The evolution towards Industry 4.0 is a revolution in the way companies operate and relate to their products and production processes. In this era of digital transformation, connected products play a key role in the evolution of industrial operations and with the advancement of technology, connected products are becoming an integral part of Industry 4.0, driving efficiency, productivity and profitability.

In this article, we will explore why connected products are key to the digital transformation of Industry 4.0.

Connectivity is at the core of Industry 4.0, and connected products are the foundation of the new industrial era. Advances in sensor technology, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable connected products to collect and transmit data in real time. This data is vital for process optimization, asset quality monitoring, inventory management or data-driven decision making. Connected products give companies unprecedented visibility into their operations, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and take proactive steps to increase efficiency and productivity.

The interconnection of products, machines and systems through connectivity also enables the creation of intelligent production environments. Connected products can communicate with each other and with production systems, facilitating process automation and optimization. For example, in a smart factory, connected products can transmit production data to planning and control systems, enabling more efficient production and better synchronization of the supply chain. In this way, downtime is reduced, resources are optimized and there is an overall improvement in production quality and efficiency.

In addition, connected products also open the door to new business models and services, allowing companies to collect data on the performance of their products in real time and use this data to offer additional services to their customers. For example, an industrial machinery manufacturer can offer predictive maintenance services based on data collected from its connected products. This not only adds value to the customer by preventing errors and maximizing machine availability, but also generates new revenue streams for the manufacturer.

An important aspect to take into account is security and privacy when talking about connected products in Industry 4.0. Connectivity exposes products to potential cyber threats, so it is crucial to implement robust security measures. Companies must ensure that connected products are protected against cyber attacks and that the data collected is handled securely and in compliance with applicable privacy regulations.

In short, connected products are the key to digital transformation in Industry 4.0. Connectivity and real-time data exchange drive efficiency, productivity and profitability in industrial operations. Connected products enable process optimization, task automation, quality improvement and the creation of new business models.

They are changing the way companies operate in Industry 4.0 and are opening up new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Sources: https://www.ibm.com/es-es/topics/industry-4-0

https://aggity.com/produccion-inteligente-industria-4-0/

https://dynatec.es/2020/03/09/la-industria-4-0-industria-conectada-e-inteligente/

https://nexusintegra.io/es/industria-inteligente-conectada-4-0/

https://www.ibm.com/topics/industry-4-0

https://www.advancedfactories.com/la-industria-4-0-internet-las-cosas-iot-estan-conectados/