Industry 4.0 has been dubbed as one of the most evolutionary eras for the manufacturing industry. Whilst on the surface the idea is centered around the principles of exchanging and automation of data that have been in existance for decades, what is different is that this wave invokes evolving static single purpose systems into multi-purpose interconnected ecosystems. 

Technologies such as Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) are improving the way products are designed and maintained. The idea stretches from cities, industries, buildings, plants to photocopies and household appliances. The boundaries for communication between human and machine are being stretched and challenged.

Industry 4.0 a foundation for tomorrows infrastructure.

IoT networks and sensors, collect data from their surroundings that is used to measure and monitor operational environments and conditions. Using this data IoT platforms can adapt plant and machinery operations to their environment optimizing operational performance accordingly. The results are quite obviously increased efficiency, sustainability and security, but it also transforms best practice for facilities management.

IoT4.0 creates the framework for smart industies and cities, where assets, buildings and infrastructures can communicate with a common language or standard that facilitates an interconnected network of smart technologies across business, residential and industrial landscapes.

“By observing the path ahead coupled with what history has taught us, then combined with intuition and instinct you should already be planning for IIoT4.0 at scale. It’s just common sense.”Martin Hannah – CEO Cypernex

Industry underprepared for IIoT 4.0

81% of organizations have invested or are planning to invest in IIoT4.0 over the next 12 months. 44% have invested in cloud computing, yet 32%of professionals feel unprepared and behind in delivering digital transformation standards in 2019. To move towards Industry 4.0’s shared goal of an open and collaborative built environment, we must adopt a growth mindset that will allow us to invest in our future, today. This begins by breaking down adoption barriers and creating a strong foundation of useable data to light the spark of digital transformation.

“An integral part of smart industries and cities is the collaborative sharing of data from separate disciplines and sources.”Gary Pattison – BIM and Digital Construction

No matter what your role  within the supply chain, data sits at the heart of almost every technology your
organization is likely to adopt during your digital transformation journey, and is at the centre of effective
project delivery. However, our research shows that only 16% of professionals have invested, or are planning to invest in, IoT technology in the next 12 months and only 20% have invested in Big Data. This striking revelation
suggests that the industry underestimates the true power of data, unaware of how it can unlock opportunities and streamline construction processes.