Two trends that are creating a lot of buzz today are about to unleash a profound change throughout global industry: Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with a focus on connected devices and analytics. These trends and the underlying technologies that support them are impacting a broad range of industrial sectors - everything from building automation, transportation, medical, military, security and retail.
In this white paper, however, the focus is on how industrial automation and machinery will be impacted. There are some obvious similarities and differences between IIoT and smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0), as well as areas of convergence. Smart manufacturing or Industry 4.0 initiatives are focused on manufacturing flexibility, increasing automation levels, and digitization. This is not so much the next industrial revolution but an evolution. In the long run this will reshape complete factories and the way they operate.
Such evolution requires embracing a multitude of technologies and ideas which will have a massive impact on end-users and OEMs. This will take some time and IIoT, with all its connected devices will act as a key enabler.
This content is sponsored by Schneider Electric.
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