturing processes that ensure safety, reliability, and performance. Machine tools play a critical role in meeting these stringent requirements, enabling the production of complex medical instruments with exceptional accuracy.
Headline
Trend
Smart Manufacturing in Printing: A New Era of Efficiency, Precision, and Sustainability
For over a century, the printing industry has been regarded as a relatively mature and stable sector. However, as market demand diversifies and the wave of digitalization accelerates, printing is undergoing a profound transformation. In the era of Industry 4.0, intelligence and automation have become the keywords of competitiveness. From AI (Artificial Intelligence) to IoT (Internet of Things), and the rise of post-press automation, these technologies are quietly reshaping every step of the printing process. Printing is no longer just about reproducing text and images; it is evolving into an era of “smart manufacturing” that is more efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly.
Headline
Trend
Industrial Applications of CNC in the Robotic Arm Industry
CNC technology is an automated system that precisely controls machinery through computer programs, widely applied across various manufacturing sectors. The robotic arm industry encompasses both industrial uses (such as assembly and welding) and service applications (such as latte art or maintenance). In Japan, for instance, people with disabilities can remotely operate robots from home for work. This industry is visibly experiencing rapid growth. According to 2025 market data, the global robotics market is expected to reach USD 50.8 billion, with service robots accounting for USD 40.58 billion, demonstrating strong growth potential. The application of CNC in the robotic arm industry extends beyond component manufacturing to control systems and versatile task execution.
Headline
Trend
From Solar to Wind: The Heart of Green Energy
When discussing the energy transition, attention often falls on the surface area of solar panels, the blades of wind turbines, or the massive structures of nuclear power plants. Yet behind these world-changing energy systems, the critical components that drive solar, wind, and nuclear operations rely heavily on precision-manufactured CNC machines. Often hailed as the “brains of manufacturing,” these machines, with micron-level precision and highly automated capabilities, serve as the invisible engine powering technological breakthroughs and future innovations in the energy sector.
Headline
Trend
Seeing the Future in Wood: How CNC Technology is Transforming the Woodworking Industry
Traditional woodworking has long been synonymous with craftsmanship. In the past, the meticulous shaping of wood required artisans wielding hand planes, relying on time and experience to perfect every piece. Today, however, we live in an era of automation, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery has become the backbone of modern woodworking. Through precise computer control and high-speed processing, CNC enables wood cutting, carving, and complex shaping with exceptional accuracy and consistency. The woodworking industry is entering a new phase centered around digital control, ushering in higher quality and greater value-added production.
Headline
Trend
The “Comeback” of Print: Rediscovering Vitality in the Age of Scattered Attention
Driven by the wave of digitalization, we have long grown accustomed to a daily life where information constantly “scrolls” into our view. E-books, online news platforms, and short videos occupy our fragmented time, while print publications were once seen as relics destined to fade away. Yet history is often full of reversals—just as digital media reached its peak in speed and density, print quietly returned to the stage, even becoming an “irreplaceable choice” for certain audiences. This phenomenon not only challenges our linear imagination of media evolution but also reveals deeper psychological needs behind human reading behaviors.
Headline
Trend
Next-Gen Aviation: How Advanced Materials Are Revolutionizing Aircraft
As technology advances, the design philosophy behind modern passenger aircraft is undergoing a profound transformation. The evolution of aircraft materials is no longer just about reducing weight; it's a comprehensive revolution encompassing intelligence, safety, and sustainability. From groundbreaking composites to self-diagnosing smart sensors and manufacturing techniques built on a circular economy, future aircraft won't just be cold machines. They’ll be intelligent, self-aware, safer, and more eco-friendly flying bodies.
Headline
Trend
Optimizing IoT: From Connected Devices to the Future of the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is far more than just connecting your phone to Wi-Fi or making your appliances smart. It’s a massive intelligent ecosystem where everyday "things" can network, communicate, and share information. Simply put, IoT is a network of smart devices and sensors that can exchange data. In this hyper-intelligent ecosystem, every machine, every sensor, and even every piece of clothing seems to have a voice, sharing real-time data and working together. The IoT is changing our world and driving the next wave of technological revolution.
Headline
Trend
Electronic Blueprint Returns: The New Role of PCBs in Smart Medical Devices
As medical devices move toward intelligence and wearability, printed circuit boards (PCBs) have become a core foundation. Medical-grade PCBs must not only meet stringent safety and reliability standards, but also leverage technologies such as rigid-flex boards, Lab-on-PCB, and Parylene coatings to achieve miniaturization, functional integration, and biocompatibility. These advancements elevate PCBs from mere circuit carriers to key platforms driving smart healthcare.
Headline
Trend
Beyond the Prescription Pad: From Standard Treatments to AI-Powered Personalization
Traditionellt, the medical field often treated patients using a "one-size-fits-all" approach, which overlooks the unique genetic and physiological differences of each individual. Now, with the rapid integration of biomedicine and digital technology, Personalized Medicine is sparking a medical revolution. At the core of this transformation is a shift in focus from treating diseases to caring for each unique individual, ushering in a new era of customized health management. Of course, this also brings challenges such as privacy protection, data security, and unequal resource allocation, prompting the industry to continuously innovate and improve in both technology and policy.
Headline
Trend
Dicing Saw: The Essential Blade in Electronic Component Manufacturing
As electronic components become increasingly miniaturized and high-density, the Dicing Saw has evolved from a traditional back-end processing tool into a core component of the electronic manufacturing process. Whether for wafers, sensors, MLCCs, LEDs, or MEMS devices, the dicing saw carries the critical mission of the “final cut”—requiring not only precision but also stability and speed, ensuring both component integrity and production efficiency.
Agree