3 industrial sectors in Colombia that are investing in 4.0 technology.
All the developments and advances in industry and technology brought about by the fourth industrial revolution are summarized in a very simple, yet broad and highly innovative term: Technology 4.0 . It manages to summarize a process driven by a surprising increase in the volume of data, the power of computing systems, and connectivity.
The term Technology 4.0 has been used to describe everything from modular automation to cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Since its introduction at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2016, Industry 4.0 and its promise as a new industrial era have prompted the world to take action. Different countries and sectors have been adapting and evolving to create synergies that will make them stronger and more competitive.
Falling behind is not an option in this new era that advances at a rapid pace and where new obsoletes emerge every day.
4.0. worldwide
On the supply side, many industries have already seen the introduction of technologies such as robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) , favorably disrupting industry value chains.
While the novelty of digitalization is a technology developed during the third industrial revolution, the fourth revolution is empowering its use and testing new and improved methods for collecting data and using it for efficient decision-making. Thus, data digitalization has enabled, for example, global technology programs to introduce other technology institutes, opening new avenues in the research and commercialization of technologies such as clean energy, materials, composites, semiconductors, and flexible hybrid electronics.
Evidently, each country moves at its own pace, some ahead of others, but with the firm vision and determination to adapt and compete as new changes demand.
4.0 in the fashion sector
In the competitive world of apparel, fashion, and footwear, workshop technologies are quickly advancing toward Industry 4.0. The fast maturity of new tech drives innovations that optimize and reinvent manufacturing. Smart clothing factories, by leveraging data and AI, can achieve major breakthroughs—like affordable mass customization—by transforming workflows to be more agile, modular, and cost-effective.
Several companies are already experimenting with new garment production systems at different scales to make this a reality.
4.0. in the food sector (Manufacturing)
Food and beverage recalls often result from consumer complaints or inspections. Manufacturers face pressure to act quickly, but tracing contamination is complex. Factors include microbial impurities, labeling and packaging errors, and contamination by metals, plastics, glass, or hazardous substances like machine oil or biological hazards. Thus, processes must be in place to identify and eliminate these errors.
Sensor technologies contribute greatly to this effort. There are many varieties of smart identification systems that allow for improved traceability. For example, radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging tracks crops from harvest to trace the origin of cargo.
4.0. in Retail
Stores are no longer just places where products are stocked for sale. Instead, stores now offer more than just that; they provide shopping experiences for their customers. Moreover, this shift comes without even considering the growing trend toward eliminating lines and cashiers through automated checkout systems. As a result, retailers are investing in checkout-free options, such as self-service machines and kiosks.
Advancing the digital capabilities of Industry 4.0 is important for industrial companies. However, in order to succeed, a step-by-step approach is crucial. This process includes planning a strategy, creating initial pilot projects, considering how data analysis can be better organized, and developing comprehensive product and service solutions for customers. Ultimately, Industry 4.0 will be of great benefit to those companies that fully understand what it means for the way they do business.