NOV | 2022
w w w. t e c h f a s t l y. c o m
TECH MAHINDRA UNVEILS THE ERA OF 5G & THE TECHMVERSE IN CONVERSATION WITH
RAJESH DHUDDU Global Head, Blockchain & Metaverse Practice, Tech Mahindra
Tangible Industry Problems and Its Solutions: Industry 4.0
Amazon Ready to Widely Launch Astro Home: Is It Worth Buying?
Industry 4.0: The Fuel to Organizational Conflict or A Boon for Teamwork?
by Rehan Husain
by Bhumika Dutta
by Swarnendu Acharjee
What’s Inside p.4
Tangible Industry Problems and Its Solutions: Industry 4.0
p.24 Industry 4.0 Changing
Lives: The Training Workers’ Case
by Rehan Husain
p.14 Capturing Value at Scale
in Discrete Manufacturing in Industry 4.0 by Aftab Alam
by Zahwah Jameel
p.36
Demographic Dividends and The Industry 4.0 Impact in Asia by Utsav Mishra
p.44 Interview: Rajesh Dhuddu,
Global Head, Blockchain & Metaverse Practice, Tech Mahindra
p.58 Industry 4.0: The Fuel to
Organizational Conflict or A Boon for Teamwork? by Swarnendu Acharjee
p.66 Can Industry 4.0 Save The
Semiconductor Industry? by Umar Nabi
p.76 Why 5G is The
Cornerstone of Industry 4.0: The Nestle Ericsson Story by Toulika Das
p.86 Amazon Ready to Widely
Launch Astro Home: Is It Worth Buying? by Bhumika Dutta
p.86 Reimagining
Manufacturing Operations After COVID-19 by Rahul Kumar
Editor’s note
Dear Readers, Emerging and disruptive information and intelligence technologies gave rise to the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. The production efficiency that these new technologies enable is increasing exponentially. Industry 4.0 refers to a collection of cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing the industrial sector. Training tools from Industry 4.0 transform education precisely because they succeed where previous approaches failed. They provide mediarich instructions that are adaptable for every new activity, collect data on learner progress in real-time, and let employees self-guide their way through new processes while conserving priceless resources. Industry 4.0, characterized by the application of information and communication technology, has been introduced in numerous global production industries. Nestlé's industrial environment will be significantly changed by 5 G's high data throughput and low latency, changing how items are manufactured and transported. Industry 4.0's predictive maintenance will detect equipment failure in advance. With the Amazon Astro app, you can check in on particular rooms, persons, or items while viewing a live view of your house. We bring an exclusive interview from an eminent person like Rajesh Dhuddu, Global Head, Blockchain & Metaverse Practice at Tech Mahindra. As 300 million more people enter the workforce over the next 20 years, India will benefit from a demographic dividend. Autonomous production techniques supported by the "Internet of Things" (IoT) idea—the notion that by harnessing a connected mesh of items, devices, and computers, machines may communicate with each other—are a crucial component of Industry 4.0. Manufacturing is only one of the many industries where autonomous robots are an industry-defining example. It will make it possible to develop, test, and launch new goods much more quickly while guaranteeing their dependability, consistency, and quality. Read detailed accounts of essential aspects of the newly emerging Industry 4.0 in the November issue of Techfastly magazine. Happy reading!
Srikant Rawat
Chief Operating Officer, Techfastly
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Tangible Industry
Problems and Its Solutions: Industry 4.0 by Rehan Husain Researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of government agencies and public groups address Industry 4.0-related issues consistently. Economists are paying increasing attention to the effects of the Industry 4.0 paradigm on global and national economies and capital markets. As a result of technological advancements and inventions, the global industrial environment has changed drastically in recent years. Industry 4.0 may be likened to three industrial revolutions in earlier centuries and represent technological advances' most critical disruptive transformations in production.
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The steam engine accelerated the First Industrial Revolution in Britain in the mid18th century. The Second Industrial Revolution occurred in Europe and the US in the late 19th century.
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Mass manufacturing and electrical energy replaced steam engines in this revolution. Several technologies and mechanization increased output to meet demand. Integrated circuits started the Third Industrial Revolution (microchip). In the late 20th century, several industrialized nations used electronics and computer technology to automate industry. Productivity has driven every industrial revolution. The first three industrial revolutions used steam engines, electricity, and digital technologies to improve productivity and efficiency. Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, has been extensively explored and discovered. Since it enhances smart and future factories, it affects the industrial sector. Industry 4.0 encompasses Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of
Services (IoS), Robotics, Big Data, Cloud Manufacturing, and Augmented Reality. Using these technologies, which will unite the digital and physical worlds by embracing a variety of future industrial advancements, is crucial for creating intelligent industrial processes. This adoption encompasses equipment, machines, production modules, and products capable of exchanging data and independently controlling each other, resulting in a smart manufacturing environment. This new paradigm will provide a range of commercial and social prospects for businesses that embrace it.
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Beyond The Hype of Industry 4.0: Lean's Idea The industry will be the first sector to see the consequences of Industry 4.0. This new industrial paradigm will create a picture of decentralized and digitalized manufacturing, with production elements that can independently govern themselves, trigger processes, and react to environmental changes. In addition, the emerging paradigm suggests completely integrating goods and techniques, transforming the industrial perspective from mass production to mass customization, resulting in a rise in complexity. Therefore, innovative technologies and the construction of intelligent factories will substantially influence production processes and operations, allowing for more operational flexibility and more efficient resource usage. Industry 4.0 will significantly impact manufacturing systems, supply chains, and industrial operations. This new paradigm is transforming the current industrial environment in three ways:
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PRODUCTION
DIGITALIZATION AUTOMATION MANUFACTURING SITE INTEGRATION
WITH AN EXTENSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN
Industry 4.0 involves total network integration and real-time data sharing. Increasing productivity is the driving force behind each industrial revolution. In addition to boosting productivity, the fourth industrial revolution will impact the whole supply chain, from product design and production to outbound shipping. In recent years, business models and marketplaces have changed rapidly; imaginative new business models have emerged. In the context of Industry 4.0, the advent of new disruptive technologies has changed how products and services are marketed and delivered, disrupting traditional
businesses and offering new business opportunities and models.
The value chains are becoming more responsive as Industry 4.0 promotes integration between producers and customers, enabling deeper customer connections and business model adaptation in response to market needs.
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The increasing digitization of industrial production, along with system integration and complexity, will result in the construction of increasingly complex and digital market models, enhancing competitiveness by reducing barriers between information and physical structures. Skill development, which will result in demographic and social changes, is one of the essential underlying
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components for the effective adoption and implementation of the Industry 4.0 framework. In the future vision of work, new capabilities will be required, and it will be essential to provide chances for developing these skills through high-quality training. This new industrial paradigm will substantially influence the labour market and professional positions, and it will be crucial that more jobs are created than destroyed.
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This new industrial paradigm will substantially influence the labour market and professional positions, and it will be crucial that more jobs are created than destroyed
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Five Lean Concepts That Are Crucial for Value Creation
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The first lean principle is about recognizing customer wants and expectations. Managers need to assess the actual demands of their consumers through indepth interviews and analysis. In the case of unique items, determining value is particularly essential.
Managers are accountable for keeping consumers interested and understanding their expectations, as customers are typically insufficiently articulate to convey their fundamental requirements.
After the lean wastes have been eliminated, a workflow must be developed to facilitate the implementation of the project. The entirety of the project management process is subdivided into distinct delivery units or milestones that occur consecutively until the process' conclusion.
Identify value
In 1997, the founders of Lean Enterprise Institute first articulated the lean principles, which serve as the foundation for the whole approach. In their book on project management, "The Machine That Changed the World," Womack and Jones characterized the five principles of lean as the ultimate formula for enhancing workplace productivity.
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Map the value stream
The value stream is the identification of all the actions necessary to finish the project effectively. This is the second phase in lean project management, which refers to the values stated in the previous step. By accurately mapping the entire value chain, managers may identify inefficient regions and strive toward their elimination. This enables project teams to optimize customer value while conserving business resources and maximizing profitability.
Establish a flow
To minimize bottlenecks and unanticipated delays in the project, it is essential to guarantee that each value stream event occurs without friction and that all necessary resources are accessible on time.
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Generate pull Maintaining an inventory is crucial to any operation, and you cannot afford to squander time awaiting the arrival of essential resources or materials after each milestone. However, retaining a surplus of inventory increases expenses and waste. The fourth lean principle focuses on the two primary sources of waste and value in the lean list and works in progress. By instituting a pull system and guaranteeing that nothing is processed or manufactured in advance, the expenses associated with storing inventory may be drastically minimized. This strategy eliminates the old method of depending on projections and authorized timetables, thus the name "just in time."
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Continuous improvement The last premise of lean project management is pursuing perfection without compromise and end. By improving incrementally and learning from each failure, managers ensure their teams' future performance will be significantly enhanced.
