Industry 4.0 changes the rules of the game for manufacturing. Connecting real machines with information technologies and the Internet increases productivity. Companies that use new technologies for Industry 4.0 are more competitive because they produce at lower costs and meet customer needs with more flexibility. One thing is certain: Industry 4.0 is coming. Companies that are prepared to implement Industry 4.0 now will actively shape and lead the change.
Realizing Industry 4.0 concepts at our plants, Bosch Rexroth has collected extensive experience implementing Industry 4.0 technology in real production environments. With connected automation solutions from Bosch Rexroth, manufacturers will be able to quickly implement customized Industry 4.0 concepts economically – whether building up new lines or upgrading existing facilities and manufacturing systems.
Building up new lines is always a challenge – technically and organizationally. But it’s worth it. In the industry 4.0 environment, all useful information is available, at any time, in any location, making it possible to economically produce individualized products and small batches. Technology supports people better than ever before. Companies that implement Industry 4.0 produce faster, with more flexibility, greater efficiency of material and reduced complexity and downtime.
See a practical application of Industry 4.0 at the new build-up production line at Bosch Rexroth’s plant in Homburg, Germany. Without any modification of the machine, we assemble more than 200 different hydraulic valves on one multi-product line. The result: flexible and economically efficient assembling that yields 10 percent more output and a reduction of stock by 30 percent.
Existing machines and production platforms can be cost-effectively upgraded to Industry 4.0 performance with the right technology and support. Modern machines generally have PLC or NC controls that are internally connected through fieldbuses. The modernization of the control hardware and communication interfaces is often sufficient for the machines to be able to exchange data with other machines and IT using open standards.
If you are working with older machines that may not meet these requirements, you should make sure that newly installed components can be connected when undertaking modernization measures.
Hydrotech is ready to help your company take the journey into the Industry 4.0 and IIoT revolution. Is your plant ready? A good start is to take a look at our Industry 4.0 checklist. In this checklist, you will find the basic requirements necessary to become Industry 4.0-enabled.
If you want to implement industry 4.0 throughout the entire value stream in your manufacturing, some basic requirements must be established:
Contact our Industry 4.0 and IIoT specialists today to begin your transformation at 513-881-7000!