In this article, we’ll start with a short explanation of what the terms “Industry 4.0” and “digitalization” mean. Then, we’ll take a look at the Training Factory Industry 4.0 simulation and training model that is designed to simulate and apply digitalization activities on a small scale.
What is Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 is another term for smart manufacturing. This is also known as the fourth industrial revolution.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers this definition “fully integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond in real time to meet changing demands and conditions in the factory, in the supply network, and in customer needs.”*
The Smart Manufacturing Leadership Consortium (SMLC) explains it like this. “Smart Manufacturing is the ability to solve existing and future problems via an open infrastructure that allows solutions to be implemented at the speed of business while creating advantaged value.”* The technologies that drive Industry 4.0 include artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
What is Digitalization?
Digitalization is a smaller segment of digital transformation – not to be confused with digitization. Digitization is focused on information. Basically taking analog information and translating that data into digital files. Digitalization involves processes. It takes advantage of that digital information and uses it along with new technologies to find opportunities to improve business processes. This moves operations to a digital business.
Training Factory Industry 4.0
As promised, we are excited to share an innovative simulation model that is perfect for exploring smart manufacturing concepts that can be used with PLCs (programmable logic controllers). Training Factory Industry 4.0 is a 24V training model from fischertechnik. It is an affordable, modular, and flexible solution that can be used with many of the most popular industrial PLCs. It is ideal for exploring, simulating, and applying digitalization activities on a small scale so they can be adjusted and improved prior to being implemented on a large scale.
There are also two variations of this model that include the PLC:
- Training Factory Industry 4.0 in 24v with PLC S7-1500 – Education Version:
This version includes PLC Siemens S7-1500 and is available for educational institutions. - fischertechnik Training Factory Industry 4.0 in 24v with PLC S7-1500 – Commercial Version:
This also includes the PLC Siemens S7-1500, basic program, and ready-made cabling but is available for non-education customers.
In addition, fischertechnik offers a complete line of simulation solutions that includes a variety of pre-assembled training and simulation models.
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