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Conclusion The defining characteristics of Industry 4.0 are horizontal and vertical scheme integration and cooperation. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is incorporated into multiple organizational hierarchical levels, ranging from floor-level control to production, operations, and management. This vertical integration networking enables the utilization of Industry 4.0 components for manufacturing in response to demand disparities or supply variations. ICT is utilized in horizontal integration to facilitate the sharing of information between several players. Complicated is the scenario of integrating various technologies for seamless cooperation, integration, and data sharing with all stakeholders. Implementing Industry 4.0 applications aids in cost reduction, increase productivity, efficiency, and adaptability, and enhances product customization.
However, digital transformation advancements and increased interconnectivity will provide new difficulties to societies since Industry 4.0 will drastically alter the design, processes, operations, and services of goods and industrial systems. Industry 4.0 employs several cutting-edge tools and technologies, contributing to the redefinition of conventional industrial methods. Industry 4.0 will impact the entire value chain, enhancing production and engineering processes, enhancing product and service quality, optimizing customer-organization relationships, bringing new business opportunities and economic benefits, modifying educational requirements, and transforming the work environment. Digitization and connectivity of industrial processes (Industry 4.0) have the potential to improve sustainability in all three aspects.
Innovation and technological advances have a crucial role in businesses, industries, and nations.
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Industry 4.0 will drastically alter the design, processes, operations, and services of goods and industrial systems
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Capturing Value at Scale in Discrete Manufacturing in Industry 4.0 by Aftab Alam High expectations are set on Industry 4.0 to usher in the next industrial revolution in discrete manufacturing, with an estimated USD 3.7 trillion in value creation potential for manufacturers and suppliers in 2025. However, only approximately 30% of businesses are now utilizing Industry 4.0 technologies at scale to their advantage. Instead of identifying the most significant impact areas and connecting them to Industry 4.0 value drivers, approaches are mainly focused on imagining how technology will grow in the future.
Organizational anchoring and future governance are frequently hazy. Most businesses are trapped in "pilot purgatory" due to obstacles caused by a lack of clarity on the business value, constrained resources, and an excessive number of possible use cases. To provide a vision on how to get "unstuck" and finally capture substantial value from Industry 4.0 in discrete manufacturing, two key problems must be addressed: WHERE TO FOCUS AND HOW TO SCALE.
Where Should We Focus? Industry-specific key value drivers and factory archetypes The productivity imperative, which provides the pertinent set of essential value drivers capturing effect at scale, is defined by three manufacturing archetypes:
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Up to lot size 1, small-lot production tries to maintain efficiency. In this case, an integrated product data model from engineering through commissioning, digital worker empowerment, and data-driven OEE optimization are the major value drivers. The goal of mass-customized manufacturing is to maintain high throughput and uniform quality while allowing for some product diversity. In order to do this, the value of Industry 4.0 lies in tight control loops (supported by sensor-based, in-line quality inspection), flexible routing, scheduling, load balancing, and performance management, as well as the expansion of automation to final assembly.
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High-volume manufacturing strives towards completely automated production, increased OEE, and the adaptability to change with the product mix. Through sensor-based in-line quality inspection, Industry 4.0's core value drivers have closed control loops and eliminated manual labour from the remaining areas of the economy.
Industry 4.0's core value drivers have closed control loops and eliminated manual labour from the remaining areas of the economy
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The Key Aspects To Scale The second factor in order to realize the full potential of Industry 4.0 is how to scale, along with having a viewpoint on where to focus. In order to scale, one should Focus on value, mobilize the organization, and develop the infrastructure. McKinsey's research shows that concentrating on three fundamental concepts allows for large-scale value capture, which is confirmed by customer experience and industry insights.
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The three fundamental principles:
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Think in terms of value rather than technology A strong Industry 4.0 vision and an emphasis on key value drivers are essential.
Focus on people rather than tools Industry 4.0 transitions must prioritize capability development and be pursued as a strategic organizational initiative supported by senior management. As a result, they should not just be guided by engineering or IT process but also by an evident business leadership attitude.
Improving the infrastructure Improve the infrastructure to get a well-integrated technological stack and a distinct target image. Before scaling out worldwide, infrastructure should support local operations because many use cases currently benefit from the on-premise infrastructure.
Given how heavily Industry 4.0 is being discussed, 70% of businesses have already begun testing out its solutions 17
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Industry 4.0 is the Next S-curve in Discrete Manufacturing Operations are anticipated to reach the next s-curve of productivity as a result of Industry 4.0, often known as the fourth industrial revolution. According to a recent McKinsey and World Economic Forum study, businesses and suppliers who integrate Industry 4.0 in their operations might generate USD 3.7 trillion in value by 2025.
Given how heavily Industry 4.0 is being discussed, it is not surprising that 70% of businesses have already begun testing out its solutions. It is startling, though, that only 29% of enterprises are using these solutions to their full potential, with the remaining trapped in "pilot purgatory." But why precisely do so many businesses struggle to capture value at scale through Industry 4.0? 19
The Road Toward Industry 4.0's Phases
Concentrating on key value drivers and launching the local transformation is crucial if you are presently in the phase of piloting Industry 4.0 solutions.
PILOTING Industry 4.0
NEWCOMER Industry 4.0
• Gain insight into the main value drivers. • Recognize the Industry 4.0 ecosystem • Create an industry with backing from high management.
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• Determine the core value drivers for large-scale adoption. • Set out on a quest for local transformation • Make current infrastructure transparent and doodle a comprehensive target automation stack
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SCALING Industry 4.0
• Start using Industry 4.0 value drivers at industrial facilities • Encourage the wider corporation to join you in implementing the transition. • Select a transitional strategy and expand the technology stack where value is added.
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Finding important value drivers for pilots is the first objective for those new to Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 value capture perspectives have not yet been established for many firms, and there are now just isolated first projects in particular sectors. If so, the first stage in your Industry 4.0 transition should be to identify the primary value drivers based on your manufacturing typology and market trends. Having this sound viewpoint will make rollout easier and prevent your company from becoming stuck in the pilot stage. Creating an Industry 4.0 team with senior management's cooperation is essential to launch the pilots.
drivers for deployment at scale. Starting the local transformation process is essential to gaining early traction, along with the plan. The groundwork for value capture on a bigger scale is specifically laid by enabling the organization and obtaining knowledge of what a complete technological stack for infrastructure innovation should look like.
Concentrating on key value drivers and launching the local transformation is crucial if you are presently in the phase of piloting Industry 4.0 solutions. You have the advantage of using early findings to illustrate value potential and define the infrastructure needed to capture value on a bigger scale now that the first Industry 4.0 pilots are up and running. The following steps should include creating a plan for scaling and identifying the primary value
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Conclusion Implementing key value drivers in a comprehensive organizational change throughout the production footprint and the supply chain is crucial for firms that have delivered Industry 4.0 value at scale. Global scaling will be possible after the most important Industry 4.0 value drivers have been identified for a chosen group of manufacturing facilities and value has been scaled up locally using enabled organizations and infrastructure. Determine which Industry 4.0 use cases are pertinent and would profit most from a linked solution throughout the industrial footprint as a future step. This will assist in outlining the parameters of wider deployment. To provide adequate enablement, it is thus necessary to mobilize the organization on a bigger scale throughout the industrial footprint in a larger transformation. The infrastructure is innovated in a way that permits subsequent deployment by scaling the original technology stack targeted to solutions where value may be generated across plants. But the process of expanding to a global level continues. Only when the organizational momentum and established manufacturing organization are able to draw in and keep the talent required for future Industry 4.0 deployment will the value garnered be long-lasting. As a result, maintaining the organizational culture for digital manufacturing is a challenge that is beyond the scope of the transformation project. 23
Industry 4.0 Changing Lives:
The Training Workers' Case by Zahwah Jameel
The expansion of digitization is making the global transition to Industry 4.0. Termed as the future factory, it is changing how organizations manufacture, enhance, and deliver their products by integrating smart technologies like cloud, artificial intelligence, IoT, and analytics. Let's dive in and understand how the new industrial revolution will affect us or if it is just another marketing buzzword.
Introduction to Industry 4.0 Industrial revolution 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution, is the advancement of the industrial 3.0 revolution with the addition of smart devices and systems, virtual reality, and wireless connection.
It vividly describes digital transformation with technological developments and advancements, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, smart Cities, IoT, edge computing, cloud computing, and smart automation. 24
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The four foundational technologies that constitute the building blocks of Industry 4.0, according to McKinsey are: DATA, CONNECTIVITY, AND COMPUTATION POWER (includes cloud, blockchain, sensors, and Internet of Things)
INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYTICS (includes machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics)
INTERACTION OF HUMANS AND MACHINES (includes automation, robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and chatbots)
ADVANCED ENGINEERING (includes renewable energy, nanoparticles, and additive manufacturing processes like 3D printing)
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The first three industrial revolutions focused on inventing and innovating novel machines and advancing electronics and production. The advancements in automation and wireless connectivity will revolutionize the workflow, enable better connections with smart devices, and level up production and living standards.
