En bref : Le secteur de l’industrie a traditionnellement été considéré comme relativement en retard par rapport à d’autres secteurs qui paraissent plus dépendants de la technologie de pointe à chaque étape de leur processus, tels que le secteur de la santé , par exemple. Ce guide couvre : Les tendances numériques dans le secteur de l’industrie, La robotique, Vision par ordinateur : l’utilisation élargie des caméras, Transformation des processus.
The industrial sector has traditionally been viewed as relatively behind compared to other sectors that appear to rely more heavily on cutting-edge technology at every stage of their processes—such as the healthcare sector, for example. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of digitization and the adoption of digital technologies in industry.
This is an industry facing significant changes, and companies in the industrial sector are prioritizing the adoption of new technologies in order to remain competitive in the global market. This digital transformation is also known as “Industry 4.0” or the “factory of the future” and applies to the construction, production, and manufacturing industries of all kinds (automotive, steel, etc.).
In this article, we explore the key trends and challenges facing companies in the industry when it comes to digital transformation.
Why is digital transformation important in industry?
If we take the construction and building sector as a single example, according to McKinsey, global productivity growth in this sector has averaged 1% over the past two decades, and the demand for change in the industry has never been greater.
From a general perspective, the industry has often faced specific challenges during its digital transformation. Some of these challenges include the complexity of existing systems, the presence of obsolete equipment, cybersecurity, worker training, and change management.
The slow pace of digital transformation in the industrial sector can also be attributed to a lack of human and financial resources dedicated to this transition. Computing and information technology were often viewed as a support function rather than a strategic component of the business.
However, many industrial companies have realized the importance of digital transformation in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment where the concept of service surrounding the product is becoming just as important as the product itself.
They have begun investing in digital transformation initiatives and adopting new technologies to modernize their operations, placing digital transformation at the heart of their overall strategy.
Some industrial companies have managed to gain a competitive edge in digital transformation by developing smart factories and digital supply chains. These companies have benefited from increased automation, real-time data collection and analysis, and decision-making based on predictive analytics.
For players in the industrial sector, digital transformation means using digital technologies to make operations more efficient and develop more services.
Digital technologies in industry can range from physical devices to software used in the office or in the field.
Digital Trends in the Industrial Sector
Technology has transformed every sector, and manufacturing is no exception.
The goal of Industry 4.0 is to create smart, interconnected factories and products, where machines, systems, and products communicate and cooperate autonomously. This improves the efficiency, flexibility, and productivity of industrial processes, while also facilitating customization and on-demand production.
The following trends are increasingly being adopted to improve processes, reduce errors, and increase return on investment.
Robotics
This is the number one investment in Industry 4.0 factories. Industrial robots are becoming increasingly autonomous and flexible. Thanks to advanced sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and enhanced connectivity, robots can adapt to a variety of tasks and changing environments without requiring complex programming.
There are several subfamilies: collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work alongside human workers in factories. They are equipped with safety sensors and can detect human presence, enabling safe collaboration. Cobots are often easier to program and use than traditional industrial robots, making them well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses.
We are also referring to mobile robots used in factories to transport materials, parts, and products from one area to another autonomously. These robots can be equipped with safety sensors and navigation systems to move safely within a dynamic industrial environment.
Computer Vision: The Expanding Use of Cameras
Computer vision has become a key technology in industrial robotics. Robots are equipped with cameras and vision systems that enable them to detect and recognize objects, read barcodes, and perform quality control tasks.
Advances in solar technology, image quality, 360-degree cameras, and remote operation are making cameras even more accessible and indispensable in today’s construction industry for a variety of use cases. For example, the HighView camera is the first active vision system installed on the boom tip of a telescopic handler, designed to increase precision in loading and material-handling applications.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Support of the Digital Twin
In the post-COVID, remote work environment, augmented reality and virtual reality make it possible to conduct remote site visits or virtually replicate a location such as a factory.
Prospect offers a variety of VR solutions to help companies immerse stakeholders and team members in a virtual environment. By doing so, teams can benefit from more consistent decision-making for field operations.
In a factory setting, by monitoring real-time data from sensors in the physical plant, the digital twin can predict potential failures and issues. This allows operators to perform preventive maintenance by scheduling interventions before problems actually occur, thereby reducing unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
These technologies also facilitate training, maintenance, repair, and even the design (by simulating work environments before they are actually implemented) of machines and equipment.
The Internet of Things (IoT), smart and connected devices
Machinery and equipment in the industrial sector are becoming increasingly sophisticated, while also being easier to use, safer, and more efficient.
For example, Manitou’s JSM Autopower automatically adjusts engine speed based on the operator’s hydraulic power demand via the JSM (Joystick Switch & Move).
