Industry 4.0 leads to greater efficiency, safety and sustainability

In an online double interview with Data News, experts from Proximus and Inetum-Realdolmen exchanged ideas on the current state of play of Industry 4.0 in Belgium. Lhostte : “Digital transformation offers a good way to look at Industry 4.0. Companies are looking for greater efficiency, safety and sustainability. They’re using digital tools to achieve those goals.”

Building blocks: sensors, AI and connectivity

“Very often companies are convinced of the opportunities of Industry 4.0, but they hesitate to take the first concrete steps.” A roadmap offers the necessary guidance. “That way they get an overview of a first case that they can initiate, or a IT partner who can provide the appropriate support.” It’s just as important that this is not an isolated exercise. The available technology is no longer a barrier. “Sensors, connectivity, artificial intelligence: all the building blocks are readily available.”

5G as a game changer

So the technological issue is no longer the big obstacle; what the business wants to achieve is. The arrival of new technology – 5G in particular – is bringing even more goals within reach. “5G is a game changer for Industry 4.0, that much is clear. But once again, 5G is not the only factor that counts. It’s just as important for a company to develop the right mindset to get to work with Industry 4.0.”