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Since the first robot Unimate was created, employees have expressed concerns about losing their jobs to robots. 28
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Impact on Workforce Since the first robot Unimate was created, employees have expressed concerns about losing their jobs to robots. Several sci-fi movies helped visualize robots running factories and businesses, but the reality is far different and is not the reflection of reality. The Hays Global Skills Index shows how middle-skilled jobs would disappear. Still, it also describes the creation of jobs in higher and lower-skilled occupations, proving that automation would create more jobs instead of deleting them. Research by the World Economic Forum supports these findings, which showed that automation creates around 133 million jobs and only cuts 75 million jobs.
The employees in the phased-out jobs could be upskilled and assigned new roles in alignment with the new industrial revolution.
Global Trends Associated with Industry 4.0 Industry 4.0 promotes several projects, but the most vital trend is increased localization. This means that the production houses, manufacturing, and factories are getting closer to their customer base. Other global trends to look out for include:
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ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY AUGUMENTED REALITY
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INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS INCREASED TRANSPARENCY
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3D PRINTING CLOUD COMPUTATION
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Training Employees for Industry 4.0 Some methods for training your employees to adopt Industry 4.0 are:
Upskilling and Reskilling Employees The idea of reskilling employees might seem intimidating, but it offers more benefits than hiring a new workforce. Besides increasing employee satisfaction, it is a more cost-effective and faster process. Searching for new employees, onboarding, and making them familiar with the workspace is time-consuming. In contrast, with a few inputs, it is easier to train existing employees within the organization.
Re-training for Soft Skills Soft skills prove as crucial as other skills in defining the competitiveness of the employees in their job. It makes them better communicators, improves the influx of innovative ideas, and increases their adaptability and ability to embrace new career challenges. Some soft skill domains for training can include: • Emotional Intelligence • Collaboration • Creativity • Persuasiveness
Enhance Training Techniques To prepare to adapt to the digital revolution, your organization needs to improve its training methods. Two examples of achieving this goal are using AR and online performance support. Implementing novel training techniques can give employees a better idea of what they would work with, improve the appeal of their prospective careers, and increase employee satisfaction.
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How to Meet the Employees? Industry 4.0 training involves addressing individuals where they are, irrespective of their countries or cities. Some of the training patterns we see in version 4.0 are just upgraded versions of training we've already seen. The following are some of them.
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AR Training
In 2017, a study published in the Harvard Business Review discovered that augmented reality was already enhancing factory workers' productivity.
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Microlearning
Mobile devices are used to give quick information and instruction that is intended to help workers acquire new skills as they are required. These technologies provide information precisely when and where employees need it since they are made to be delivered in the manner in which the brain learns best.
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On-the-job Training
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Online Checklist
Employees learn while working by undergoing on-the-job training. Employ a strategy that is cumulative so that workers can gradually acquire the various skills they need.
Using digital checklists, employees can learn the procedures and systems required for a specific job or location.
As workers adapt to the requirements of industry 4.0 technology, this kind of training might also lead to decreased downtime.
Mobile-first digital performance support gives employees immediate access to industry 4.0 technologies.
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Digital Support
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VR Training
While upholding quality standards and increasing output, virtual reality training can assist in lowering manufacturing costs.
This training is urgent, given the global shortages and rising demand.
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Companies that Implemented Training Modules for Workers for Smart Manufacturing Several organizations deny the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on how they conduct business. Even if companies understand the importance of Industry 4.0, they are either unprepared or struggling to identify talent, knowledge, and opportunities that come with the new industrial evolution.
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Only some firms understand the essence of embracing industry 4.0 and have implemented training modules for workers for smart manufacturing. There are two ways of reskilling the existing workforce in manufacturing: By doing it within the organization or by outsourcing the training process.
Some organizations that have embraced Industry 4.0 and training methods for their employees are Schneider Electric, Bosch, SAP SE, ABB, and Hitachi.
What's Next? According to Custom Market Insights (CMI), the market cap of Industry 4.0 was 118.11 billion US dollars in 2021 which is projected to reach approximately 155.76 billion US dollars by 2030, showing a CAGR growth rate of 14.3 percent. These statistics are proof that Industry 4.0 isn't just a buzzword. It is a revolution organizations need to prepare for so that their competition in the cut-throat marketplace doesn't outrun them.
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Demographic Dividends and The Industry 4.0 Impact in Asia by Utsav Mishra When we talk about the rise and fall of a specific technology, we look for reasons to support it. The reasons usually vary from the feasibility to the user segment. But one point that generally goes unnoticed is the changing demographic dividends of a place. What is it? Let us have a brief idea of what the 'demographic dividends of a place' imply. The term "demographic dividend" describes economic expansion brought on by a population's age distribution shift. A fall in fertility and mortality rates often causes a change in age structure. So, now with a clear idea of what demographic dividends are, let us move forward to a quite important case study of a continent that covers one of the largest consumers of the technology industry. In this article, we will talk about Asia's demographic dividends in the context of the ready-to-thrive Industry 4.0. Starting with the prospect of industry 4.0 in Asia, it is one of the few perfect ideas to work on. The reason is closely associated with the changing demographic dividends of the continent.
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Demographic Dividends of Asia and What it Means With the clock ticking, we see a lot of changes in the largest continent out there. While talking with a perspective of the fourth industrial revolution and the developments around it, the prime focus will remain on India, some parts of east Asia, and China. Asia, as a continent, relies primarily on youths for its workforce and economic development. Taking the example of India, the average age of the population has declined, which proves to be a booster for the Indian economy. In China, the workforce is getting bigger, resulting in a rise in manufactured goods at a faster pace. Two demographic changes that are extremely significant to national economies are being witnessed in Asia currently.
The population of the elderly is growing more quickly while the working-age population is growing slowly. The findings in this article discuss how these changes will impact the economy and offer solutions. Starting with the fact that institutions and policies must be changed for the elderly, enabling them to contribute more to society than previous generations. Smaller cohorts of working-age individuals can create the workforce as much as or even more than bigger numbers of working-age 39
adults did in the past with effective human capital investments. Seniors and others close to retirement might mobilize their financial resources to ensure financial stability and promote faster economic growth. Expanding regulated immigration can be profitable for nations with declining workforces, like Japan and Singapore, notwithstanding the variations in their immigration laws. Younger workers can relieve the strain on pension systems and the cost of caring for the elderly, thus resulting in a strainfree development. Over a third of immigrants in the U.S. are skilled workers who support the nation's economy, and the companies that
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have generated thousands of employment, including Google, Intel, PayPal, eBay, and Yahoo, were started by immigrants. But, all said and done, some things still fail to grab the notions of this demographic dividend of Asia nurturing Industry 4.0.
But let's understand the catch here, the workforce is increasing, and with an increasing workforce, one knows that an industrial revolution is underway. www.techfastly.com
The Entry of Industry 4.0 In the third industrial revolution, the world went through a phase of constant upgradation and experiments. In closed rooms, strategic measures were taken, and terms like product design and engineering of datasets peaked. But when the ground reality was looked at, it was found that there was a huge gap between the strategies and the final product. This gap resulted from huge investments in technology, engineering, and product, the reason being that the human capital wasn't utilized according to the capabilities, and even if it was, it wasn't looked after for efficient functioning of the manufacturing unit.
Here just at the time of the introduction of Industry 4.0, we, in this article, decided to point out exactly where 3.0 fell short for the industry to help the fourth industrial revolution to achieve what it intends to do. We discussed Asia's demographic advantages while enumerating its constituent nations, from India to Singapore, China and Japan. We learned that two of the greatest economies in the world and a large number of potentially booming economies are located in Asia.
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Talking about economies, we reach the 2nd most crucial factor. After the economy, what differs here from various countries is the affluent demographics of the continent. The working population is ready to storm into the workforce and make industry 4.0 a success. This doesn't require a working population but upskilling this workforce to run the industry efficiently.
Asia's Prospect of Industry 4.0 As 300 million more individuals enter the labour over the next 20 years, Asia will benefit from a demographic dividend. These digital natives, who are more educated and aspiring, anticipate fulfilling careers in cutting-edge fields, the kind that Industry 4.0 can offer. But the number and quality are not always the same. Companies must understand that the greatest talent will always be in short supply. Adopting
initiatives that draw in skilled workers is therefore essential before rivals snatch them up. This leads to the fact that the retainment of these workers is equally important as, in any phase of the industrial revolution, an upskilled workforce is seen to be like that last slice of pizza that everyone wants to eat, but for that, the person owning it needs to abandon it.
