The COVID-19 pandemic has supercharged the demand for digital offerings and Industry 4.0 technology.

As much as the COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered for its chilling effect on business and economic activity, apparently it has had quite the opposite impact on industry’s zest for digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Production challenges do not wait on IT developments, and getting to the root of a problem does not always have to be rocket science.

Modern automation systems go beyond the confines of the physical machines on the factory floor. According to Deloitte Insights, smart factories can not only operate within the four walls of a factory but can also connect to a global network of similar production systems, and even to the digital supply network.

A digital workforce reflects the evolution of technology within the modern workplace. This technology is central to the way we do business. As a result, many organisations already use elements of a digital workforce without realising.

In the past, the word “automation” has created such a buzz, especially in the manufacturing industry. The discourse surrounding the use of robots in the processing and delivery of products is a hot topic of conversation throughout various industries. Majority shareholders are pushing top management officials to adopt automation due to the numerous benefits it brings. The overreaching goal is to seamlessly integrate it into their current processes to streamline their operations. 

For those who are new to the world of robotic automation, it’s natural to ask why you should invest in this technology. Most business owners will want to fully understand the goals, the problems solved, the economic reasons, and the benefits of robotic automation before truly considering the investment.

In the UK, more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents in the Annual Manufacturing Report Survey have said that they're 'aware' of Industry 4.0. 23% are already moving over to digitisation and automation of their systems, while 62% are actively planning the move. Source: Annual Manufacturing Report

Manufacturing, packaging, and logistics companies are unlocking new potential through digital transformation with the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced analytics.