Electricity and Control June 2024

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

Industry 4.0 – transforming the electro-mechanical landscape Wesley Vorster, Product Manager, ACTOM The electro-mechanical industry is being transformed fundamentally by Industry 4.0, ushering in more efficient and innovative practices. Increasingly, companies are integrating automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise manufacturing processes, enhance productivity and deliver better solutions to clients.

T his technological evolution is not optional but essen tial for companies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Industry 4.0 marks a para digm shift driving industry players into a digital future where they can thrive in an increasingly digitised environment. Introducing advanced technologies in automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and AI, Industry 4.0 is reshaping the electro-mechanical industry, as these tech nologies create an intelligent digital connection to historical ly analogue equipment. This assists companies to increase efficiencies, sustainability, and safety of their equipment. Automation and AI also play a key role in achieving high and continually-improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) metrics, in turn, optimising manufacturing processes and enhancing productivity. Constantly evaluating these metrics using AI algorithms can improve many aspects of the manufacturing process. For example, it can assist in reducing downtime, optimising performance, enhanc ing quality control and enabling efficient changeovers, all through data-driven decision making. Increasing profitability Real-time data analytics enable organisations to analyse market trends, customer behaviour and operational per formance to identify opportunities to improve, optimise re source allocation and, over time, increase profitability. Digital transformation enables companies to gather more data about their equipment and processes, and AI is key to learning how to improve, progress and evolve into the next industrial revolution. This is a core requirement for tra ditional electro-mechanical companies to remain relevant in a market that demands increasingly innovative solutions. Generally, South African businesses and companies in

other parts of the continent are making steady progress in adopting Industry 4.0 and this is an exciting era, under scored by large-scale research and development to find solutions to our unique environmental challenges. Organi sations are beginning to see the potential benefits and val ue these solutions could bring to them and their customers. However, the uptake of digital transformation is to some extent hindered by the prevailing skills gap in the electro-mechanical sector, as well as a fear of change, infrastructure challenges and a lack of access to capital for many smaller companies. Large organisations, alongside government initiatives, are at the forefront of Industry 4.0 adoption as they endeavour to stay competitive on the international stage. Overcoming resistance Perhaps the biggest challenge for organisations adopting these new technologies is winning the ‘buy-in’ from internal stakeholders. To overcome resistance to change, organisa tions need to ensure every stakeholder understands the val ue of the solutions. Resistance can manifest in various forms, from a lack of capital commitment to perceived job uncer tainty. It is up to the leadership team to explain how the new technologies can enable the organisation to reach its goals. Companies can harness the full potential of digital technologies to drive sustainable growth in the electro mechanical sector by using in-house experts. Additionally, they can benefit from engaging the services of a capable consultant to develop smart technologies that complement existing processes, products and services in a way that adds real value for stakeholders. Knowing which solutions will have the biggest impact on an organisation’s goals should determine the priorities in selecting the steps to progress. Companies like ACTOM Smart Technologies, a leading provider of Industry 4.0 solutions, can help organisations adapt, innovate, and prosper in the digital age, and at the same time, optimise efficiency, sustainability, and safety. ACTOM Smart Technologies is a trusted partner for busi nesses looking to embrace digital transformation, automa tion, and a culture of innovation. It offers tailored solutions that add value for clients and ensure long-term success. □

The electro-mechanical industry can benefit from embracing the smart technologies of Industry 4.0.

For more information visit: www.actom.co.za

4 Electricity + Control JUNE 2024