Conclusion Industry 4.0 is ready to climb up the ladders much quicker than industry 3.0. One of the reasons behind it is the workforce targeting and then the introduction of faster internet connectivity. All these feels like a combined push for it and is giving hope of some really amazing result. One thing that needs to be looked at more precisely is that talent in Industry 4.0 won't be reporting to managers in Industry 3.0 for very long. Leadership for this organizational change must come from the top. Corporate leaders must, however, grasp not only the ideas that are guiding the operational transformation but also how those ideas appear and operate on the manufacturing floor. 43
Rajesh Dhuddu leads Blockchain & Metaverse practice for Tech Mahindra. He is responsible for establishing and driving Tech Mahindra’s Metaverse practice, TechMVerse, and is also leading corporate strategies for creating metaverse ecosystems and B2B use cases. He works closely with global CTOs and CISOs, advises them on industry best practices, and helps them leverage professional services around design, content, as well as low code plug and play NFT and Blockchain platforms.
In Conversation with
Rajesh Dhuddu Global Head, Blockchain & Metaverse Practice, Tech Mahindra
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Forbes Magazine has listed Rajesh Dhuddu as a key leader in Blockchain in 2021 and Tech Mahindra emerged as the only Indian company and Global IT services company in the Forbes’ Blockchain 50 list in 2021 and 2022
Rajesh has played a key role in establishing Blockchain practice at Tech Mahindra that made Blockchain real and valuable for several global customers. He is also responsible for making Blockchain relevant and valuable for common man in India by spearheading the implementation of solutions to block spam calls and text in partnership with 3 leading Telcos and also Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Under his able leadership many award winning and transformative Blockchain solutions have been internalized by Fortune 500 and Global Clients in BFSI, Healthcare, Telecom, Payments, Manufacturing, Travel & Transportation verticals. Lattice80 has listed Rajesh as one of the top 100 Blockchain Influencers in the world in recognition of his contributions over the last 5 years. Thinkers360 has recognized him in Top 5 Global list of Blockchain influencers. He is also a member of Blockchain Steering Committee at IIM Ahmedabad, part of World Economic Forum Expert Network (comprising only select 5000 people in the world on emerging technologies) for both Cybersecurity and Blockchain and is founding chairman of Blockchain Special Interest Group at Nasscom.
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Q|
Can you tell us more about ‘TechMVerse’? What is it, and how does it work?
TechMVerse is our newly incubated Metaverse practice to deliver interactive and immersive experiences in the Metaverse for our customers. It was launched in February 2022, with the aim of transforming the customer experience with interactive and immersive experiences. With a combination of our best-in-class software and hardware capabilities, TechMVerse delivers real business outcomes with superlative, threedimensional visual experiences to solve complex business problems and drive monetization across business verticals. It has become the industry's de-facto answer to conceptualize and implement next-generation use cases that focus on the convergence of physical and digital worlds. This will involve collaboration with industry partners and hyper-scalers in specific areas to maximize the value delivered to end customers.
We have also created a comprehensive service suite of Metaverse offerings for our customers across industries with a mix of in-house and partner-led capabilities.
Tech Mahindra has taken a mobile and web-first approach based on augmented and mixed reality to drive the creator economy. The objective is to deliver on advanced use cases such as gene sequencing, Factories-ofthe-Future, and drug discovery. This is supported by a strong infrastructure with 5G, Wi-Fi, Edge, hardware, and software like Edge Compute, IoT devices, AI agents, and Blockchain. 46
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In a world becoming increasingly connected, how do you think businesses must protect themselves from cybersecurity breaches?
As we deep dive further into the Metaverse, data security will play an important factor. Finding solutions to protect users' online identities and business transactions should be a prime agenda. When it concerns regulating and securing transactions through Cryptos and NFTs, data protection is very critical. Apart from data security, hardware and software security also plays an important role in the Metaverse. To minimize the cyber security risk, there are a few steps that businesses can adopt
1 Define rights in the Metaverse Brand owners can stay in control of their trademarks or copyrights by engaging in more advanced investigation methods, adapted to identifying risks of infringement in the Metaverse. In addition to regularly monitoring and searching for potential infringement, virtual investigators (involving people, automated systems, and artificial intelligence) will
possibly need to be deployed to help IP owners keep track of how their intellectual assets are used in the Metaverse.
2 Create and enforce data accountability and data protection responsibilities Transparency is critical for data privacy protection, and this would mean identifying the data to be collected accurately. Since Metaverse data is likely to originate from a range of sources, being able to pinpoint the source of each data element is also essential. AR/ VR technologies capture users’ biometric data, facial gestures, etc. or from the Metaverse itself and these must be adequately protected.
3 Create a rating mechanism for age-appropriate access and use Currently, there’s no age verification in the Metaverse aside from standard social media age restrictions. Facebook, for example, requires users to be 13 before they can create an account. The same standard applies to users of the Meta Quest (formerly Oculus) VR headset, which is owned by Facebook. 49
Once a child has that headset on, there are no controls on what spaces they can access. Brands must divide the Metaverse environment into categories like in real world - Adult & Under 18.
4 Protect against malware Malware isn’t going away in the Metaverse. In fact, there may be even more opportunities for employees to accidentally open the door to malware via new social engineering scams. Hence, updating endpoint, perimeter and network protection tools should be a priority, along with applying the principles of zero trust to the Metaverse.
5 Provide awareness of cyber threats Some of the risks that Metaverse users face are similar to those raised by internet users, such as phishing emails, data hacking, and malware attacks, among others. Another cyber security concern unique to Metaverse is the preservation of the virtual identity of users. To handle these possible threats, we need the Metaverse platforms to adopt a Zero Trust policy – Trust Nothing, Validate Everything.
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John Radoff describes the value chain of the Metaverse with 7 layers. In which layer(s) does your company operate? Can you give us examples?
According to John Radoff, Metaverse comprises of 7 layers, which include Experience, Discovery, Creator economy, Spatial computing, Decentralization, Human Interface and Infrastructure. These seven layers lay down the technical needs for implementing a solution in the Metaverse.
Layer EXPERIENCE Games, Shopping, Social, Retail
MONETIZATION Advertising, Commerce, Marketplaces, Stores, Agents
CONTENT - CREATOR ECONOMY Design Tools, Asset Market, Commerce, NFTs
SPATIAL COMPUTING 3D Engines, AR/VR, GIS
SOFTWARE + IOT Edge Compute, Al Agents, Blockchain
HUMAN EXPERIENCE INTERFACE Mobile, Smart Glasses, Haptic, Voice, Neural
INFRASTRUCTURE 5G, WIFI, Edge, Hardware Inhouse Capabilities
Tech Mahindra has offerings within all the layers with the help of AI, 5G, and Web 3, covered by our teams as well as partners (in case of devices). We have a unique ecosystem of our clients, partners, startups, and academia to enable the building of end-to-end Metaverse solutions. We are committed to deliver best solutions to our clients. Below is the table that showcases Tech Mahindra’s play across layers of Metaverse:
Our Play Area Avatar as a Service | Immersion Studio | Virtual Events & Concerts | Mixed Reality Experiences | NFT Marketplaces | Consulting | Meta Environments | Meta Gaming - Stadiums, 3D Games Avatar as a Service | Meta Environments | Tech Support Services | Ad Services | Performance Marketing | Native Branded Content | Analytics | FT Marketplace | Digital Currency and Commerce Management | Customer Support | Meta Gaming - Stadiums, 3D Games | Quality Assurance Services AR/VR Content | Content Management, Moderation & CSRM | Experience Management Support Center | Social Care | Metaverse Design | User Journeys | Learning Content Virtual Reality Experiences | Mixed Reality Experiences | Meta Gaming - Stadiums, 3D Games | 3D Avatar | Chat Bots | Digital Twining | 3D Engine Integration & Managed Services | GIS Al Ops | BCI | Digital Twins | 3D Chat Bots | ML Ops | App Development | Avatar based Live Ops | loT Services | Enterprise Security Services | User Privacy & Security Management | Accelerated & Edge Computing Device Development & Testing | Data Collection | Device Testing and Software | Embedded Software Development Engineering & 5G Optimization Services 5G Infra Core | Cloud Engineering and Management | Security Ops | Network Deployment I
Partner Play
We have developed 40+ solutions and environments which we have taken to 1200+ customers of ours and received several projects from clients across Banking, Hi-Tech, Telecom and other industries. 51
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When your company launched ‘TechMVerse’ in February 2022, Tech Mahindra use cases in DealerVerse (Metaverse-based car dealership), Middlemist (NFT market place), gaming and Meta Bank (a virtual bank). What other domains or verticals do you plan on expanding?
