Digitalization of production processes. About IT technology in the era of Industry 4.0.

Currently, information technology plays a crucial role in economic development, increasingly penetrating areas that previously had little in common. In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, manufacturing companies are even striving to strengthen their relationships with the IT industry, realizing that digitizing processes is the foundation for effective operation in today's dynamically changing market.

Rapid computerization is transforming the industry, and IT technology is becoming the foundation of efficient production processes. Modern enterprises are investing in a growing number of dedicated solutions that streamline operations at every stage of the manufacturing process.

The scope of IT technology use

Among the improvements implemented, manufacturing companies are increasingly focusing on solutions that support processes performed through automated production lines. This is why areas are emerging that are entirely managed by robots and electronic devices. It is also increasingly difficult to imagine companies operating without an efficient production management system that supports all processes or selected areas requiring IT support.

Properly selected and implemented software streamlines, for example:

  • production ordering processes,
  • production planning and scheduling,
  • machine monitoring,
  • quality control of manufactured components.

The primary benefits of computerizing these areas include:

  • real-time access to current information directly from production in progress,
  • the ability to calculate deadlines and costs,
  • simulation of assumed production plans.

The selection of IT solutions depends on many factors. Each entity has its own specific requirements based on market conditions, work methodology, technology used, and production type. For some, a well-organized production line equipped with robots or automation that execute key processes is paramount. For others, a well-used, ergonomic, and reliable ERP system containing key functionalities that streamline production – MRP, APS, or MES – is fundamental.

All these IT solutions enable the effective and efficient operation of a company. And if we add tools such as project management support and analytical tools to this set, a comprehensive, diverse solution aligned with the Industry 4.0 concept emerges.

Industry expectations from the IT industry

The ongoing challenges facing the IT industry include the constant pursuit of minimizing information access time and improving the quality of acquired data. This is particularly important in the context of the growing phenomenon of Big Data, which involves collecting and analyzing data from many different sources – in practice, the solutions used by modern manufacturing enterprises. Equally important is the introduction of new solutions that optimize both Big Data-related activities and processes such as:

  • the Internet of Things (IoT),
  • artificial intelligence (AI),
  • machine learning.

These phenomena will further deepen and interconnect the industry and computerization in its broadest sense.

According to the concept of Industry 4.0, all components of an enterprise's IT infrastructure should be integrated and interconnected, and centrally and remotely managed. A secure IT infrastructure should encompass all the following:

  • production systems (MES, MRP, APS, SCADA, etc.),
  • ERP systems for enterprise management,
  • sales systems,
  • machines and equipment.

Therefore, one of the greatest challenges posed by the fourth industrial revolution is coordinating the components of the IT environment to ensure optimal utilization of available resources and full supervision. This challenge stems, in part, from the use of diverse solutions, which necessitate standardized interfaces for communication and data exchange.

Due to the rise in cybercrime today, ensuring the security of installations is also a major challenge, as they constitute a key element of a company's operations in the age of automation and computerization. In this case, selecting a business partner who will provide access to new technologies, as well as their proper integration, communication, and management, is crucial.

The importance of industry 4.0

The automation and computerization of production plants is an inevitable development direction for companies in the industrial sector. The constant pursuit of minimizing the costs and time of accessing data at various stages means that companies striving to meet customer demands must invest in modern means to facilitate the acquisition of up-to-date information directly from the production process. Investments in hardware infrastructure, production process management software, and new IT technologies are essential for competitiveness.


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