Industry 4.0 - The added value in steel processing

What is Industry 4.0?

‘Industry 4.0’ is being referred to by a lot of experts in the steel fabrication and manufacturing industry, but what does it mean and, more important, what is the added value for your business? In one sentence: Industry 4.0 is the next level in automation, which means that everything is connected, in all levels of the value chain.

The production of the future will run even more independently. We are not talking about automation of a production line itself, we are talking about automation of the whole factory. This implies that also on the machine and production line level things are going to change. Industry 4.0 will eventually lead to new business models and improved productivity by connecting machinery, sensors and control systems together. But keep in mind that this fourth industrial revolution is a revolution that comes with small steps; it is not one huge immediate change. Let’s dive into the steps Voortman takes regarding Industry 4.0 with four concrete effects of Industry 4.0 affecting your business.