Currently, there are several discussions on how the European manufacturing industry has adapted to the new era of Industry 4.0. In the following article we will analyze how the Fourth Industrial Revolution has reached our days, what are its main advantages and how it will affect the future of packaging machinery manufacturers.
How has Industry 4.0 reached our days?
The First Industrial Revolution began in the mid-18th century through the use of mechanization and steam power. These advances have led to increased productivity. With the discovery of electric power, assembly lines and mass production, the Second Industrial Revolution (19th century) was born. Mass production achieved higher output, faster and at lower cost. In 1969, with the advent of the Third Industrial Revolution, automation was introduced thanks to computer technology and the advancement of electronics.
Today, less than 50 years after the birth of Industry 3.0, we are in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. The production systems are fully equipped with the latest computer technologies and cybernetic systems, which allow constant connectivity and high digitalization in the production processes on the packaging lines.
Industry 4.0 and its advantages in the manufacturing industry
One of the major concerns of customers is technical assistance. As a packaging machinery manufacturer, we must offer you an efficient and immediate response at all times. Industry 4.0 has brought with it the development of virtual technical assistance, capable of meeting customer requirements at all times, regardless of the physical distance between the manufacturer and the customer and regardless of the time zone. In this line, one of the advantages of virtual technical assistance is that the technical “visits” take place remotely without the need to travel to the customer’s site. In addition, it generates a cost benefit, since the virtual technical assistance makes it unnecessary to stop the line.
The entry of Industry 4.0 into the manufacturing industry has brought with it multiple benefits for machinery manufacturers. On the one hand, manufacturers have their employees producing in the factory and at the same time, they can visit customers remotely if and when required. On the other hand, they have the need to control the operation of the machinery at all times. That is why having real-time production information and added to the feedback provided by customers, products and processes, helps to analyze machine performance and failures, compare results and finally, to know what actions and possible improvements can be implemented to improve efficiency.
The future of packaging machinery manufacturers with the advent of Industry 4.0
With the advent of Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing industry, the future of packaging machinery manufacturers is up in the air: is the market ready to function with this new technology and permanent connection?
We are facing a new paradigm. With Industry 4.0, we have gone from selling machinery to selling services. As a packaging machinery manufacturerwe are able to control and improve line efficiency with technology that allows data collection and analysis. This data allows us to take corrective actions to offer innovative packaging solutions.
With the entry of new technology, changes in demand and the effect of the pandemic, the manufacturing industry has been transformed. Not only have there been new trends in packaging materials, the manufacturing industry has also introduced the concept of “pay-as-you-go”. In other words, the customer pays for a service that produces a benefit, in this case, having at his disposal machinery that ensures the highest efficiency. The manufacturer’s responsibility is to control the operation of the machinery and to assure the customer of the efficiency of the machineryof your line at all times.
In conclusion, a key objective of machinery manufacturers is to establish a commitment with customers to ensure line efficiency. And with Industry 4.0 this is possible.
How Industry 4.0 helps collaboration with your customers
With the changes introduced by Industry 4.0, the customer will not want to assume the production risk, and it will be the responsibility of manufacturers to control production and ensure efficiency at all times.
Machine acceptance will take a back seat and concepts such as ensuring efficiency, accuracy and speed will be essential aspects to meet customer needs and requirements.
Finally, Industry 4.0 is an opportunity for machinery manufacturers, as it allows them to maintain continuous interaction with customers. Thanks to virtual technical assistance, any issue can be solved remotely, without the impediments of distance and incompatible schedules. In addition to obtaining statistical data that allow us to improve processes, resulting in greater satisfaction and long-term relationships with customers. Industry 4.0 also helps to reduce operating and maintenance costs.
Industry 4.0 technologies allow the supplier-customer relationship to be closer, encourage collaboration to achieve product and process innovation and finally, to be part of the production chain of customers and contribute to the growth of the packaging machinery market.
For more detailed information, check out the Barcelona Packaging Hub webinar where our partners discuss the advent of Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing industry.
