New technology challenges, industry globalization and an increment of the connectivity are generating big opportunities for any organization.

Needs of a new market positioning involves structural and production changes with the objective of converting a company into a Smart Industry; with a great capacity of adaptation to customers needs and a bigger efficiency on process and projects executed.

Industry 4.0 includes digitalization, integration and analysis. Below, we detail the keys to accomplish a conversion to Smart Factory:

1. Process digitalization

One of the main keys that define Industry 4.0 is the digitalization of production process at factories. This procedure is carried out with sensors and information systems to improve the production process and make them more efficient.

Automation of process, monitoring of machines, detection of critical errors and alarms management are essential points of the digitalization of processes. Basically, the Internet of Things.

2. Data analysis as the basis for improving the relationship with the customers

Customers will be at the center of the changes produced in the value chain, the products and the services, which will be adapted more frequently to their needs. The organizations must have the ability to predictively analyze customers’ needs thanks to the management of a big amount of information through Big Data systems.

An essential part of the process will be the integration of different systems and a successful cross-matching of data like, for example, production KPI/ratios, energy consumption of the factory, sales of any product category and shipping times of logistics process.

3. People’s involvement and cooperation

A smart company requires being focused on people as the best leaders to overcome upcoming technological challenges. It must establish collaborative methods to involve, in the creative and definition parts of the project, all the employees of the company, external actors and customers.

Also, the use of social networks as communication tool is a key factor to expand this collaborative effect. The sole objective of the process is to achieve a product definition more accurate, rich and globally agreed.

4. Effective and 24/7 sales

Sales and distribution channels must exploit the amount of data generated and analyzed in order to attract clients and make more efficient sales actions. The generation of segmented leads allows to determine the right target customer for each marketing campaign to have a bigger probability to meet their needs.

In addition, it’s necessary to have digital sales and after-sales channels to offer to the customer a direct contact at any time, from any device and anywhere.

5. Flexibility as law of life

Finally, smart companies must have the capacity to offer customized products, designed for a lower number of clients but with a high versatility to be adapted to a great number of markets. The flexibility to switch from massive and generic products to products adapted to each customer is a key factor to evolve the value chain of the company.

If you are interested in learning more about topics related to Internet of Things, Big Data, Industry 4.0 and Analytics, do not hesitate to continue reading our publications in the News section.

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