Industry 4.0: How it Stands to Benefit from Cloud Computing

Given just how rapidly everything in the world seems to be evolving, it comes as no surprise that we have already moved on to Industry 4.0 when we were embracing Industry 2.0 seemingly just a few days ago. This change, no matter how quick, has been warranted, especially on account of the benefit it brings to manufacturing businesses. However, there is still some scope to do better — scope that is adequately addressed via cloud computing.

Cloud technology or connected smart devices have made Industry 4.0 go mainstream. You might have come across a variety of organizations that are working with clients to offer leading-edge industry transformation since before it was cool. Industry 4.0 as a concept has been prevalent but the technology that truly has enabled it to go mainstream only with cloud computing. And, it wouldn’t surprise you to learn that the era of Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution for many is marked by the advent of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With this article, let’s look at how connected devices have enabled the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Read on to see how cloud computing helps make Industry 4.0 better.
1. Software: Interestingly, for the longest time, the key focal point in Industry 4.0 has been hardware; while the hardware is certainly an important part of the overall picture, the fact remains that software is an equally vital part of the experienced Industry 4.0 aims to deliver. This is where connected software comes in, allowing companies to connect every single facet of their respective business via one, unified platform. Such connected systems typically offer a company everything it could need, including collaboration, data analytics, simulation, 3D modeling, etc., based on the unique requirements of the given business.
2. Security: Industry 4.0 is underpinned by the concept of connected devices and the more the number of connected devices, the more the data being transferred and shared amongst these devices. Of course, this puts the spotlight squarely on the security of such data moving between connected devices. Modern solutions, then, come fortified with a world of advanced security-focused provisions, including in-cloud security, app-level security, virtual systems security, etc.
3. Connected devices: Industry 4.0 is decidedly being driven by cloud computing and the Internet of Things but that does not mean the scope of this union is limited to just smart lights, connected appliances, etc. Industry 4.0 and cloud computing together help connect Human Resources with machines, i.e. ensure complete sync between employees and the equipment. Since Industry 4.0 lays enhanced emphasis on digital transformation, integrated software platforms are now being used to facilitate collaboration between all aspects of the business, including engineers, designers, etc.
4. Agility: One of the most compelling benefits of Industry 4.0 and cloud-computing driven smart manufacturing is that it affords companies of all scales and sizes to opt for agile deployment models even for large-scale innovations. What’s more, is that they are also afforded the reassurance of a notable edge over their peers in the market. In this context, cloud computing also empowers companies to opt for the latest technological innovations without needing to overshoot their budgets. This helps transform the value of initial investments.
Both cloud computing and Industry 4.0 have established themselves as some of the most advanced solutions at the disposal of the modern world. So, it ought to come as no surprise that the union of Industry 4.0 and cloud computing too is hailed as a dynamite duo that can help companies not only undertake extensive digitalization of their operations and achieve substantially better levels of agility across the board but also quickly adapt to evolving market conditions and stay ahead of the curve. If you too want to leverage this combination of Industry 4.0 and cloud computing, we recommend that you start looking for a trusted cloud application services provider with substantial Industry 4.0 experience so you can get started on your project ASAP.