What is a Smart Factory

The term Smart Factory refers to improving production processes by connecting the digital and the physical world. The Smart Factory is therefore a highly digitized work floor that connects everyone. The concept of the Smart Factory is considered to be the so-called factory of the future and for the short time that it has existed has already gone a long way. It is considered an important result of the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0.

How does that work?

Used by manufacturing companies, a smart factory operates using technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, analysis, big data and the internet of things (IoT) and can run largely autonomously with the ability to correct itself.

It collects and transmits data through the connected devices. In this way, the entire production process can be followed at any time, from the first to the last step and with every operator. The data can be used by self-optimizing devices or across the organization to proactively address issues, improve production processes, and respond to new demands.

When fully realized, smart factories use fully integrated, collaborative production systems to make operations flexible, adaptable and optimizable.

Digitizing requires Dedication

Upgrading to a digital factory is not only the responsibility of the engineers on the factory floor, it needs the support of every part of a company, from executives to IT departments. Industry 4.0 will combine computers and industrialization to create a smoother, more efficient production line and its benefits will be felt across the company.

The Advantages

By continuously improving the productivity of production processes, smart factories can reduce costs, reduce downtime and minimize waste. Smart factories optimize efficiency and productivity by expanding the capabilities of both production equipment and people.

By focusing on creating a more efficient production process through data collection, smart factories can support decision-making processes with stronger evidence.

The Impact on Jobs

All in all, the digitization of factories is not seen as a threat to various jobs, while automation on the other hand is. Yet many companies complain that they find it difficult to find suitable employees. A new trend is therefore the ‘digital gap’, which refers to the lack of digital knowledge that is increasingly in demand.

The Future

The ever-present urge of factories to cut costs and the rising demand for on-demand production are things that will change the landscape of the manufacturing industry in the near future. The Smart Factory is the way for manufacturers to distinguish themselves in a highly dynamic and competitive market.

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