In May 2019, the MySolutions Group launched the second edition of an industry 4.0 survey. We wanted to know how well the implementation of industry 4.0 is working in your company. More than one hundred participants in various positions and from various sectors of industry, mainly executives from the fields of mechanical engineering and contract manufacturing, took part again this year. Here we present you a compact evaluation.
The main results of the survey
The participants questioned in the study regard the holistic conceptual basis of the term industry 4.0 as its central strength. It serves companies worldwide as an important model for the vertical integration of intelligent machines, products and production resources into flexible manufacturing systems and for their horizontal integration into cross-sector value-added networks. Most respondents also perceive networking, robotics and digitization as key topics in the context of Industry 4.0.
Noticeable changes between 2014 and 2019
A review of the results of our first survey in 2014 reveals several interesting developments. Many data and values have changed only slightly, others all the more strongly. The survey showed, for example, a significant increase in the use of industry 4.0 in the areas of robotics, info terminals/info screens and production management (MES). It was also pleasing to note that none of the respondents stated that they would completely abstain from industry 4.0 in the company. In the first survey, almost 20% stated that they did not pursue any efforts in this respect. In each of the companies we surveyed, the fourth industrial revolution has already entered in one way or another.
No reason to hesitate
The general mood therefore remains optimistic overall. However, a certain disillusionment has crept in, as the actual implementation results to date are mixed. On the one hand, we still see a great deal of uncertainty among companies. This applies above all to the question of what the implementation of Industry 4.0 really requires of them. On the other hand, we can also see that a growing number of companies are reporting considerable progress. This applies in particular to those companies that are not intimidated by the variety of possibilities hidden under the generic term industry 4.0 and concentrate on business-specific applications such as ERP, CAD/CAM or machine integration.
Challenges and proposed solutions
Five key challenges were identified. Many respondents said that they had experienced difficulties in coordinating measures between different departments or organizational units. They also found that they often lack the courage to make radical changes. The solution to these two problems is to recognize that the transformation into a fourth-generation industrial enterprise must be led by top management. It cannot be delegated.
Two further problem areas are on the one hand the lack of necessary talents, such as data scientists or programmers. Industry 4.0, however, is about technology AND people. The analog challenge therefore remains, of course, even in the digital age. On the other hand, there are legitimate concerns about cyber security within the framework of cooperation with third-party providers. One possible approach is to select business partners even more carefully.
The last problem described by the majority of our survey participants is the lack of a clear business model that justifies investments in an underlying IT architecture. This is also a legitimate concern, but one that can be addressed by a change of perspective. After all, industry 4.0 is not just an IT issue, but a development that affects the entire enterprise. And as such it can also be quantified.
The hopes for industry 4.0 remain high
Overall, the survey participants remain confident about the potential impact of industry 4.0 on their businesses. The majority expect the competitiveness of their companies to either increase or remain the same as a result of the impact of industry 4.0. Only a small proportion fears a decline in competitiveness.
The frame has been created, what we now need is enlightment and the courage to take action. The end result will be leaner manufacturing with higher profits, lower costs and more satisfied customers. You are not alone on the road to industry 4.0. The MySolutions Group will gladly advise and accompany you in all phases of your development into a manufacturing company of the future.