Page 9 - Automated Issue 11

GOING GLOBAL WITH AUTOMATION

means processes can be fine-tuned in real-time. The clusters to increase the flow of ideas, which can be
digital and physical worlds have become irrevocably spread more widely using the cloud. Cheap data
linked, with machines, systems and people able to storage and transfer will increase the decentralisation
exchange information and automatically adjust. and flexibility for businesses.
Industry 4.0 is not just revolutionising manufacturing
processes, but also having a powerful impact on the Operating in this way may mean the international
model of globalisation, by changing the workforce company of the future does not need a significant
and increasing the ease of access to services. presence across the globe, but could operate from
just a few clusters.

“With every major industrial International competition
Increased connectivity means that companies must
and technological change, the be competitive on a global scale and cannot rely on
their physical location to win business. This means
characteristics of globalisation that companies must focus on meeting ever-changing
have been altered” consumer demands. Keeping manufacturing and
production flexible and incorporating automated
technologies can cut production times and allow
Servitisation companies to respond quicker, increasing
According to the International Trade Centre, services competitive advantage.
constitute the largest sector in the global economy,
accounting for 70 per cent of gross domestic product One such customer expectation, which has had a
(GDP). The increasing trend of product as a service huge impact on manufacturing is the demand for
means that services are becoming tradable as goods individualisation. The growing demand for
were before. Digitalisation has been a key driver in customised products may act to promote
increasing emphasis and value on services. regionalisation by more closely linking companies
with local manufacturers.
Without efficient telecommunications, finance, legal,
transportation and logistics services, businesses
would not be able to function as they do. Digital “In the dawn of Industry 4.0,
connectivity makes it easier for companies to access
international services and select suppliers from an companies are using more
international marketplace. The growing number of complex, worldwide supply
digital platforms and the increasing use of the cloud is
binding countries closer together. chains and data networks in
their operations”
Blurring the boundaries
In the dawn of Industry 4.0, companies are using more
complex, worldwide supply chains and data networks 3D printing is a technology that could revolutionise
in their operations. Physical connectivity is being production and logistics, by making it easier to
replaced with an increasing number of digital links — produce personalised products on-site or locally to
many of which are stored in the cloud. Greater save on labour and export costs. Mass customisation
international collaboration is more possible than ever means that vast numbers of personalised products
before. Using cloud-based software, any member of can be produced efficiently and at low costs, another
staff in any geographical location can contribute to a competitive advantage for manufacturers.
design. This function is being increasingly offered in
computer aided design (CAD) software, making Logistics has come a long way since the first flight
design a more collaborative process.
across the channel. Industry 4.0 has revolutionised
business operations both inside and outside the
However, globalisation is not just improving the factory, increasing the links between international
design process. Businesses can get the most out of businesses and driving the process of globalisation
their talent pool or international supplier network forward.
using digital connectivity, as expertise can be offered
remotely and in real-time. In many international
companies, suppliers or staff members work in small

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