When most people imagine modern manufacturing, they imagine robotic arms and other machinery performing a specific task on an item and then dropping it down an assembly line.
They are actually thinking about the innovations brought about by Industry 3.0, the transformative technology of the mid-20th century. This is a giant leap in manufacturing, bringing automation and computerization that was not possible in the past.
The past few years have ushered in Industry 4.0, with touch monitors and other operating systems connecting and communicating with each other, while uploading terabytes of data to the cloud.
If your company is considering the move to Industry 4.0, here are four easy steps to get you started:
- Do your homework. Many buzzwords revolve around Industry 4.0, including the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services. Ignore these for now and focus on your goals, which may be solving bottlenecks in your system or achieving greater accuracy in planning and scheduling.
- Find the right partner. You can’t do this alone, so find a partner who can expertly guide you through the process. Find a nearby company that has extensive experience in your industry and has been around for many years. Make sure it understands your program scope and timeline.
- Settle down the operating system. On the manufacturing side, many companies of all sizes are turning to touchscreen operating systems. Devices equipped with industrial touch monitors can track real-time data, reduce costs and increase efficiency.
- Invest in sturdy hardware. Equipment deployed on the shop floor will take a hit. Look for hardware with an industrial touch monitor that will stand up to continuous use and a rugged look that can handle industrial environments. Industrial Touch Monitor creates an ecosystem of devices purpose-built to work together.
We offer great solutions for manufacturing in sizes from 5 to 23.8 inches. It easily adapts to all your needs in the workshop. Need a dashboard to keep your team focused on key metrics? The high-definition display of the industrial touch monitor is clearly visible throughout the room.