With changing seasons, months, and years, the way humans live, work, produce, and consume has also evolved. From using stone for fire to using electricity for the same, humans have evolved and progressed towards more effective resources. The same can be said about the industrial revolutions.Industries have evolved throughout the past 2 centuries, from using steam power in the first revolution to optimizing electricity for mass production in the second revolution and introducing computers, I.T, electronics, and automation in the third.The industry is now heading towards the fourth revolution. Which is popularly addressed as Industry 4.0. What is it, and how does it impact the furniture industry, what can be its benefits and challenges? Let us go through some of these subjects briefly.
Industry 4.0 refers to the introduction of cyber-physical systems into the manufacturing process and industry. It furthers the addition of technology to develop smart machines and systems. The aim is to increase the efficiency of the processes by optimizing automation and data exchange.Use of machine and data learning, cloud computing, the internet of things, and virtual reality. This is to connect each element and process with each other by connecting, data, machines, and people.
While industry 4.0 aims to increase efficiency and productivity, its impact will largely vary from industry to industry. The true results of how will industry 4.0 play out for the wooden and metal furniture industry can only be found out after it is effectively implemented throughout the industry. According to the estimation of the experts at STC India consultancy, the introduction of the application of big data, machine learning, and cloud computing in the furniture industry world means faster and more efficient designing of products, optimum utilization of raw materials and other resources, and capitalizing on economies of scale.The change will enable the industry to mass-produce similar products more productively by reducing the redundancy in tasks and decisions. Smart machines and systems will enable a smoother production process reducing the margin of errors.Smart factories using cloud computing and virtual augmented reality would enable companies to move towards customizing furniture. This could be the big change revolutionizing the whole industry. STC India helps bring this revolution to factories so that businesses can develop the best process for enhanced customer satisfaction.The manufacturing process will also progress towards a more sustainable process. Smart manufacturing will primarily be aimed for factory or plant-wide optimization, nimble supply chains and sustainable production.The digitalization of the process will promote in-depth research and development. The cloud storage of data, use of AI and VR, are some of the technologies that will aid the research process. An effective and thorough research can be conducted using augmented VR. It can also be used for creating customized furniture by allowing the customers to design and evaluate the end product designed in VR.
Industries have evolved whenever the current processes, technologies, methods and machines have become inefficient or unproductive. Every earlier revolution has effectively optimized the production processes, and have reduced wastage of resources. Needless to say, that industry 4.0 aims to further those objectives.
The introduction of IT and electronics have made the earlier manual, lengthy and redundant processes fast and more productive. With the application of AI, CPS, VR, ERP and similar technologies these processes will be further optimized. This will result in optimum use of resources and capitalized human resources, which results in saving tons of money.
Data has become a prominent factor for today’s economy and will probably be a major factor in driving the economy in the coming years. Every company, sector and industry be it big or small will rely on data. This makes industry 4.0 all the more relevant and important. Industry 4.0 will Help industries to capitalize data to their benefit.
Global warming is one of the most pressing concerns today. Industries have long been the largest contributors to greenhouse gases. To address this concern industries, need to make their processes more sustainable and eco-friendlier. Automation through industry 4.0 will help businesses to establish smart factories and machines that aim to make the process sustainable.
Along the same lines as sustainability, industry 4.0 becomes imperative for efficient processes. According to the law of diminishing returns, technology becomes less productive with the passage of time. That is why constant change is important, the current processes can be further mobilized by the use of cyber-physical systems.
Every business today knows the importance of a customer-centered approach to the production process. The profits of a business depend in the end on customers. Industry 4.0 will make the collection, storage and analysis of customer data a well-ordered process.
With change comes challenges. Industry 4.0 like every other industrial revolution has several hurdles to overcome. A change is never easily and readily accepted, especially one which involves modifying multiple processes and has implications throughout the business process. Technological changes are specifically harder to accept for small and medium enterprises in labor-intensive industries and developing countries.Another concern that is often tagged along with technology is the loss of jobs caused by their introduction. Businesses and authorities will have to ensure that proper programs and provisions are made to address it.The other side of the above-mentioned challenge is for businesses and industries to find people who are qualified and competent in using technologies such as AI, VR, etc.The availability and accessibility are another hindrance that might affect the implementation of Industry 4.0 throughout different sectors.The experts at STC India are highly experienced and bring to you the best solutions helping you overcome these challenges. We help businesses to implement technological changes and improve their system and set up smart systems.
Industry 4.0 offers the opportunity for businesses to make their production process simplified, sustainable, efficient and cost-effective. Technological advancement in IT has made the implementation of automation and cyber-physical systems a necessity. Successful implementation of such technology would mean a more productive and hassle-free production process. Businesses, industries and authorities need to make sufficient provisions to address the challenge of Industry 4.0. However, once effectively implemented these changes will result in a more profitable and customer-driven process.STC India experts strive to deliver quality and assured consultation to businesses for establishing factories and technologies for best results. We provide risk assessment and quality inspections for buyers. Our services meet the required BIFMA and EN standards. We cater to all sizes of business and have a plethora of services. Our team is well trained, experienced and qualified, we make sure your concerns are prioritized.
