March 2019

| 16 | March 2019 www.smartmachinesandfactories.com | FEATURES | I n Sweden, 3rd September is known as Högertrafikomläggningen, because this was the day, in 1967, when Swedish traffic switched from driving on the left to the right-hand side of the road. Following careful planning, faultless execution and compliance by every motorist on the road at the time, the switch aligned Swedish roads with those of its neighbours. Just like Sweden made a change to fit in with neighbouring countries, manufacturers should implement advanced digital technology to join the fourth industrial revolution, a key driver for improvements in the global manufacturing industry. Where it all began Prior to 2011, manufacturers used digital technology to automate individual actions in a factory. They were heavily reliant on engineers to monitor the technology, progress assets along a production line and perform activities that required more cognitive ability than a repetitive physical action. Dr Henning Kagermann, Dr Wolfgang Wahlster and Dr Wolf-Dieter Lukas recognised the potential of cyber-physical systems, comprising automated equipment connected across the IIoT, to increase the level of automation in manufacturing plants. They presented their vision for Germany’s manufacturing industry at Hannover Fair in April 2011, naming it Industrie 4.0. German manufacturer Siemens’ four-stage roadmap guides manufacturers through digitalisation and entry into Industrie 4.0. The first stage supports manufacturers in establishing their digitalisation goals. Leveraging the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to connect digital systems is a crucial step for increasing manufacturing productivity, efficiency and quality. Jonathan Wilkins, director at industrial automation parts supplier EU Automation, explains what UK manufacturers can learn from countries leading the way. Global leaders in Industry 4.0