Inhaltsübersicht
- 1 Efficient quality management: How you can reduce your error rate
- 2 The most important facts at a glance
- 3 Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies: drivers of the digital transformation
- 4 Practical steps towards the digitalization of production
- 5 Success factors for digital transformation in production
- 6 Sustainability and environmental compatibility in digital production
- 7 Support with digitalization: institutions and services
- 8 At a glance
- 9 Frequently asked questions
Efficient quality management: How you can reduce your error rate
The challenge of digitalization in production lies not only in the ‘if’, but above all in the ‘how’. How do you transform traditional processes into digital processes effectively and cost-efficiently, and how do you ensure that these contribute to competitiveness in the long term?
In our article, we navigate you through the basics that you can use to develop a solid digital strategy for your production processes – including practical tips and tried-and-tested solutions. After all, digitalized production is not only helpful for the long-term success of your company, it is unavoidable.
The most important facts at a glance
The advantages of digitalization in production
The concept of Industry 4.0 represents nothing less than the fourth industrial revolution. It introduces a new level of digital integration that makes production systems more agile and flexible. Networking and real-time communication are the cornerstones of this development, made possible by advanced IoT technologies.
These allow unprecedented networking of machines and devices so that efficient communication takes place between the individual components of a production system.
The resulting transparency and the generation of critical information save time, create clarity and thus ensure optimized work processes.
Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies: drivers of the digital transformation
Networked machines and systems
In the age of Industry 4.0, man and machine are communicating on a whole new level. Networked machines and systems, such as industrial smartwatches, ensure a fast flow of data between both parties. This reduces the time you need for troubleshooting, for example, if the necessary information can be called up at any time. The system is stuck or settings need to be changed? You no longer necessarily need a specialist to tell you what to do. Digital work instructions, such as those issued by the tepcon instructor, replace the human supervisor and are available at all times. This means that even employees who do not know all the work steps exactly can quickly look up the necessary steps, watch videos or even 3D models and then carry out changes or repairs step by step.
Documentation processes can also be wonderfully accelerated thanks to the new technologies. Data is collected and managed centrally, and users have access whenever they need information.
As technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see further optimization in the areas of documentation and communication in the future.
In maintenance and preventive maintenance, regular checks of machines reduce downtimes and increase the service life of the systems. These processes can also be improved using digital remote monitoring – saving costs and significantly reducing personnel costs.
Big data and data analysis
Digitalization is speeding up many processes that were previously time-consuming and labor-intensive to implement. Some optimizations have only become possible thanks to technological developments.
This includes data analysis, also known as big data. A program collects and analyzes incredible amounts of data faster than any human. This is the key to uncovering optimization potential in production that would not even be recognized without the digital tool.
Big data makes it possible to interpret complex data volumes and draw actionable insights from them. This provides a detailed insight into production processes, and the investigated processes can be made more efficient as a result and simplified in many areas.
In addition, precise data documentation leads to faster identification of error sources, which in turn reduces machine downtimes and maximizes uptime.
The challenge is to normalize and analyze data from a variety of equipment types in order to identify which data is relevant and where insights can be derived. Various methods can be used for this.
Would you like to find out more about increasing efficiency in production?
Artificial intelligence and automation
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in production processes is leading to an unprecedented increase in productivity. AI systems learn independently and adapt; they can perform and automate increasingly complex tasks. This increases the efficiency of certain production stages enormously. In this way, product quality can be improved and maintenance processes can be faster, shorter and more precise.
In maintenance, for example, AI helps with digital twins: Companies such as Caterpillar use them to predict maintenance requirements – precise predictions make improved service possible, which in turn strengthens customer loyalty.
Not just in maintenance, but in all areas of production: the introduction of AI into everyday working life means a profound change in the manufacturing landscape. It brings challenges with it, but above all creates compelling new opportunities for innovation and for improving existing production.
Challenges in the implementation of digital production
The digital landscape is always on the move and changes rapidly – if you want to adapt, you need to be able to implement innovations quickly and keep an eye on current developments. Where this willingness to innovate is lacking, not only is optimization potential lost – a company may also lose touch with its more progressive competitors.
Although the digitalization of production opens up numerous opportunities, it also brings challenges. For example, when switching to a new system: the integration of older systems into modern technologies requires in-depth expertise: existing data records have to be integrated into the new system, which can be time-consuming. This may tie up staff, at least temporarily, and make retraining necessary.
