CSN - 391

Technical Communication
Industry 4.0
Chinayush Waman Wasnik
CSE 3rd Y ear
20114027
September 28, 2022

Contents
Industry 4.0 2

1 Evolution 2
1.1 1st Industrial Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 2nd Industrial Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 3rd Industrial Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 4th Industrial Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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2 Key Features 3
2.1 Internet of Things (IoT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Cloud computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 AI and machine learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Applications 4
3.1 Custom manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Supply chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4 References 4

Industry 4.0
The Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0, conceptualizes rapid change to technology, indus-
tries, and societal patterns and processes in the 21st century due to increasing inter-connectivity
and smart automation.These changes are more than just improvements to efficiency, they express a
significant shift in industrial capitalism.
Throughout this, fundamental shifts are taking place in how the global production and supply
network operates through ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices,
using modern smart technology, large-scale machine-to-machine communication (M2M), and the
internet of things (IoT). This integration results in increasing automation, improving communication
and self-monitoring, and the use of smart machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without
the need for human intervention.

1. Evolution
1.1. 1st Industrial Revolution
The First Industrial Revolution was marked by a transition from hand production methods to
machines through the use of steam and water power. This refers to the period between 1760s and
1840s in Europe and the United States. Its effects had consequences on textile manufacturing, iron
industry, agriculture, and mining.

1.2. 2nd Industrial Revolution

The Second Industrial Revolution, also known as the Technological Revolution, is the period between
1871 and 1914 that resulted from installations of extensive railroad and telegraph networks, which
allowed for faster transfer of people and information, as well as electricity. Increasing electrification
allowed for factories to develop the modern production line. It was a period of great economic
growth, with an increase in productivity, which also caused a surge in unemployment since many
factory workers were replaced by machines.

1.3. 3rd Industrial Revolution

The Third Industrial Revolution, also known as the Digital Revolution, occurred in the late 20th
century. The production of the Z1 computer, which used binary floating-point numbers and Boolean

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logic, a decade later, was the beginning of more advanced digital developments. The next significant
development in communication technologies was the supercomputer, with extensive use of computer
and communication technologies in the production process.

1.4. 4th Industrial Revolution

Industry 4.0 is characterized by increasing automation and the employment of smart machines and
smart factories. This provides us with informed data which helps to produce goods more efficiently
and productively across the value chain. Flexibility is improved so that manufacturers can better
meet customer demands using mass customization, ultimately seeking to achieve efficiency. By
collecting more data from the factory floor and combining that with other enterprise operational
data, a smart factory can achieve information transparency and better decisions.

2. Key Features
2.1. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key component of smart factories. Machines on the factory floor
are equipped with sensors that feature an IP address that allows the machines to connect with other
web-enabled devices. This mechanization and connectivity make it possible for large amounts of
valuable data to be collected, analyzed and exchanged.

2.2. Cloud computing

Cloud computing is a cornerstone of any Industry 4.0 strategy. Full realization of smart manu-
facturing demands connectivity and integration of engineering, supply chain, production, sales and
distribution, and service. Cloud helps make that possible. In addition, the typically large amount
of data being stored and analyzed can be processed more efficiently and cost-effectively with cloud.
Cloud computing can also reduce startup costs for small- and medium-sized manufacturers who can
right-size their needs and scale as their business grows.

2.3. AI and machine learning

AI and machine learning allow manufacturing companies to take full advantage of the volume of
information generated not just on the factory floor, but across their business units, and even from
partners and third-party sources. AI and machine learning can create insights providing visibility,
predictability and automation of operations and business processes. For instance: Industrial ma-
chines are prone to breaking down during the production process. Using data collected from these
assets can help businesses perform predictive maintenance based on machine learning algorithms,
resulting in more uptime and higher efficiency.

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3. Applications
3.1. Custom manufacturing
Smart factories can produce customized goods that meet individual customers’ needs more cost-
effectively. In fact, in many industry segments, manufacturers aspire to achieve a "lot size of one"
in an economical way. By using advanced simulation software applications, new materials and tech-
nologies such as 3-D printing, manufacturers can easily create small batches of specialized items for
particular customers. Whereas the first industrial revolution was about mass production, Industry
4.0 is about mass customization.

3.2. Supply chain

Industrial operations are dependent on a transparent, efficient supply chain, which must be integrated
with production operations as part of a robust Industry 4.0 strategy. This transforms the way
manufacturers resource their raw materials and deliver their finished products. By sharing some
production data with suppliers, manufacturers can better schedule deliveries. If, for example, an
assembly line is experiencing a disruption, deliveries can be rerouted or delayed in order to reduce
wasted time or cost. Additionally, by studying weather, transportation partner and retailer data,
companies can use predictive shipping to send finished goods at just the right time to meet consumer
demand. Blockchain is emerging as a key technology to enable transparency in supply chains.

4. References
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Industrial_Revolution

• https://www.ibm.com/in-en/topics/industry-4-0.
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/09/02/what-is-industry-4-0-heres-a-super-easy-
explanation-for-anyone/?sh=7087d7ae9788