The steam engine in the nineteenth century, electricity at the beginning of ‘900, and automation in the 1970s. Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, technological advancement has driven productivity growth in industry.
During the past years, we have witnessed a fourth and new wave of technological progress: the Industry 4.0, based on the rise of industrial digital technology.
Big Data analytics and the nine principles of Industry 4.0
There are nine principles upon which Industry 4.0 is based:
- Big Data analytics
- Autonomous Robots
- Simulations
- Horizontal and vertical integration of information systems
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
- Cybersecurity
- The Cloud
- Additive Manufacturing
- Augmented reality
The Big Data principle refers to a phenomenon that has recently emerged in the industrial sector. That is, the analysis of ever larger volumes of data. In Industry 4.0, circulation, collection, and analysis of information is a necessity because it supports productivity growth based on a real-time decision-making process.
But where do these Big Data come from? And above all, how can they be managed so that they become a benefit and not a complication? The answer lies in another principle of Industry 4.0: the Internet of Things.
In fact, according to the IoT, all machines and systems connected to the production plant (as well as other systems) must be able to collect, exchange and save these massive volumes of information, in a completely autonomous way and without the need of human intervention (and therefore more work).
Productivity growth through Big Data analytics and Cloud technology
Industry 4.0 will require more and more data sharing, even beyond corporate boundaries. Just think of a multinational with a production plant located in a different country than its headquarter.
The faster and wider the data access, the more efficient the process, including maintenance and the resolution of any problems. And that is how productivity growth becomes achievable.
That’s why the Cloud has proved to be indispensable. Like the ESA Automation Cloud service, this technology allows access to data and equipment at any time in a facility. A condition, that is ideal to guarantee the efficiency of the production process.
How is it possible? Thanks to an open and flexible architecture, which make it possible to visualize all HTML5 contents from browser and connect more systems among themselves. In fact, by using the MQTT protocol in its Cloud, ESA Automation offers a simple and quick solution, that allows to communicate with remote systems in an efficient an asynchronous way.
In conclusion, it’s an indispensable support for Big Data analysis. But above all, it’s a solution capable of increasing productivity up to + 25% per year.
Read this article to learn more about the ESA Automation Cloud.