Synchronizing the Digital Transformation Globally - Quarterly Insights Q4/21
The fourth industrial revolution and its associated technologies offer a unique opportunity to create significant value for manufacturing companies. This seems to be understood by most of the executives across the industry. Yet too many digital transformation efforts fall flat and fail, as do their supporters. At the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Center, we see that companies that can measure their digital readiness globally and synchronize their digital transformation journey across all locations and business units achieve the greatest long-term impact.
Typical challenges that go along this transformation are that prototypes, and proof of concepts generate awareness, but do not unfold the operative potential of digital technologies. They are spread over the departments and plants. None of them is implemented in a productive process. Projects fail, because the company is not ready in terms of their basic infrastructure and their data quality. Often these projects were only started out of actionism following popular buzz words (e. g. “Big Data” or “AI”). Usually, they want to do it all at once, but projects cannot be implemented with the appropriate intensity because they lack the sufficient resources. Some companies are also only focusing on the technical parts of the transformation and forget to involve organizational and cultural aspects. Therefore, new technologies and IT solutions are rejected, and the benefit is not realized.
This is why we believe the current digital status-quo needs to be evaluated to see which projects are realistic now and which need to be postponed. Dependencies between projects need to be identified and projects need to be prioritized in a holistic roadmap. The progress and lessons learned need to be monitored centrally. The transformation process needs to be structured along technical maturity levels, but at the same time taking organizational and cultural requirements into account.
The synchronization and a common understanding of Industrie 4.0 on a global level of the organization is necessary for a successful digital transformation.
In our current issue of Quarterly Insights, we take a closer look at the global roll out and synchronization of Industrie 4.0 in manufacturing companies. Amongst others we have a video explaining how a web-based platform can help global organizations to manage their digital transformation, a book recommendation, and a special tip from the team for an article explaining the background on double-digit impact at scale of Industrie 4.0. Enjoy reading.
Whitepaper | Today, seeking for market leadership implies a worldwide footprint representation. In this environment, a company’s long-term competitiveness is strongly depending on agility which enables faster adaptation to changing and diverse requirements. Simultaneously, many companies struggle with achieving the performance targets for their production and supporting processes in the short term. Digital Transformation on the path to Industrie 4.0. allows to successively advance both agility and operational performance.
This paper reveals, how manufacturing companies are managing their individual path towards Industrie 4.0.
Whitepaper | Manufacturing industry in Germany has realised that the fourth industrial revolution cannot be accomplished simply through the implementation of individual, isolated prototypes – a systematic transformation programme is required, focusing on clear financial value added.
The practical examples in this companion publication show how the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index has been used to add value in a variety of different businesses, from automotive suppliers to chemical companies. This approach benefits companies by enabling a systematic and cost-effective transformation into an agile, learning organisation.
In a 2-day training course, you will receive practical knowledge for the application of the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index. It is designed for industry experts leading digital transformation programs, that want to understand how to use the index as a quasi standard in the industry for shaping digital transformation.
The expert training is rounded off by theoretical basics, which we convey through lectures and group discussions. You will learn first-hand how to use the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Platform plus many helpful best practices from our experts. No prior knowledge is required to participate in the expert training. The training takes place live from our studio. This gives you the opportunity to ask us your questions and discuss with the trainers and other participants.
04.01. – 06.01.2022
08:30 – 12:30 (CET)
28.02. – 03.03.2022
13:30 – 17:30 (CET)
07. – 08.06.2022
09:00 – 17:00 (CET)
In this book, David L. Rogers explains how companies can remain competitive in the digital economy and how especially more traditional companies can manage their digital transformation. He goes beyond simple technological changes and focuses primarily on strategic thinking. Fundamental strategies need to be restructured, and new topics such as Big Data, customer networks and platforms need to be integrated into existing business models.
Rogers not only provides advice, but illustrates the strategies with real-world case studies from major global players such as Google and Airbnb. The book serves as a guide for executives and leads them step by step through the digital transformation.
Most companies have realized the importance and the benefits of Industrie 4.0. Many start with different digitalization measures, but many also fail to advance further than the pilot stage. PTC has published a report in which Industrie 4.0 experts reflect on this “pilot purgatory” and how manufacturers can use their full potentials in their Digital Transformation. They share their experiences with different manufacturers and particularly shed light on double-digit improvements in cost savings, capacity and asset efficiency. This article and the e-book is a must-read for anyone who wants to benefit from everything Industrie 4.0 has to offer and navigate their way through the Digital Transformation as best as possible.
“Companies that quickly pilot valuable I4.0 projects,
while also creating a foundation for transformation across their manufacturing and supply chain operations, will benefit from competitive advantage for decades to come.”
– Howard Heppelmann
Vice President and General Manager, Smart Connected Operations, PTC