Industry 3.0 Vs. Industry 4.0
The first industrial revolution, which is often referred to as “THE” Industrial Revolution, is actually just the first of four revolutions so far:
• The First Industrial Revolution moved from manual to mechanical by harnessing steam and water power, replacing raw muscle.
• The Second Industrial Revolution took advantage of electricity, the combustion engine, and the assembly line to generate mass production.
• The Third Industrial Revolution took off using electronics and software, the most iconic example of these two coming together being the computer - and the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in the industrial setting. Coupled with the internet, this gave rise to an era of digitization and automation.
• The Fourth Industrial Revolution describes what is happening right now - the era we are living in. The physical world, the digital world, and the virtual world are colliding together, creating smart products, smart factories, and entirely new business models. This revolution has been primarily driven by cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence to create a highly intelligent, integrated, and automated manufacturing ecosystem that spans far beyond the traditional “factory floor.”
Putting all this together, Industry 4.0 is not merely a matter of connecting machines and products through the Internet. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐦 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 in how we organize, manage, and approach business. As a society, we are starting to feel the impacts of Industry 4.0 already. Not only are companies investing at record levels, but also governments around the world have been pouring money into this idea as the way of the future.
Why Data is the Game-Changer
It’s all about data—the lifeline of Industry 4.0. The ability to capture, analyze, and utilize data not only drives smarter decisions but also tells us what actions to take and when. This capability is what truly separates Industry 4.0 from its predecessor.
As leaders, innovators, and change-makers, we must recognize the importance of this shift. Investing in the systems and technologies that enable this data-centric approach is not just an option; it's imperative for staying competitive.
Let's embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. Are you ready to harness the power of data to lead in the new industrial era?