When switching to digitalized production – or expanding it – internal resistance must also be considered. Cultural resistance to change can hinder the digital transformation. The importance of a willingness to innovate and learn cannot be emphasized enough here.
Last but not least, cost management and ROI considerations are of great importance, as the upfront costs for the digital switchover can be considerable. The cost factor can appear to be a major hurdle, especially in companies that still have major conversions ahead of them.
Practical steps towards the digitalization of production
The path to digitalization begins with a thorough inventory of existing processes: Where is there untapped potential, where will digitalization bring improvements? Once the “construction sites” have been identified, the processes are prioritized. Various tools are available for this purpose: For example, there are digitization quick checks that help to select processes in need of optimization.
In the next step, prototypes are developed to test the feasibility of digital solutions in practice and to define the requirements for a minimum viable product (MVP, a usable product that is created with as little effort as possible). The project plan is repeatedly adapted and suitable technologies are selected. Design thinking can help to develop a deep understanding of the problem and create a roadmap with clear goals.
This is followed by the realization phase: the prototype developed in this way is transferred to live operation.
Success factors for digital transformation in production
Various success factors are crucial for a successful digital transformation.
The adaptability of an organization, i.e. the ability to undergo structural and systemic change, is a key aspect. Innovation capacity, which requires creativity and a vision for new paths in the digital transformation, is also of great importance.
To make the transition a success, you need a high level of data expertise: this is required to identify, analyze and interpret relevant data sources.
If you want to keep up with the rapid changes in the digital landscape, you need to continuously develop your skills – this applies to all levels of the company. Technical and methodological skills are becoming increasingly important.
The company also needs the ability to collaborate: those who network with other companies and experts can significantly strengthen their own competitiveness.
Would you like to find out more about increasing efficiency in production?
Sustainability and environmental compatibility in digital production
It is becoming increasingly clear to all industries that sustainability and environmental compatibility are unavoidable issues in future-proof companies. Sustainability has become a key issue in the production landscape and influences investment decisions. Studies and publications such as the ‘Climate-neutral industry’ dossier offer guidance on how companies can position themselves to be climate-neutral and counteract rising energy costs.
In this context, topics such as digital transformation are also of great importance. The use of cloud computing and data centers must take ecological aspects into account.
Case studies: Successful implementation of digital production
The practical application of digitalization can be seen in numerous successful case studies. A study has examined the effects of process digitization in plant and mechanical engineering and found that companies have been able to significantly increase their efficiency and competitiveness through comprehensive digitization.
The digital instructions from tepcon are a good example of how technological possibilities save time and money. This often involves supporting maintenance and repair processes. Where digital instructions are available directly on site, the necessary knowledge can be called up at any time. For example, when troubleshooting. In the past, there was one or two employees who had the necessary knowledge when certain faults or maintenance work was required. However, this personnel must then also be available. A digital tool for work instructions makes smooth implementation possible at any time and by any authorized person. The tepcon “instrucotor” provides the necessary information on a user-friendly interface. It can be accessed via PC, tablet or smartphone and immediately presents the necessary work steps clearly and comprehensibly.
Support with digitalization: institutions and services
Digitization is a challenge that companies do not have to overcome alone. There are numerous institutions and offers that provide practical help. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is creating financial incentives for SMEs to invest in digital technologies and employee training with its ‘Digital Jetzt’ funding program.
SME Digital Centers and Fraunhofer Institutes such as IGCV and SCS offer support in the form of advice, practical demonstrations and training programs that help companies to implement the digital transformation effectively.
At a glance
The digitalization of production opens up a universe of opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs and sustainably increase productivity. In modern Industry 4.0, big data and IoT technologies have become a matter of course for competitive companies, who are also increasingly focusing on the issue of sustainability.
The case studies and support services presented should encourage companies to take this path. It is clear that digital transformation is not a sure-fire success, but with the right strategy and the right resources, the hurdles can be overcome.
Would you like to know how our “instructor” software solution improves the lives and work of our customers? This is also digitized production with real, measurable results in the shortest possible time – ask us, we will be happy to advise you and present you with examples from a wide range of industries.
Frequently asked questions
What can be digitized in a company?
The tepcon “instructor”, which we also like to call a digital specialist, optimizes work processes, for example during maintenance and servicing work, and also translates the instructions into different languages if required.
