Many experts agree that we should see the Industry 4.0 playing a bigger role in 2017. If you are thinking, “I want to get on board of that too”, but you are not sure how and where to start, you should read our posts. Since it’s such a new trend many people never heard of it. And those who did might not be exactly sure what it is.
In last week’s post, we shortly spoke about the origin and history of Industry 4.0. It is important to understand that this movement didn’t just pop out of nowhere but it is a natural progression of things. The next step of understanding Industry 4.0 is to learn what tools are used to implement this new trend.
Internet of Things
Not surprisingly, over 87% of people haven’t heard the phrase Internet of Things, although the term has been around for few years. What can surprise many is that a lot of us take advantage of IoT without even knowing it. According to Bryce Barnes, Internet of Things is an intelligent connectivity of smart devices by which objects can sense one another and communicate. In other words, the Internet of Things or IoT is a term that refers to machines, objects and devices that have the capability to connect to the Internet and collect and transmit data using the network. So when we are using our smartphones to send an email, or through our laptop, we are checking out our home security camera at home. We are taking advantage of IoT and are part of this concept. One of the first Internet of Things object was an ATM machine, and that was back in 1974. As you see, the concept isn’t new. It’s just been named and organised. Already in 2008, there were more objects connected to the Internet than there are people in the World. And in 2016 there were 4,9 billion things connected to the Internet. While experts estimate that in 20 years the IoT will add $10-$15 trillion to global GDP. By then the estimated number of deceives connected to the Internet should reach around 26 billion.
IoT in everyday life
As we mentioned before there are more IoT objects that one can apprehend. First devices that come to mind are our smartphones, laptops, computers or TVs. But there are so many Internet of Things objects that we use every day and don’t even realise that they are the part of this concept. Such devices or objects these might be: cars, ovens, home security systems, pulsometers or smartwatches.
Why IoT and Industry 4.0?
Of course, the concept of IoT and its benefits is much more complicated when it comes to Industry 4.0. It is one of core components of it next to cyber-physical systems and Internet of Service. Designing devices to work specifically to our needs and the needs of our company will require adjustment and often development of new protocols or software. Smooth communication reduces waste and speeds up the process of production. Internet of Things Objects can be implemented in many areas of business: manufacturing, transportation and logistics healthcare, media and much more.
Both Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things are based on the similar concept: increasing interactions between machines, products and people in order to increase efficiency and adaptability. To achieve said goals the Industry 4.0 trend enlisted the help of IoT. Since both concepts can be used in virtually every field of business the chances are that your company can benefit from them too. Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things are the way to move forward. Not only implementing the idea will help to reduce waste, it will also assure that your company is competitive and stays current to needs of your costumers.
