https://www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

Networked manufacturing, otherwise known as Industry 4.0, is the next revolution in manufacturing, offering higher productivity and more adaptable and intelligent systems.

The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA), in association with Callaghan Innovation, welcome a leading expert in the field, Dr Frank Wagner, to share his insights and observations on Industry 4.0 in Christchurch and Auckland this week. Manufacturers attending will hear how this technology is being used in Germany and Australia, and how New Zealand manufacturers can harness digitisation, say the NZMEA.

“Industry 4.0, or networked manufacturing, involves the digitisation of industrial supply chains, using automation and advanced computing and big data to connect all parts of production and supply, allowing real-time analysis and management of systems, with intelligent integration of people, machines and products.” says Dr Frank Wagner, Professor, Queensland University of Technology.

NZMEA Chief Executive Dieter Adam says, “Global interest in Industry 4.0 is gaining traction fast, and it is changing how many manufacturers worldwide operate.

“It is allowing manufacturers to better understand and optimise their systems and supply chains, adapt to customer needs through increased customisation within production lines and efficiently combine automation with skilled workers.

“Networked manufacturing is opening up new business models as well as continuing the trend of combining advanced manufactured products with new service solutions.  It also carries the potential for dramatic productivity increases in short-run manufacturing, which is more and more becoming the home base of New Zealand manufacturing.”

“Given that perspective, being leading adopters of this technology and the thinking behind it is really the only way to go for our manufacturers if they want to remain globally competitive.

“It is also vital that government is aware and stays ahead of these changes with any policy response to help Kiwi manufacturers adapt, innovate and invest in the R&D needed to compete.

“We greatly appreciate the support of Callaghan Innovation to make these presentations and interactive workshops for manufacturers possible,” says Mr Adam.

“Finally – the question that comes with every new technology is “will it destroy jobs?” One of the aims of networked manufacturing is to remove unnecessary steps in manufacturing processes. That can result in higher output with the same number of people. It can also empower businesses to employ more people, due to increased productivity over the competition and ability to offer new products and services to customers. That is certainly what we see in the leading adopters of this technology in Germany.

“History shows that being leading adopters is the best approach to preserving and growing jobs and the output of the manufacturing sector.” says Mr Adam.