Industry 4.0 is one of most searched terms on industrial digitization, according to Google Trends. The most popular related search phrase is ‘What is Industry 4.0?’
This indicates that, amid all the interest in Industry 4.0, there remains a lack of clarity about what it really means. And though the term has expanded significantly since its introduction as a German industry/government/academic initiative at Hannover Messe in 2011, it remains centered on the digital transformation of the manufacturing industries.
Helping to clarify what Industry 4.0 means for manufacturers worldwide, Claudia Jarrett, U.S. country manager for industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains that it is “an idea and vision that, to implement properly, requires planning, cultural change, and new technology.”
EU Automation's Claudia Jarrett尽管由行业4.0代表代表巨大的变化，Jarrett指出，行业4.0“不需要整个系统大修，也不需要投资昂贵和最先进的技术。主要工厂大修不是数字化的唯一途径。改造几个关键组件可以是一种简单，快速，经济高效的方式，可以在工业4.0中采取第一步。“
The type of retrofitting Jarrett refers to involves adding connectivity to existing machines, allowing them to communicate over the Internet and be remotely monitored. “The simplest way to do this is to add sensors for data acquisition, or invest in technology to measure vibration, temperature, current, and power consumption,” she said. “These parameters indicate how equipment is performing and can communicate this information automatically. For example, an accelerometer could measure the frequencies at which the rotating elements of a machine vibrates. An increase in vibration amplitude signals a problem in the rotational elements of the machine, such as insufficient lubrication. This information can be communicated to a maintenance engineer trained in vibration analysis, who will be able to identify the issue and schedule the necessary repairs before the machine breaks, causing unexpected and costly downtime. This is the reality of Industry 4.0 in practice.”
Jarrett表示，制造商没有必要购买具有嵌入式连接或改革的新机器，以便他们目前管理设备维护，以启动朝向行业4.0的路径。“加速度计足够，”她说。“实际上，大多数行业4.0转换可以以类似的简单且经济高效的方式实现。”
Another effective step approach to Industry 4.0 is via obsolescence management. “Manufacturers should make a list of components on site that are already obsolete and rank them by importance,” said Jarrett. “Critical applications, which are essential to operate the entire system, should be prioritized. Using this method, manufacturers won’t be forced to embark on a system overhaul if something breaks down. This also addresses problems related to compatibility, which are common issues for manufacturers investing in new technology to work alongside legacy equipment. Obsolescence is the natural consequence of continuous advances in technology and Industry 4.0 increases this. Though it is impossible to eliminate obsolescence completely, taking the retrofitting approach to Industry 4.0 can lessen the potential impact.”
Though Industry 4.0 can be a confusing and intimidating process for manufacturers, Jarrett stressed the importance for manufacturers to understanding that it can be achieved through small and incremental investments. Taking small retrofitting steps, combined with a clear obsolescence management plan, is an achievable way of implementing Industry 4.0 so that it is not the intimidating process it may seem to be at first, she said.