Since our inception we have expanded our services to all major verticals like BFSI, Telcos, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Hi Tech, and Manufacturing etc. Our key offerings include: • Consumer Metaverse - Meta Environment creation, NFT & Crypto commerce management, Device testing, Content moderation (CSAM), Experience (Tech Support) Center, Avatar as a service & AI chatbots • Industrial Metaverse - Digital twins, IOT, SI & Testing, Network engineering, Device development, optimization & testing. In a short span of time, we have developed 40+ solutions and environments which we have taken to 1200+ customers of ours and received several projects from clients across Banking, Hi-Tech, Telecom and other industries. We are planning to serve all major verticals by end of 2022 and get recognized as the leader in the technology. We have also been selected as a member of the 'Metaverse Standards Forum' that will enable us to formulate key principles and strategies for widespread adoption of Metaverse in the industry.
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Can you tell us what the TechMVerse community can look forward to in the short term? What are your plans for the near future?
Our go-to-market strategy focuses on leveraging solutions, platforms, alliances, and the start-up ecosystem to create a differentiated offering for our customers thatresults in enhanced revenue generation for our business. At Tech Mahindra, we have over 500 resources working on Metaverse and will scale up to 1000+ in the next 6 to 12 months. We have partnered with over 15 startups and hyperscalers for jGTM and co-built new solutions that we will jointly take to the market. Our focus is always on making technology accessible to all, so that people from anywhere and anytime can access it. In essence, the key aspects of our iGTM strategy include: • Leveraging our extensive sales teams to upsell and cross-sell our Metaverse solutions to their customers. • Leverage our partner and alliance ecosystem— with partners like IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and AWS to take our solutions to their customers and deploy "Sell-to" and "Sell-through" strategies. • Identify anchor clients across verticals and push our solutions using various interventions like Executive Discussions, Event Participations, Roundtables, Roadshows, Whitepapers, Press Releases, SEO/SEM etc.
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How do you envision your company’s role within the Metaverse in 10 years?
The Metaverse industry is growing at a very fast pace. In fact, it is estimated to reach $800Bn+ by 2028, as per industry reports. Since we have been building our capability in this area, and we have launched our offerings in this space at the right time, we believe we have immense sales potential in the next 3 years. Today, Metaverse is at a stage where social media platforms were about a decade ago. Not many realized the power of user-generated content, community-driven commerce, and the importance of online connection for people, business, commerce, and entertainment.
Our aim for the decade is to build an impactful & affordable Metaverse for all, collaborating with more partners and customers for wider use case generations and making Tech Mahindra the go-to implementation partner for Metaverse and web 3 applications.
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Can you talk about some of the most interesting ways you’ve seen brands trying to create impact through Web3/Metaverse?
There are several brands that have launched their own NFT Marketplaces or NFTs on opensource platforms, using and working on Metaverse environments. Below are some of the next-generation use cases and advances in the technology:
Dynamic
NFTs
Factories of Future
Digital twin
in Metaverse for factories + R&D
Genome Sequencing
Smart
& Drug Discovery + High End Surgeries training
Cities
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Some of the examples are:
BMW
BMW Middle East in partnership with their Dubai importer AGMC, records and archives the roar of the BMW M Engines in the ‘Museum of Sound’ NFT Collection.
BMW
BMW has standardized on a new technology unveiled by Nvidia, the Omniverse, to simulate every aspect of its manufacturing operations, to push the envelope on smart manufacturing. BMW has done this down to work order instructions for factory workers from 31 factories in its production network, reducing production planning time by 30%.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s has also been enjoying some notable success in the Metaverse. They were able to leverage the huge popularity of Fortnite – a free, multi-platform game with millions of devoted players – with the release of its own branded game mode, called ‘Food Fight’.
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Industry 4.0 The Fuel to Organizational Conflict or A Boon for Teamwork? by Swarnendu Acharjee The 18th century witnessed a watershed event in the history of the world’s industries. The time was ripe for something revolutionary, and Great Britain provided the right platform, abundant with natural resources, capital, labour supply and technology.
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Industry 4.0 uses the power of data analytics and more automation through AI, IoT, the involvement of smart machines, supercomputers, cloud storage, etc.
Thus started the industrial revolution with Great Britain as its flagbearer. Consequently, the country also became one of the leading economies of the time. Essential inventions of the era, such as the steam engine, internal combustion engine, and electricity production, formed the backbone
of most technological developments. Steam power enabled the development of power looms and better techniques of steelmaking. The century also witnessed the invention and evolution of power tools. The first industrial revolution started a paradigm of mechanization that improved the workers’ output by more than 40%. This formed a baseline for further industrial innovations and the coming centuries saw the second and third iterations of revolution.
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The second industrial revolution was marked by the use of oil and gas to power industrial processes. This era also witnessed the development of better communication technology like the telephone and telegraph. The entry of computers marked the third industrial revolution into the system, and a new era of automation started. Today, we are in a transition phase where industry 4.0 is the next big thing. Industry 4.0 uses the power of data analytics and more automation through AI, IoT, the involvement of smart machines, 60
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supercomputers, cloud storage, etc. However, with each one of these revolutions, we have seen significant changes in labour laws and workplace dynamics as well. After the Covid-19 pandemic, we are seeing more cases of moonlighting and quiet quitting; workers, having realized the importance of personal life and being there for the family, are opting for a better work-life balance. Hence, it is yet to be seen whether industry 4.0 fuels organizational conflict or is a boon for teamwork.
Industry 4.0 Implementation The first industrial revolution came as a drastic change, but industry 4.0 cannot be separated by a welldefined line. It is a gradual change and, if seen broadly, an evolution of industry 3.0 with the latest technologies. It represents an everincreasing efficiency, collaboration and integration within the industrial processes. However, considering that most industries already have a fixed workflow, it is hard to evolve and implement new technologies without interrupting that workflow. SaaS, ML, and AI integration primarily establish a software infrastructure. However, the application of advanced robotics and implementation of the IoT framework does need an overhaul of the physical infrastructure. There are many levels to an industry 4.0 overhaul.
Firstly, the company should have an excellent understanding of ICT and industry 4.0. Secondly, they need to make sure that the necessary hardware infrastructure is in place. These include components that enable autonomy in the process - RFID, network connections, sensors, microprocessors and actuators. These are programmable components and can be left alone once programmed according to workflow, which also helps
standardize the processes. We are talking about infinite possibilities here; industrial processes can be connected to the cloud and can be controlled from a centralized system. This makes the work easier for the administration when controlling multiple factories or offices. Lastly, a considerable amount of R&D is necessary to implement the concept at a ground level and establish a data pool that everyone can refer to. 61
Industry 4.0, with its greater-than-ever automation, means robots will take the place of unskilled/ low-skilled workers, creating a vacuum of employment opportunities.
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Industry 4.0 Limitations Integrating ICT within the industry requires changes in the whole ecosystem – from workers to upper management. Effective decision-making and adaptability at the apex level can serve as a model for holistic application for better skill development of lower-level workers. Similarly, a bottom-up approach can lead to better administrative decisions. This is because there are several limitations; the workers who look up to higher management should feel confident about the leadership, and inversely, the leadership should consider the workers’ concerns before making a decision.
Industry 4.0, with its greaterthan-ever automation, means robots will take the place of unskilled/low-skilled workers, creating a vacuum of employment opportunities. Mid-level employees who operate the machines need to be technically adept, and higher-level officers need to have theoretical and technical knowledge of ICT. This leads to expenditure on training costs not only at the corporate level but also at the government level because they will have to focus on making policies that promote skilled labour, increased expenditure on skill development, etc. Finally, an associated risk with greater “ICTization” is data security. The increased implementation of cloud computing and processes being done through software means they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
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The Human Factor Teamwork plays a crucial role in making all the value chains of an industrial system work in tandem. This boosts efficiency and ensures that the organization works at its best capacity. However, Covid-19 has created disruption in that area. With workfrom-home and hybrid modes being increasingly popular, peer connect has taken a toll and relationships between co-workers have degraded. When we talk about algorithms and software replacing humans, it is extremely necessary to consider the human factor. As of 2020, approximately 44% of the global workforce still lies in the low-skilled or unskilled category. Moreover, among the skilled workforce, very few are employable as they don’t have specialized skills. When the paradigm shift happens, these workers, who otherwise were an indispensable part of the industry, will be replaced by computer programs. Companies will focus on hiring programmers, data scientists and domain experts, and governments will focus on feeding these needs. This will lead to financial and social degradation, envy and demotivation among low-skilled and unskilled workers. For some, it will be too costly to upskill and, for some, too late. Although, the concept of this latest industrial revolution is aimed at increasing collaboration, it also brews a dangerous concoction of workplace conflict. 64
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Conclusion Industry 4.0 is the next big thing and the rapid technological advancement year after year makes its scope really wide. However, we need to understand the current shortcomings and act accordingly. As of now, Switzerland is the only country fully prepared for an upgrade to industry 4.0. We need to keep in mind that Covid-19 has delayed the process of implementation by many years. A lot of industries have taken huge hits. For the companies to recover from this hit first, then put money into modernization, will take a lot of time. For now, we should focus on two important things - First, do not hurry; gradual adaptation is the key to a successful implementation. Second, a gradual shift to “back to the office” or hybrid models of work and third, promote team building exercises to encourage peerto-peer and even subordinateboss bonding. Addressing these issues should solve the prevailing problems and enable a smooth transition to industry 4.0
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Can Industry 4.0
Save The Semiconductor Industry? by Umar Nabi
Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is a term used to describe the trillions of dollars worth of investments made by manufacturers worldwide in digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing, Virtual Reality (VR), and robotics. Industry 4.0 transforms manufacturing from a linear process to a more collaborative and networked approach.
