Given the new global manufacturing challenges, the Smart Factory is becoming more mainstream. Indeed, as leaders seek to further integrate technology and the shopfloor, Industry 4.0 technologies are becoming the norm in manufacturing.

Why is the Smart Factory becoming more popular? Before we get into that, let’s first define what a smart factory is.

Remembering the Smart Factory concept

The Smart Factory (or Factory of the Future) refers to the use of advanced technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing and other automation technology to improve manufacturing productivity and operational excellence. 

Because systems, processes, and machines are all linked, the Smart Factory is overflowing with data-driven insights.The data is used in conjunction with self-optimizing devices, operational excellence platforms and connected workers, bringing the entire team on board to proactively solve problems and improve production. The use of real-time data greatly improves decision making in the Smart Factory.

Is the Smart Factory the new norm in manufacturing? 

Smart Factories appear to be the new industrial norm as more manufacturers recognize the significance of Industry 4.0 and seek to capitalize on the benefits that new technologies provide.

Let’s take a look at why the Smart Factory is gaining ground global manufacturers. 

1. Smart Factories can now be implemented on a large scale

Until recently, a true Smart Factory was a distant reality due a scarcity of suppliers capable of delivering cost-effective Industry 4.0 technologies. There are many players in the market today who provide these technologies for factories worldwide. Several vendors now offer data analytics, AI, digital command centers, autonomous mobile robots and other services to manufacturers. Many businesses can now combine manufacturing and technology,transforming entire production lines into Smart Factories. 

2. Digital Transformation is unavoidable

Manufacturers are increasingly realizing that they cannot avoid the digital transformation. Companies must act quickly to maintain competitiveness in the face of such shifts in consumption patterns. Adoption of Smart Factory technologies is critical for achieving long-term results and improving the bottom line.

3. Big Data is the new revenue driver 

Data-driven insights provide invaluable information on how to achieve operational excellence during the continuous improvement journey. Everything is connected in the Smart Factory, and data is collected in ways that companies have never been able to do before. Organizations now have more information and ways to act on it than ever before, resulting in true business transformation and revenue growth.

4. Continuous improvement and Operational Excellence play a vital part in manufacturing success 

Manufacturers cannot afford quality mistakes with global supply chains still adjusting post-COVID and raw material costs skyrocketing. Continuous improvement and operational excellence technologies are becoming increasingly important in this scenario,helping shopfloor workers in identifying and resolving issues with minimal impact on the production line.

5. Shopfloor employees are empowered with the help of Connected Worker platforms

Humans become much more important as Industry 4.0 technologies are adopted, allowing them to focus on their uniquely human skills that drive business value. Shopfloor workers are empowered and able to make better, faster, and data-driven decisions with the help of Connected Worker platforms.

Solvace helps companies implement Smart Factory strategies and improve operational excellence

Solvace experts have been helping manufacturers all over the world in implementing Smart Factory strategies.The Solvace platform, with its broad coverage, drives Operational Excellence (OpExc), boosting client results and efficiency. 

Solvace’s expert team has extensive shopfloor and OpExc expertise and has helped over 50 global companies in 75 countries in improving their business results. Solvace experts have worked in a variety of industries, including consumer goods, food and beverage, packaging, automotive, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Solvace was born on the shopfloor and has an “all in one” logic, with many apps that can be completely customized to meet the needs of the client.

Solvace provides a single, highly efficient and secure database capable of quickly sharing information between shopfloor employees and business leaders, across different sites.

Solvace, which was created with humans in mind, empowers shopfloor workers while providing key insights to manufacturing business leaders.