New solutions introduced as part of the Industry 4.0 concept help accelerate the automation of critical manufacturing processes. There is a significant increase in the scale and scope of implementation of innovative technologies that enhance productivity and safety of the work environment. New solutions reduce production costs and boost the quality of manufactured goods. The use of the Industrial Internet of Things and AI makes it possible to integrate various systems and tailor them to manufacturing imperatives.
3D printing and additive manufacturing are growing in importance in the process area. Predictive maintenance is also becoming more widely used to optimize machine operation and mitigate the consequences of failures and downtime. Monitoring systems that analyze the life cycle of machines make it possible to initiate maintenance work and minimize risks associated with on-time production. There is also a growing need to provide greater security for production lines, especially against ransomware attacks.
The same goes for raw material security and the critical need to ensure uninterrupted supply. The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges, such as the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China, have fundamentally reshaped global supply chains. Business practices are also changing due to the need to be environmentally conscious. With the move toward climate neutrality, manufacturing facilities are gradually shifting to energy from renewable resources, such as solar, water, wind, and biomass.