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With the help of data analytics and sensors, manufacturers can collect real-time data on the production processes and make adjustments on the fly. This allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to customer demands. As a result, Industry 4.0 is helping manufacturers become more agile, efficient, and profitable.
According to the SIA, Semiconductor Industry Association, the global semiconductor market is expected to reach $451 billion by 2025 This growth is driven by the continued demand for electronic devices and the need for more sophisticated and powerful chips to power these devices. In addition, the semiconductor market is also being propelled by the rise of new applications for semiconductor technology, such as autonomous vehicles and AI.
According to Design News, the following forces exist:
1 2 3 4 5
More than 75 billion IoT devices are expected to be installed globally by 2025. A "smart car" will produce more than 4,000 GB of data in a single day. The data produced will multiply by ten between 2016 and 2025, reaching 163 zettabytes daily. By 2023, 1.3 billion people will have 5G subscriptions. By 2030, the market for new "smart" technology (such as tablets, drones, and smartphones) will be $6.9 trillion.
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The new digital era provides opportunities for companies to increase productivity and efficiency and also offers a unique platform for semiconductor companies to reach new customers. In the past, the customer base was limited to the electronics industry. However, with the rise of Industry 4.0 applications, such as autonomous vehicles and AI, the potential customer base for semiconductor companies is now comprehensive.
A Little About Smart Factories Factories have long been an essential part of the world economy, and their role increased as global trade became complex. As a result, factories increasingly need to adapt to shifting circumstances. Smart factories are equipped with advanced technologies that allow them to operate more efficiently and flexibly than traditional factories. Delivery systems play a crucial role in smart factories because they allow materials to be moved swiftly and effectively between stations. In addition, they can be used to create highly customized production lines tailored to each factory's needs. As a result, smart factories can operate at peak efficiency with the correct delivery system and produce the highest quality products possible. The most common type of delivery system is a conveyor belt, but many other types include robotics, pneumatics, and hydraulics. 69
Companies Working In The Semiconductor Sector The semiconductor sector is a rapidly growing industry with immense potential. Companies in this sector constantly innovate and develop new technologies that can revolutionize our lives and work. Some of the most cutting-edge companies working in the semiconductor sector include:
1
Intel
Intel is currently working on a new project in the semiconductor sector. This project aims to create a new type of computer chip that is more energy efficient and faster than current chips. This would represent a tremendous advancement for the industry, and Intel is confident it can make it happen. In addition to this project, Intel is also working on other initiatives to improve its products and services. For example, they are working on a new type of flash memory that is faster and more reliable than current models. Additionally, they are exploring innovative approaches to chip production that will lower costs and boost quality. As a result, Intel is making significant progress in the semiconductor sector, and its work will significantly impact the industry in the coming years.
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2
TSMC
TSMC is the world's largest contract semiconductor manufacturer. The firm has been operating for over 35 years and is responsible for manufacturing some of the world's most popular chips, including those used in Apple's iPhone and iPad. In recent years, TSMC has been working closely with the semiconductor sector to help meet the ever-growing demand for chips. TSMC has invested heavily in new facilities and equipment and has also been working to improve its manufacturing process. In addition, the company is also working on developing new types of chips that can be used in various applications, helping to drive innovation and bring new products to market.
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3
Samsung
Recently, Samsung has been working closely with the semiconductor sector to produce chips that are faster and more efficient than ever before. To stay ahead of the curve, the corporation has made significant investments in R&D, and those investments are beginning to pay off. In the past year, Samsung has released several new semiconductor chips offering significantly improved performance. For example, the company's newest DRAM chips can speed up to 3.2 gigahertz, making them one of the fastest on the market. In addition, Samsung's NAND flash memory chips are now up to twice as fast as previous generations. Thanks to these advances, Samsung is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the semiconductor industry.
4
Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a leading semiconductor company that designs and markets wireless telecommunications products and services. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm has become one of the largest smartphone chipmakers in the world. Qualcomm has recently worked closely with the semiconductor sector to develop new technologies and products. Qualcomm's Snapdragon line of chipsets is used in a wide range of smartphones and tablets, and the company is continually innovating to stay ahead of the competition. In addition to its work with the semiconductor sector, Qualcomm is also active in developing 5G technology. It has been working with mobile operators worldwide to roll out 5G networks. With its vast experience and expertise, Qualcomm is well-positioned to continue playing a significant role in shaping the future of wireless communications. These are just a few of the major companies in the semiconductor industry. Together, they are helping to drive innovation and bring new products to market. As the demand for semiconductor chips continues to grow, these companies will work hard to meet the market's needs. 73
Recent Semiconductor Financing Activity Over the past year, fundraising activity in the semiconductor business has increased significantly due to several factors, including the growing demand for semiconductors, the increasing complexity of semiconductor manufacturing, and the need for more specialized equipment. In addition, the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China has increased demand for semiconductors from countries outside China. As a result, investment in semiconductors has increased dramatically. In the past few months, there has been a lot of semiconductor financing activity. Companies such as Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent have all received funding for their projects. Let's take a look at some of these companies and their projects.
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Baidu
Baidu is a Chinese internet company that provides various services, including search engines, maps, and cloud storage. The company has received $600 million in funding for its semiconductor business. The funds will be used to develop chips for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. 74
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2
Alibaba
Alibaba is a Chinese e-commerce company that offers online shopping, banking, and other services. The company has received $450 million in funding for its semiconductor business and to develop chips for AI applications.
3
Tencent
Tencent is a Chinese internet company that offers various services, including social networking, gaming, and payments. The company has received $700 million in funding for its semiconductor business. According to resources, most funds will be used to develop chips for AI applications. www.techfastly.com
The Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing The semiconductor industry is in a state of flux. Moore's Law, which predicted that the number of transistors on a chip would double every two years, has held for several decades. However, chipmakers are now running into the process of making tiny things by using modern technology. As chips continue to get smaller and smaller, producing them is becoming increasingly complex and expensive. In addition, demand for personal computers and other devices has stagnated in recent years, raising doubts about the future viability of the semiconductor industry. Nevertheless, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of semiconductor manufacturing. New technologies such as 3D printing and nanotechnology are beginning to be used in semiconductor production, and there is still strong demand for chips from the automotive and industrial sectors. As the semiconductor industry adapts to these changes, it will likely remain a vital part of the global economy for years.
Conclusion In the quest for data, speed, and storage, the semiconductor industry is booming as new firms emerge to stake their claim in the digital age. The future of this market looks bright as the world moves towards Industry 4.0, the next phase of industrialization that will see greater integration of physical and digital technologies. This shift will present new opportunities for semiconductor firms to provide the components that power Industry 4.0 applications such as Big Data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. As we enter this new era of industrialization, it is clear that the semiconductor market has a bright future ahead. 75
Why 5G is The Cornerstone of Industry 4.0
The Nestle Ericsson Story by Toulika Das
The fourth industrial revolution is currently underway as we speak. Latin America is experiencing a digital transformation due to establishing of the region's first Private 5G Standalone network, which runs independently of the public mobile network and has a 100% on-premises network architecture. This cutting-edge solution is a first for Nestlé and collaboration between Nestlé, Ericsson, Claro, and Embratel in the communications field. It denotes the transition from an automated to an autonomous production, which aligns with the company's Industry 4.0 goals. The union of physical and digital technology is the core idea behind Industry 4.0. Numerous corporate leaders are concerned about energy use and automation. With Industry 4.0, producers can employ networked systems to learn vital information about their processes. The operational effectiveness can be increased by using these insights. The market for Industry 4.0 is expected to reach $337.1 billion by 2028, indicating the enormous business potential that still exists in this area.
The first private 5G network in Latin America was launched by Nestlé, using Ericsson's Private 5G (EP5G) equipment. Nestlé has benefited from cutting-edge technology in recent years, including robots, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), virtual reality, and the use of self-driving cars (AGV).
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The Slow Scaling of 5G Industry 4.0 depends on the 5G connection. The fast speeds and reduced latency of 5G are necessary for the efficient use of autonomous robots, wearables, and VR headsets in a market reliant on data-intensive machine applications, such as manufacturing. They will help shape the future of smart factories. Additionally, while some linked devices used 4G networks using unregulated spectrum, 5G enables this on a neverbefore-seen scale. 5G's high data output and low latency will significantly transform Nestlé's industrial environment, redefining how they work, furthering the company's focus on intelligent factories, and boosting
productivity, efficiency, and workplace safety. The project takes advantage of Claro-licensed experimental usage frequencies. Modern sensor-equipped gadgets open the door for 5G and Industry 4.0, enabling more intelligent and real-time operations. Network vendors, cloud providers, machine builders, industrial automation OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), and AI technology providers work together to create new solutions. These solutions, such as preventive maintenance, assist sectors like manufacturing in realizing their vision of a 5G future-smart factory.
