E3 Category: Industry 4.0 - Column

The connection of heterogeneous machines and the semantic processing of data are essential prerequisites for the successful operation of both ERP and MES solutions such as SAP Digital Manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 is changing our everyday working lives in many areas. By definition, this so-called digital revolution is accompanied by a massive change in the role of the human resource in the work process.

Fast, cost-effective entry into digital manufacturing and complete traceability are business-critical for medium-sized manufacturers. A lean MES with UX design that users can configure themselves makes this possible.

In many places, product labeling in retail is done digitally: the use of electronic shelf labels is efficient, flexible, and reliable. Electronic labels are also becoming attractive in intralogistics.

It is no secret that master data is crucial to the success of Industry 4.0 scenarios, because it forms the basis for the networked exchange of information. Only those who ensure high data quality can sustainably digitize processes.

Industry 4.0 is an absolutely strategic topic that hardly any company can ignore. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, there is uncertainty about how to approach it. About a sales meeting that shouldn't be one.

Especially in times of pandemic, the advantages of digitization become apparent. Anyone who still wanted to produce the way it was modern 50 years ago would have to close their manufacturing company.

The optimization potential on the store floor can be best exploited if machine data is analyzed and visualized in real time. The prerequisite for this is an analytics tool with functions for predictive analytics, AI and ML.

Only a freely expandable IT architecture can help manufacturing companies find their way back to profitability. The point is to focus on value creation in all projects.

Despite the pressure to digitize, many companies are delaying the move toward Industry 4.0. Now, of all things, the current crisis could provide new impetus and momentum.

Industry 4.0 digitization projects place high demands on data quality. These can be met in three consistent, successive steps. In the process, more efficient tools should complement the ERP system.

Master Data Governance (MDG) opens up many possibilities for the maintenance, validation and distribution of master data - an important prerequisite for Industrie 4.0 projects.