In addition, Nuron, the wireless platform with built-in connectivity, has created a system in which all tools generate data that is then stored on the batteries and securely sent to the cloud with each charge, without any operator intervention.
The data collected relates to tool usage, the location of the charging station, and the battery status, which reduces downtime and optimizes tool usage.
Data Analysis and AI
In an Industry 4.0 factory, sensors and connected devices collect large amounts of data in real time about machines, operations, and products. This data is then analyzed by AI systems to detect patterns, anomalies, and opportunities for optimization. Based on these analyses, decisions can be made automatically to optimize performance, prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and improve product quality.
Process Transformation
Industry 4.0 has the potential to transform traditional production models by introducing more agile and automated processes. It may also have an impact on skills and jobs, requiring workers to develop new skills related to technology and data management.
E-commerce and IT management solutions: essential for a connected business
E-commerce and management solutions are other components of digital transformation that help streamline relationships with customers and suppliers.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of solutions used in this sector:
ERP is an integrated solution for managing business operations. It covers several areas, such as production planning, inventory management, procurement management, sales management, accounting, human resources, and more. It helps optimize processes and centralize key business information.
WMS (Warehouse Management System) is an IT solution that helps efficiently manage and track the movement of goods, storage locations, inventory levels, shipments, and receiving within the warehouse.
TMS (Transportation Management System) is a management system that enables the efficient management of the freight delivery process by optimizing routes, tracking shipments, and facilitating communication among stakeholders.
CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) is a management tool used to plan, track, and analyze preventive and corrective maintenance operations.
SRM is used to improve relationships with suppliers upstream in the supply chain.
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is an IT system used to manage the entire lifecycle of a product, from its initial design and development through production, marketing, and subsequent maintenance.
PIM (Product Information Management) is designed to facilitate the creation, management, and consistent distribution of product information across various sales channels, such as e-commerce sites, printed catalogs, mobile apps, etc.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a solution designed to centralize, organize, and analyze customer information in order to better understand their needs, personalize interactions, and build lasting relationships.
E-commerce solutions are software platforms that enable businesses to create, manage, and operate online retail websites. They offer a range of features to facilitate the creation of online stores, product management, payment processing, order management, and customer management.
Today, major players across all industries are looking for an intuitive, bug-free self-service experience that requires a minimum number of clicks for all these types of solutions.
The Challenges of Digital Transformation in the Industrial Sector
Common challenges of digital transformation in the industrial sector include incomplete or unsuccessful past digital transformation projects, gaining stakeholder buy-in, and integrating technology into business processes.
These key challenges are exacerbated by the sector's unique characteristics:
Fragmentation
Implementing change in many projects and disciplines presents a challenge.
Every project is different and requires the services of various specialists, such as architects, engineers, and project managers, as well as subcontractors.
Large, multi-year projects worth several hundred million euros offer the opportunity to implement new technologies, achieve efficiency gains, and drive change over time.
Workforce Turnover
It is rare for the same group of people to work on the same projects.
This makes it difficult to implement processes and technologies across multiple projects with any degree of success.
Data Management
Companies in the industrial sector have always conducted their business on paper, and these same companies find it difficult to transition from paper to digital documents.
Since data is the backbone of any digital business, poor data management poses a significant obstacle.
Resistance to Change
Much of the industrial sector operates as it has for decades. It relies heavily on manual and mechanized tools and processes. The challenge remains that a significant portion of the sector’s workforce does not trust new digital technologies and is hindering their adoption.
Employees in the sector must be trained in new technologies and supported throughout the transition process.
Data Security
With the increasing connectivity of machines, data security is becoming a major concern.
Companies must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data from cyberattacks and data breaches.
Integration of Existing Systems
Many companies in the industrial sector already have systems in place, such as inventory management software or shipment tracking systems.
One of the challenges is to integrate these existing systems with new digital technologies without disrupting day-to-day operations.
This may require adjustments and customizations to ensure seamless compatibility and connectivity.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Digital transformation can require significant investments. It is essential to measure the return on investment to justify these expenses and ensure that new technologies add value to the business.
Ensure an optimal, bug-free user experience
When it comes to software used in material-handling equipment or an e-commerce experience, for example, bug-free digital customer journeys are essential for any company seeking to meet modern demands and satisfy customers who trust them to provide cutting-edge technology.
Mr Suricate QA Testing for Industry Professionals
For an industrial company to succeed in the digital age, it is essential to ensure that user journeys meet user expectations.
The SaaS no-code Mr Suricate solution covers a wide range of automated tests, so you can control your acceptance testing and offer your users the best possible experience.
Take control of your applications and detect bugs in real time on your websites, applications and APIs by reproducing your user journeys at regular intervals.