Modern sensorequipped gadgets open the door for 5G and Industry 4.0, enabling more intelligent and real-time operations.
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A McKinsey & Company report claims that 5G will improve industrial operations by enhancing the efficiency of managing people and assets daily
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Industry 4.0 and 5G: A Necessary Combination The projected speed of a fully operating 5G network compared to an LTE network is at least ten times quicker. This connectivity level is required for collaborative robotics and self-driving cars to coexist in manufacturing facilities. A McKinsey & Company report claims that 5G will improve industrial operations by enhancing the efficiency of managing people and assets daily. Manufacturing operations-management applications might make up between 32 and 39 percent of the overall potential economic value of the IoT. By 2030, that translates numerically to between US$0.5 trillion and US$1.3 trillion. Some real-life examples highlight the apparent fact that Industry 4.0 will benefit highly from 5G. Transfer robots are used in manufacturing to transport heavy goods along predetermined pathways. Even though they reduce the need for human labour, they might still be further automated because it is
difficult to change their paths, and they can be dangerous for human workers. This is due to the factory's limited ability to adapt quickly to changes due to the inflexible and expensive nature of the programmed routes. In addition, a lot of industrial space is lost because transfer robots must operate independently from human workers to reduce the possibility of collisions and accidents. Wake steering will be beneficial and essential for offshore wind farms, where wind turbines must be placed closer together. By using the data gathered by 5G networks, wind farms will be able to have digital twins created, which will improve their production and efficiency. In the end, wake steering might be able to double the amount of electricity generated by wind farms. That would make it possible to construct wind farms in many more places with less chance of opposition.
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How Ericsson Helped Nestle on the 5G Front? Nestlé has benefited from cutting-edge technology in recent years, including robots, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), virtual reality, and the use of self-driving cars (AGV). Establishing the private 5G standalone network would make the entire digital ecosystem more dependable and complete and enable new creative use cases. Other manufacturers seeking to embrace the digital transformation of the intelligent factory can use this innovative solution as an example. Sensitive data will only be transmitted over the factory's local network, increasing network security thanks to the private, closed cellular network. Industry 4.0 technologies are all expected to be supported with the launching of the Ericsson Private 5G solution, all of which require swift reaction times to function. Furthermore, connected devices will produce and consume more data due 82
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to reports indicating a significant development in Latin America's edge and cloud computing. As a result, network capacity must be increased for industry 4.0 to operate at maximum capacity. The first private 5G network in Latin America was launched by Nestlé, a multinational food and beverage processing company with headquarters in Switzerland, using Ericsson's Private 5G (EP5G) equipment. This description refers to the first private 5G standalone network in the region with a 100% on-premises network architecture that operates independently from the public mobile network. This project, which marks the shift from an automated to an autonomous factory, is a collaboration between Nestlé, Ericsson, Claro, and Embratel. However, the specific site or sites of the installation do not yet seem to have been made public. EP5G, which offers network
data transfer speeds up to 25 times quicker than 4G, enables fast data processing. It is particularly well suited to supporting mission-critical applications with millisecondlevel reaction times. www.techfastly.com
This project, which marks the shift from an automated to an autonomous factory, is a collaboration between Nestlé, Ericsson, Claro, and Embratel.
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Things To Keep In Mind About 5G As 5G matures, it will undoubtedly bring additional benefits and capabilities, including the potential to roll out automated and personalized services and applications. These talents will significantly impact business and industry if history is any guide. More companies, factories, warehouses, office buildings, entertainment venues, and many more will roll out services that enable more precise manufacturing methods, better and more synchronized supply chains, and greater efficiency thanks to the enhanced communication technology that 5G brings. The high data throughput and low latency of 5G will hugely impact Nestlé's enterprise environment; it will change how it operates, increase the company's focus on intelligent factories, and boost efficiency, productivity, and workplace safety. However, for businesses to fully take advantage of 5G's speed, accuracy, and flexibility, the sector needs tools to manage the software to make this possible. Network
slicing, which enables the on-the-fly redeployment of network resources in response to the changing needs of particular users, is one of 5G's intrinsic characteristics. Although the 5G software base enables the deployment of such features, it is the responsibility of the telecom industry to develop those capabilities further and make them available to customers.
These customers can then implement them at their facilities, building private on-site networks tailored to their particular needs, including running robots and other automated systems, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and profitability.
Future of 5G in Industry 4.0
As its role expands, the industrial sector will keep benefiting from the 5G revolution. With its higher capacity, quicker speeds, and lower latency, 5G is the driver of innovation in the future industrial landscape. It can provide new value for numerous sectors and social groups. Due to its ability to provide previously unheard-of levels of connectivity, 5G will significantly contribute. With ultra-reliable low latency communication, high-speed broadband, enormous machine-type communications, and efficient energy use, it can enhance 4G networks. These characteristics will revolutionize several industries, including manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and public services.
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Amazon Ready to Widely Launch
Astro Home Is It Worth Buying? by Bhumika Dutta
The Amazon Astro resembles an on-wheels Echo Show 10 smart display in appearance. With the same 10.1-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera on the bezel, two front-facing 55mm speakers, and a passive bass radiator, you can video chat, although at an odd angle.
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Astro effectively map your home and travel when given basic voice directions like "go to the guestroom"
Home robots have fascinated everyoneand if you are reading this article, you are probably not an exception. When Amazon unveiled the newest home robot in fanfare last year and named it 'The Astro Robot', it was evident that every enthusiast was excited to take one home. Unfortunately, there were a lot fewer shipments made back then, and the robots were only available by invitation.
With a $1,000 price tag that will increase to $1,450 after an initial discount, Astro will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the market.
Who is Amazon Astro? The Amazon Astro resembles an on-wheels Echo Show 10 smart display in appearance. With the same 10.1-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera on the bezel, two front-facing 55mm speakers, and a passive bass radiator, you can video chat, although at an odd angle. Similar to Echo Shows, Astro has Alexa built into the system. Among other things, Alexa can play music, stream TV shows, provide weather information, and make jokes. Astro has the means to alter its perspective because it is so close to the earth. Near the mute and volume controls, a periscope that protrudes from the device's swivelling head adds a 12-megapixel camera as well as an additional 5-megapixel camera. Of course, Astro's wheels are what make it unique. To help Astro effectively map your home and travel
when given basic voice directions like "go to the guestroom" or "give this book to Leah in the living room," the Amazon research team modified navigation technology previously used for robot vacuums. Recently, Dave Limp, the senior vice president who leads the devices and services group at Amazon, insinuated that the general availability of the robot is not far off. He was reluctant to predict any dates but suggested that Astro is still a work in progress and would be completed soon. A greater announcement for Astro than simply being a typical household robot made the robot the highlight of Amazon's most recent new-device presentation. It stated that it intended to use the robot as a security guard for companies. This will probably lead Astro to be a niche product of the Amazon lineup, like the Echo and Alexa.
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Technical Details and Prices of The Astro With a $1,000 price tag that will increase to $1,450 after an initial discount, Astro will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the market. Amazon's Ring business revealed a few new home security cameras and other upgraded products.
The most significant new Ring gear shown at the event, the Spotlight Cam Pro, will have radarbased cameras to support 3D motion detection and a birds-eye perspective. These capabilities, which previously only came with Ring's most expensive doorbells, will soon be available at lower prices. In August, the business made intentions to pay $1.65 billion to acquire IRobot Corp., the
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manufacturer of the Roomba. Governments all across the world still need to approve the transaction's regulatory requirements, but Limp told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday that he was confident it will be completed. Prior to the major release, Limp and his team stated that they wanted to strengthen the bot's navigational
capabilities before Amazon made it available to everyone. According to him, Astro can still become perplexed in some room configurations, such as rooms with floor-toceiling glass near a mirror. Astro's four CPUs and an array of sensors gave Amazon developers confidence that it wouldn't fall down stairs. However, that increased the
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Astro's four CPUs and an array of sensors gave Amazon developers confidence that it wouldn't fall down stairs. product's susceptibility to supply disruptions. According to Limp, Amazon had initially aimed to provide its first Astro systems to consumers who had been invited by the end of 2021. He said it wasn't possible until the end of January or the beginning of February due to supply-chain restrictions. More generally, Limp remarked on Bloomberg Television that the supply-chain limitations have lessened following a challenging period. But, not to fear because Limp added that they are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, though they are not entirely through it now.
