Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution, describes the transformation of manufacturing and industrial processes through digital technologies. These smart systems are more efficient, far more flexible, and very responsive to market demands due to their high degree of customization.

Additionally, smart technologies can reduce waste and energy consumption, important for all businesses due to carbon reduction legislation.

Finally, Industry 4.0 continues to revolutionize logistics and supply chain management. From raw materials, to parts, transportation, and delivery, a fully integrated ecosystem provides full transparency to all involved players.

The following key components and technologies associated with Industry 4.0 can provide immense value to many organisations.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is a vast network of connected physical devices and machinery. These collect and exchange data at an increasingly fast pace.

In production environments, sensors and smart devices monitor collect real-time data, make adjustments when necessary, and alert operators of any potential problems.

Big Analytics

Sensors and smart devices in an industrial or manufacturing plant generate vast amounts of data that can be used to an organisation’s benefit. Through big data analytics, companies can predict maintenance needs, better control the quality of products, and optimize their processes.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

The enormous amount of data collected can also be used in conjunction with AI and machine learning. As these technologies sift through and analyse data they identify patterns and learn to make better decisions autonomously.

Advanced Robotics & Automation Systems

Machines are more efficient and automated than ever before. This makes them ideal for repetitive tasks that can normally eat up valuable human resources.

3D Printing

Historically, prototyping was a long, expensive process. Today, 3D printing provides a way to shorten lead times and production costs, even when testing complex parts.

Artificial & Virtual Realities

AR and VR technologies allow users to experience realistic environments and work through complex processes safely. In the workplace, this improves operator efficiency, reduces errors, and enables real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes.

Cloud Platforms

Industry 4.0 also involves a change in the way organisations handle data. Instead of storing and processing in various locations, cloud platforms centralize data. This increases cybersecurity and makes information more accessible to stakeholders, no matter their location.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain has also become an important technology in industry and manufacturing due to its ability to create a secure and transparent supply chain. Companies can track the origin and authenticity of their products for compliance and reputational needs.

Accessing Industry 4.0 Technology & Talent

EarlyBirds realizes no two organisations are the same. Consequently, they offer a variety of methods to access a diverse range of advanced technologies and talent. All provide the following benefits:

• Increased productivity
• Improved operational efficiency
• Enhanced competitiveness
• Connections to the best Subject Matter Experts and innovators available
• Simplified process

EarlyBirds Skill Identification Program

The skill identification program offers potential solutions to organisation to find and retain the best in the current talent pool. The program is overseen by veterans in the industry with a high level of credibility and expertise that benefits all parties.

The program provides actionable data-driven recommendations fuelled by cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

By doing a deep dive into the necessary skill sets, organisations can find those with technical and managerial expertise to take them to the next level.

EarlyBirds Innovation Ecosystem

Our award-winning Innovation Ecosystem allows both innovation and strategic thinking in all areas of a business, whatever the technical or business challenge or potential opportunity your organisation wants to explore.

We unite Innovators, Early Adopters and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to fuel rapid innovative adoption and business evolution. Early Adopters are leaders eager to identify new and disruptive technologies. They want to seize opportunities, solve business challenges, or create new products and services.

Our Ecosystem has a data pool of over 5.0 million global innovations across many industries with solutions that may already address your organisation’s challenges. Alternatively, organisations can list their challenges and request solutions from innovators.

EarlyBirds Ecosystem Maps

EarlyBirds offers Ecosystem Maps to help organizations address pressing issues. Each contains startups, scaleups, and mature companies involved in specific themes and sub-themes so organisations can plot a path towards innovation. The maps also track numerous daily and historical news and media articles from across the world.

EarlyBirds Explorer Program

The Explorer Program is tailored towards those who need innovation as a service to supplement existing innovation programs, or to conduct innovation projects when required. It is designed to speed up the process of technological innovation for the organisation as a service.

The Explorer Program includes several features including quarterly and monthly innovation days; regular webinars to help stimulate innovation in the organisation; a focus on types of innovations; a platform enterprise license; and a nominated SME for the business.

EarlyBirds Challenger Program

The Challenger Program focuses on a single organisational or technical challenge. It looks for the most relevant innovators that meet your organisational, technical, and risk requirements.

The program is run by an EarlyBirds’ Subject Matter Expert who identifies your key issues. The SME then searches the data pool to identify and curate options for further evaluation. The most suitable option is chosen and the SME drafts a roadmap of next steps, POC, trial, or implementation.

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For corporations looking to unlock the benefits of Industry 4.0 methodologies and technologies, please sign up at https://earlybirds.io/en/early_adopter. Alternatively, request a consultation so we can help you find what you need. We use an individualized approach to ensure you find the best possible solutions.

Our experience extends to the Food Industry, Retail, Healthcare, Operations & Maintenance, Manufacturing, Finance & Insurance, Energy, Education, Cybersecurity, Sovereign Nations, the Public Sector, and many other areas.

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