Connected Industry

Connected industry leverages digital networks to link people, machines, devices, systems, companies, customers, and places, creating new value and enabling organizations to thrive amidst disruption.

At its core are the following technologies – Internet of Things(IoT,) 5G connectivity, Data management, Artificial Intelligence(AI) & Machine Learning(ML), Edge-to-Cloud and Security. Young technology savvy professionals have a keen interest in Augmented Technology. In this model, humans & machines work symbiotically to deliver maximum speed & efficiency each performing the task that they are best suited for. Step one is monitoring ones IoT environment to gain visibility of ones operations. Step two involves conducting data analysis and optimizing performance based on visibility of ones operations. Step three – Using AI & ML to make ‘if this, then that’ predictions. Step Four-enabling new products & business models based on data, AI & automation. Thus, humans and machines work together to streamline processes, use real-time data for improved quality, productivity, cost-effectiveness, reliability, safety and to optimize use of environmental and skilled human resources.

Business Outcomes and Benefits

Emergent solutions address business (plant/infrastructure safety management i.e. greater safety for workers by reducing jobs in dangerous environments,) societal(mobility problems, health management, shift to an industrial structure independent of oil, integration of cyberspace & the physical world) and environmental challenges(sustainability: promotes eco-friendly practices,) thereby adding value.

For Enterprises: connected industry facilitates cost-effective decentralized decision-making. This boosts efficiency & optimizes processes thereby enhancing productivity and quality. Continuous Intelligence: provides ongoing insights for proactive decision-making, advanced automation supports employee efforts enabling a technology empowered workforce.

How does connected industry slot the pieces to enhance the bigger picture. Analytics now provides actionable insights and decisions are based on these. Data does not remain just a dashboard. It provides a cohesive picture to run diverse operations, amalgamating multiple dashboards, reports and emails ensuring prompt action. Market context advanced analytics and generative AI provides predictive and intelligent simulations & recommendations enhancing adoption. It is efficient and scalable. The insights and experiences generated permeate the organizational culture and drive transformation: democratization of data. The combined impact of people performance, process KPIs, system data, digital worker utilization, predictions and generative AI are all leveraged at once by the enterprise. It is applicable not just for Consumer Products and Retail but can benefit all industries making them resilient and future-ready.

Amongst Consumers, Gen Z with disposable income are a target group for human centric solution design – designs centered around end-user needs. This results in improved competitiveness through development of customized products that satisfy consumers’ needs. Improved customer experience enhances service and product offerings – fosters new development – product innovation.

Agriculture forms the backbone of the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Connected sensors to track temperature, soil conditions, sunlight and humidity can provide data ensuring maximum produce to feed the population. Accurate location services and communication guide farmers about optimum harvest time. Transportation & fleet management also gain majorly improving efficiency of the supply-chain. Robotics and automation in warehouses save human effort and improve safety profile.

Conclusion

Connected industry integrates technological advancements to unify the physical and virtual ecosystems, offering solutions to business, social, and environmental challenges. Thus, connected industry drives agile innovation and creativity – facilitates flexible and rapid development, Operational Excellence: achieves superior performance and Cost Reduction: lowers operational expenses. It optimizes reliability: ensures consistent performance, Resilience: enhances the ability to adapt and thrive in changing conditions. Security & Privacy ensue as protection is ensured across all layers, extending to the edge. Compliance & Regulatory Assurance: adherence to standards. Trust & Safety: builds confidence in systems and processes. This synergy between man and technology provides a win-win in every sphere.

https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/mono_info_service/connected_industries/index.html

https://www.electronicspecifier.com/news/blog/the-connected-industry-and-the-internet-of-things-that-really-matter-part-i