The device, which resembles a tablet on wheels connected to a cup holder, was first praised for its charm but condemned for lacking essential functionality. Limp stated that his teams are attempting to give Astro's replies to inquiries more personality.
of their hardware business. Beyond using Astro, it is giving its security apparatus greater intelligence and capabilities.
Limp claimed that the robust demand for gadgets from corporations shocked him as well. Astro's potential as a security guard was recognized by Amazon's Ring division as a result of this.
It is now incorporating Astro's skills into a test project by expanding its security monitoring service. The robot may look into alarms, watch scenes with its cameras, and inform security centers under contract with Ring when the police might need to be summoned. In the upcoming months, Ring intends to test the service with a small number of companies.
The Ring was purchased by Amazon in 2018 and has since become an important part
Ring's Spotlight Cam Pro cameras will be able to more precisely gauge an object's 89
distance and initiate warnings thanks to new radar technology. That responds to a concern made by some Ring users who claimed that modern cameras and motion sensors sometimes cause erroneous warnings. The camera will be able to more precisely identify particular items or determine whether a person is in the frame thanks to radar technology. Additionally, the bird'seye view function displays an aerial perspective of movements detected by Ring devices. The Spotlight Cam Pro will be available on Amazon for $230 with a solar option going for $250. The $200 Spotlight Cam Plus, a midrange option, will also get a new look and be on sale soon, the business announced.
The most recent panic button from Ring is less expensive than the previous version. It may be fixed on a wall or carried about. From $35, it will now just cost $30.
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Wide Release of Amazon Astro Soon: Is it Worth Buying? Astro serves as a smart display, a mobile security officer, a children's toy, and an errand-running robot. And a cutting-edge piece of hardware serves as the foundation for all of those capabilities. But is Astro worth the $1,450 Amazon expects to charge for it once it becomes broadly accessible, let alone the $1,000 early-access price? Still not. For the time being, this robot is still a luxury item for wealthy individuals who want to experiment with cutting-edge technology but don't yet have a compelling use case. 91
Reimagining Manufacturing
Operations After COVID-19 by Rahul Kumar The unexpected COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges, especially for the manufacturing industries. According to the recent report presented at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) shows a massive fall of around 5%-15% due to the pandemic, majorly in the manufacturing sector.
Digital transformation was gaining pace, and many SMEs were adopting it to increase productivity and reduce costs, as already seen as the immediate response to the pandemic. Moreover, many industry leaders started leveraging Industry 4.0 solutions to continue their manufacturing operations.
There's an expectation that the upswing in technology will not be symmetric
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According to a survey, around 39 percent of industries have implemented a nerve center, in simple terms, a control tower. This approach increases end-to-end supply-chain transparency, which later became a fasttracking automation program to help stem worker shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Two-Speed Adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies Industry 4.0 adoption gained a massive pace, and its role has become more critical. The pandemic forced companies to think about building the blocks to stand firm in future crises and restoring operations using digital technologies. During a survey conducted by McKinsey on manufacturing and top supply-chain professionals, it was found that around 90 percent of them plan to invest in talent for digitization, and about 93 percent plan to
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focus majorly on the resilience of their supply chain. Even with such a high percentage, there's an expectation that the upswing in technology will not be symmetric. This will be because of two opposing forces—the urgency to develop resilience after the pandemic and the agility to deal with the crisis (including future crises) against the constraints already imposed by cash preservation.
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The asymmetricity will result in three archetypes of adoption pathways.
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Accelerated Adoption
Adoption will be accelerated for win case solutions and help companies quickly respond and adapt to new norms. These norms would include 1. Keeping track of employee health, 2. Supporting remote collaboration, 3. Enforcing safe distancing in public areas.
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Deferred Adoption
Deferred adoption is crucial for solutions with an unclear longterm payback period and requiring higher capital expenditure, for instance, nanotechnologies, blockchain, and smart automation systems.
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Differential Adoption Rates
Differential adoption rates are more likely to work as a solution for logistics automation digital twins that require operations technology (OT), foundational information technology (IT), and data infrastructure. Companies with manufacturing-execution systems, data marts, data lakes, and IT/OT stacks are likely to grow better than \those organizations, mainly SMEs, that lack these capabilities. The later organizations would find themselves in a more financially challenging position. These business challenges may delay implementation until they find the financial muscle to invest or build the necessary foundations. Moreover, there are several automation technologies already seeing a split in adoption. Earlier, China was the leading robot maker in 2019, but when robot sales fell 20 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, there was a substantial downfall in the momentum three times earlier.
A Resilient, Digitized Future Beyond the Factory's Four Walls There are several reasons apart from the accelerated online purchases, trade barriers, and pandemic news that increase the pressure on supply chains. According to business leaders, sustainable digital supply chains and resilience are among the most crucial differentiators for business. Due to this, many companies are now looking forward to optimizing end-to-end business processes within their entire value chain. They also recognized that purchasing experience has almost no effect on customer
experience. Moreover, the supply chain has become a critical customer experience driver. Also, when companies run highly resilient supply chains, they can increase customer experience and satisfaction by more than 82 percent. Moreover, companies can easily deploy digital solutions to address planning challenges within and beyond the organization's four walls. This helps companies reach the end-toend value chain and fix delivery, operational, and disruptions challenges at production plants or suppliers. 95
The Process: Start to End
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Planning For Operations
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Making The Products
Panning is one of the core elements of manufacturing and supply-chain operations, traditionally conducted in silos or teams. Production planning, demand forecasting, supply planning, and logistics planning are handled separately by separate team members and units.
Many manufacturing disruptions from different sources, including safe-distancing measures, restricted migrant-labour movement and staggered worker attendance, have highly affected manufacturing products after the pandemic. However, digital technologies can mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in several ways, including operational efficiency, employee safety, product quality, and asset productivity. Boosting operational continuity and employee safety: Digital technologies eliminate the need for noncritical employees to leave their homes by simply enabling remote work and collaboration. Improving productivity and performance management: Most companies, especially SMEs, still use traditional pen-paper and spreadsheet methods for data collection, which are more prone to errors and inaccuracies. Digital technologies can overcome such issues as they are less prone to errors and bugs and don't require multiple checks or validation.
Increasing asset utilization and efficiency: Businesses increase their productivity and efficiency with modern assets and tools. Assetlike wearable technologies can enhance remote assistance in maintenance. For example, AR glasses can help operators when they need offsite assistance due to travel limitations. Improved quality: Digital technologies can help quality management with modern tools for data collection, data management, and quality checking, for example, CRM data quality assessment software.
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Delivering The Finished Goods
Product delivery is complex, especially if it involves third-party logistics partners. The COVID-19 pandemic made it more complicated by adding transportation complexities, new packaging rules, and last-mile contactless delivery. However, digital technologies can help overcome these delivery-related complexities with modern logistics and warehousing tools. Logistics: Digital technology like a logisticscontrol tower can help companies create live visibility and transparency throughout the process. This visibility will help at every stage of outbound logistics, like unloading at the delivery point and loading in the warehouse.
Warehousing: Automated material storage, shuttle systems, smart shelves, retrieval systems, cobots, and smart picking robots can reduce warehousing complexities.
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Agility Through Synchronized Planning
Productivity Through Intelligent and Predictive Technologies
The pandemic has taught many things to the business world, especially about the necessity of speed and agility. With visibility (transparency) and synchronization throughout the operations, a business gets ready to respond and adapt to any economic turbulence. Synchronized planning is one of the essential ingredients for agility. At SAP, the supply and demand network, from production to logistics planning, is a continuum.
Businesses' productivity increases when their plant and factory become more autonomous, smarter and connected. A smartly growing company is one where the team members or employees are empowered to use smart and predictive technologies more intelligently and effectively.
Historically, many studies enunciate that finance departments have struggled with the concept of agility due to a significant gap between the periodic nature of financial operations and the company's regular business activities. Adopting continuous planning is the only way to align your company's business operations with the finance activities to overcome inefficiency.
After the pandemic, things are not that different, and businesses still wish to opt for AI-driven technologies.
These modern technologies can help SMEs win in this competitive marketplace or help to survive in several fields like e-commerce, manufacturing, accounting, marketing, human resources, and customer relations. During the pandemic, SMEs with AI-enabled technology was majorly focusing on the following: 1. External AI-driven transformation to develop new organizational cultures and strategies, create business models, and build business alliances. 2. Improving the operation of SMEs by gradually processing optimization and improvement within the organizational boundary.
Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic showed many humanitarian challenges on a global scale that require an entirely new type of collaboration to address. As businesses and organizations are set to restart a new normal, they have a unique opportunity to reimagine a productive future plan with digitized, resilient operations. In addition, there are many technologies like extended reality, blockchain, and data collection tools that businesses can use to enhance human-machine interaction. Apart from this, businesses can also make use of advanced engineering technologies like renewable energy and additive manufacturing in their production line after COVID-19.
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