Unpacking Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution. It's an extension of the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to the increasing number of smart devices, appliances, wearable computers and even automated cars that are becoming interconnected via the internet. The idea is that these smart machines will connect to become powerful systems that are able to process huge data sets and quickly translate this information into intelligent courses of action.

By 2020, the IDC predicts there will be 212 billion 'things' on the internet - potentially including your fridge, oven, mobile phone, car and possibly even your lawn mower and door locks! Compared to 2009, when there were only 2.5 billion connected devices in use, this could completely transform the way we live and do business.

In the industrial environment, smart equipment will also be interconnected and therefore able to communicate and collaborate - independent of human involvement. The advantage is a seamless, automated manufacturing system that significantly increases speed and scale. This would obviously lead to higher profit margins.

This may seem like a future scenario, but automation experts say it is happening already.

"When we talk about Industry 4.0, we aren't talking about some distant future, we're talking about now - all the technologies needed are available now," Niels Ouwersloot from Beckhoff Automation told Packaging World magazine.

At Pyrotec PackMark, we understand that our industrial clients need to stay ahead of the technology curve to be competitive in terms of speed and volume. We therefore bring you the most cutting-edge machinery available internationally - to ensure your hardware gives you the best return on your investment now and in your factory of the future.

Contact us now for more information and specialist advice!