Adopting Cloud Storage Systems Linked To Data Discovery Platforms To Maximise Analytical Capability

Phil Black - PII Editor 25/09/2017

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The manufacturing sector is on the brink of what is being described as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or ‘Industry 4.0’ – a term used to describe the increasing digital connectivity of customer, product, process and factory through the use of emerging technologies.

In particular it is the ability of the technology to maintain a real time connectedness to the customer base. Over the long term, the advantage of adoption should sustain competitive advantage for manufacturing companies.

Some countries are already making significant investment in Industry 4.0 so there is a real opportunity for the UK to step up and look at what it needs to do to remain competitive.

Currently within the UK, many companies are unable to capture all the data they can potentially generate or indeed take full advantage of the data they can collect.

Companies are still struggling to navigate the new digital landscape and build the infrastructure to manage Big Data scenarios (the capability to manage and analyse large data sets).

Business should consider introducing cloud storage systems linked to data discovery platforms to maximise their analytical capability. That way, businesses will be able to optimise processes and benefit from the numerous solutions to issues that Industry 4.0 brings.

Manufacturers that have successfully implemented Lean and Six Sigma will have the right foundation and culture to adopt I.4. Lean and Six Sigma refers to a methodology that relies on a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste; combining lean manufacturing/lean enterprise and Six Sigma to eliminate the eight kinds of waste: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilised talent, transportation, inventory, motion, extra-processing.

Conversely the real-time connectedness of Industry 4.0 will enhance the ability to achieve the lean extended enterprise – that includes the complete value chain from customer through the totality of the organisation and through the supplier base.

The reason for the relatively slow uptake of Industry 4.0 is partly down to a lack of understanding among some areas of industry and academia. Many manufacturing companies are still battling with concepts such as lean production and have no perception of the potential of Industry 4.0. The skills transition required at all levels, particularly within senior decision-making terms, will be challenging.

Another hurdle businesses may face is achieving good communication between IT teams and engineering and operational teams. It is important that IT staff looking after data give other teams the opportunity to analyse it.

Although arguably the biggest challenge of Industry 4.0 will be convincing people to change the way they have always worked. All of these factors will affect future success and how well manufacturers can compete in our increasingly global production market.

Given such challenges, it is important for businesses to start considering their next steps. A priority will be to invest in people and the necessary skills to analyse and interpret data.

An emerging discipline is that of the ‘Data Scientist’, professionals who have a handle on computer science, statistics, operations research, engineering, business insights and strategy.

AECOM is already employing young engineers and training them in the skills they will need. We are also working with colleges to help them consider the vocational training they should be providing, such as data discovery and ICT.

Businesses should also consider creating a digital roadmap, to help define their future data and technology requirements. This involves conducting a detailed audit to understand the data and technology already being used, and considering what kind of systems will be needed in the future to meet customer, product, manufacturing, data capture and employee training needs.

Businesses should devise detailed ‘what if’ scenarios around their data and technology roadmap to consider and decide on the best Industry 4.0 options for them, including the costs involved, as well as expected inputs and outputs.

It is important to consider what is going to add the most value, drive the greatest efficiencies and help the business remain competitive in the long term.

Early Industry 4.0 adopters will be the first to reap the rewards of a more digital, connected future that brings improved forecasting and more efficient production. As with any emerging opportunity, there is no established path to follow but planning ahead is the best place to start.

A long-term recruitment strategy and examining what infrastructure a business needs to support emerging technology is certainly required. But convincing employees that a whole new way of working will bring future success may take some time.

Robert Davies, Senior Engineer, AECOM