Feature

Accelerate digital transformation with Industry 5.0

The First Industrial Revolution brought the United Kingdom into an era of technology and productivity. Today, Industry 4.0 focuses on the interconnectedness of machines, to optimise production processes on the factory floor.

10/05/2021 13:37:06

Now, with the rise of digital transformation and remote monitoring solutions which have been integrated as a result of the pandemic, Industry 4.0 is already underway. Phil Hadfield, UK Managing Director at Rockwell Automation, discusses the next steps for manufacturers as they move towards the fifth industrial revolution.

Before COVID-19, the uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation was gaining momentum, but many manufacturers were still addressing their digital strategy and how to transform their operations into the smart factory of the future. When the virus spread worldwide last year, it accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, as more manufacturers realised the importance of innovative technologies, such as digital twins, to increase end-to-end supply chain transparency.

These solutions enabled companies to turn analytics into flexible operations which were able to respond and adapt quickly to the new working conditions and legislation, such as social distancing, self-isolating, and ill-health. Those companies which had reimagined their operations and understood the value of forecasting were able to address potential disruptions and challenges before they occurred.

Customising the future – the new revolution

Once manufacturers introduced connected devices, data analytics and artificial intelligence, the big question was: what’s next? The journey does not simply end there. Each new stage of the Industrial Revolution represents an advancement in the manufacturing process and the ever-evolving changes to the way we think and work in the industry...

Read the full article in the May issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.